Update to this old thread. Finally finished digging my wildlife pond (no fish/pump/filter, goal to attract frogs, dragonflies, etc.).

{{gwi:217254}}

Next steps I plan on taking:
- 2" layer of wet sand on horizontal surfaces
- old carpet remnants on vertical surfacts
- 45-mil firestone liner
- fieldstone for planting shelves with soil/sand backfill
- plants

The 3' hole will be filled with sand after the liner is set as an overwintering spot. The top half of the pond is on a gradual slope to allow easy access in/out. Bottom will be mix of gravel, sand, and soil (with minimal organic matter).

Hoping to plant by early September so the plants have some time to establish. I have enough carpet to line the entire pond. Wondering if that would be overkill or if I should just use the carpet for the vertical surfaces where I can't use sand?