I believe you have thought it thru correctly. However, you could create a ledge or have a little fountain, and most people have a waterfall that may create the same effect as a fountain that creates some over splash that could keep an unlined area damp (and require more frequent refilling). Otherwise, you water like everyone else.

thabk you for the reply so it's the extra splash and humidity?

I am yet to add plants but it was just puzzling me.

(also with that logic they can go anywhere but just soak them when ever I water them)

thabk you

Leo

My 75x35 foot pond has a rubber liner, when i built it i covered the liner with landscape fabric so it wasn't so hot in the 110 degree sun so my plants could grow over it. Now i take handfuls of water plants and pull them on the edge as long as they still have some roots in the water they do well.

I have built a bog area around 1 side of my pond for marginal plants. It is lined with a few small holes for some drainage. I only have manageable marginals--pitcher plants, Mexican petunia, Louisiana iris, several types of sedum and some kind of grass. It is also the area I have all the rocks I collect on various hikes and vacations, some drift wood and 2 metal cranes.

My 2 metal cranes are in my picture, also Mexican poppies, cannas, feather grass, creeping jenny and hyacinth. Wish I could have pitcher plants, too hot.

very nice looking lake. looks so natural!

this is the hole for my pond when I've finished cleaning. 5x5ft and 2.2ft deep.

Hi
I would keep all plants in pots in that situation. You can put another pot or milk crate under those that need shallower water What do you want to grow?? gary