A sign of a well planned and constructed pond is one where all the materials used in its creation such as pipes, cables and pond liners aren't visible. The detailing in the pond edging is, therefore important. The edging has two important functions, to secure and protect the pond liner, as well as to give the pond character.
The advantage of constructing a pond using a flexible pond liner is that it allows you to choose from a variety of edging types. The choices you have include a planted edge, turf, cobble stone, paved stone or timber edging.
Consider adding a planted edge for an informal or wildlife pond. For this type of edging, soil into which marginal or moisture-loving plants can be planted, is used to cover the pond liner overlay. To stop the soil sliding to the bottom of the pond, it is advisable to place large stones on the front edge of the planting shelf of your pond. Rounded pebbles also work well as an edging for wildlife ponds by laying them over the pond liner creating a gently sloping edging into the pond.
If you prefer a more formal pond, then a paved edge, which compliments the surrounding landscape of your garden should be used. This type of edging does require more planning and accuracy. A paved edging needs to be laid evenly, if not it will be obvious adjacent to a horizontal plane of water.
You can get very creative with the edging you add above the pond liner and underlay of your pond depending on whether you want a formal or natural pond.
