A garden water feature can really transform a garden and take it to a new level. The sound of flowing water can help soothe and relax so it’s no surprise that people look to have garden water features. There are a lot of different types of garden water features to choose from. Depending on the type of garden a dramatic waterfall may suit, or in contrast, a quiet pond may be better.
Most garden water features fall into of the following three broad categories:
- Ponds
- Fountains
- Waterfalls
Within each of these categories, there is an amazing array of styles and features to choose from. Before you go looking for a garden water feature consider your garden and your budget. In an ideal world, we all have lots of money and huge gardens. The garden water feature you chose must be suitable for the size of your space and your wallet!
The aim of this guide to garden water features is to help you see the various styles available to you. By browsing through the various categories above you’ll get some ideas for the design of your garden water feature.
Garden Water Features – Fountains
The best thing about adding a fountain as your garden water feature is that it adds a focal point to your garden. This is also a warning. As it instantly becomes a focal point its important to take time to consider that time of fountain that you want to erect.
Do you have pets? If so, make sure that the fountain is high enough to prevent your pets from drinking/bathing in the fountain. Birds may also see the fountain as a bathing pool.
Do you like the sound of running water? Consider placing the fountain near the area where you sit out. The sound of running water from the fountain can add to the sense of serenity and tranquillity in your garden.
Websites such as garden fountains have a range of fountains to meet almost any need.
Garden Water Features – Waterfalls
The most dramatic garden water feature you can have is a waterfall. Garden waterfalls will require a pump, to recirculate the water. These pumps will require access to a power outlet. If you’re building the waterfall your self then you have the option of creating the pond and waterfall by using materials you find around the garden such as rocks, sand, and mud or using precast or ‘faux’ rock waterfalls. The faux waterfalls are becoming cheaper in price and look quite attractive.
The faux rock waterfalls are usually easier to put together and are a lot lighter. If you’re not used to DIY and are adamant that about putting the waterfall together yourself then maybe you should consider one of these.
Waterfalls are quite an attractive and visually stunning garden water feature that can become a focal point for your garden. Waterfalls are generally more expensive than other garden water features so the best advice is to shop around and try to get the best deal!
Garden Water Features – Ponds
A pond can be a great feature to have in a garden as it attracts a lot of notice and can add to the life of the garden. Few garden water features can match a pond speckled with water lilies on a sunny day. There are a few things to remember when deciding to add a pond to your garden. There may be problems with algae, dirty water, and unhealthy fish.
When adding a pond to your garden you must consider the whole ecosystem of your garden. For example, a pond may attract a lot of flies including mosquitoes, therefore it’s a good idea to add a few fish to the pond. The fish will reduce the number of flies around the pond. On the other hand, too many fish will mean that your water will get dirty quickly. If fish are added to the pond then it’s important to keep track of the pH level.
Once you’ve studied that a pond is for you there are various methods to build your pond.