Garden Water Features
There are lots of reasons why you might want to create a water feature in your garden.
The gentle sound of water trickling into a reservoir can be very relaxing.
In larger gardens a substantial pond not only provides a peaceful place to sit and contemplate, but also attracts a wealth of wildlife to the garden.
Even in a small garden a pond will provide endless pleasure from bathing birds to frog spawn in spring.
Here is a short guide on different water features available and how best to incorporate them into the design of your garden.
The first decision to make is about the type of water feature you want in the garden.
If attracting wildlife is your primary aim, then a more natural pond or bog garden is probably for you.
Smaller ponds can be created relatively cheaply using either robust plastic liners or ready made fibreglass moulds.
Think carefully about the position of your pond.
Never place a pond under trees as falling leaves will clog and foul the water.
Ponds require maintenance at various times of the year, so make sure your pond has easy access from all angles.
Finally, a pond positioned in a sunny spot will attract the most wildlife.
If you don't want the hassle of maintaining a pond, or a more formal water feature best suits your garden, then choose a fountain.
There are so many different designs of fountain available, from the small self-contained water jug and reservoir to more natural large rocks drilled through the centre.
Many companies also sell statuary that can be converted to water features.
The choice of materials is the same as for outdoor planters.
Reconstituted stone makes stunning water features, from figurines to imitation rocks.
In no time at all the stone will have aged to give you something that looks as if its been in your garden for years.
There are also many very good imitation water features on the market that can give you all the benefits of larger vintage pieces at a fraction of the price.
Materials such as fibreglass can be turned into large antique looking lead water tanks, more easily moved into position and far more affordable.
Wall fountains in imitation materials are also a good option for walls or places that might not take a more weighty fountain.
Whatever you choose, make sure you position your fountain in a place where it will be enjoyed.
The gentle sound of water trickling into a reservoir can be very relaxing.
In larger gardens a substantial pond not only provides a peaceful place to sit and contemplate, but also attracts a wealth of wildlife to the garden.
Even in a small garden a pond will provide endless pleasure from bathing birds to frog spawn in spring.
Here is a short guide on different water features available and how best to incorporate them into the design of your garden.
The first decision to make is about the type of water feature you want in the garden.
If attracting wildlife is your primary aim, then a more natural pond or bog garden is probably for you.
Smaller ponds can be created relatively cheaply using either robust plastic liners or ready made fibreglass moulds.
Think carefully about the position of your pond.
Never place a pond under trees as falling leaves will clog and foul the water.
Ponds require maintenance at various times of the year, so make sure your pond has easy access from all angles.
Finally, a pond positioned in a sunny spot will attract the most wildlife.
If you don't want the hassle of maintaining a pond, or a more formal water feature best suits your garden, then choose a fountain.
There are so many different designs of fountain available, from the small self-contained water jug and reservoir to more natural large rocks drilled through the centre.
Many companies also sell statuary that can be converted to water features.
The choice of materials is the same as for outdoor planters.
Reconstituted stone makes stunning water features, from figurines to imitation rocks.
In no time at all the stone will have aged to give you something that looks as if its been in your garden for years.
There are also many very good imitation water features on the market that can give you all the benefits of larger vintage pieces at a fraction of the price.
Materials such as fibreglass can be turned into large antique looking lead water tanks, more easily moved into position and far more affordable.
Wall fountains in imitation materials are also a good option for walls or places that might not take a more weighty fountain.
Whatever you choose, make sure you position your fountain in a place where it will be enjoyed.
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