Water features can add soothing sounds and a cooling effect to your garden, as well as bringing in more interest and a focal point to your outdoor space.
A fountain or a pond is also beneficial to wildlife and can be a big draw for birds and insects, as well as smaller mammals like squirrels. If you’re thinking about adding a water feature to your garden, then here’s ?? tips to help you to make a success of it.
Decide what sort of mood you’re aiming for
Are you looking to create a social space, like a small swimming pool or a wildlife zone like a pond? If you’re trying to bring some zen into your garden then a subtle fountain could work well, or you could be bold and have a feature with lights for some drama.
Large or small?
The larger the water surface is, the bigger the impact so always go for the largest area you can. Do remember, though, that if you’re edging the water body with plants, you’ll be making it look smaller.
Make sure your water feature is in keeping with your style
If you’re in a newbuild property then a rococo fountain with gambolling nymphs and 16 spouts just by the back door isn’t going to look right. Similarly, if you’ve gone for a definite theme in the garden, make sure your water feature fits in when it comes to style, materials, size and colour.
How high do you want the feature to be?
You might want to position your feature so that it’s at eye level when you’re standing and sitting, or you may want something more like a pond or stream. Remember that the psychological effect and the sounds of water change according to the height it’s falling from.
Find the best placing
You might find that a fountain or similar is a bit of a distraction if it’s too near to a window or a door as you can hear it bubbling away. Ponds are best placed where you can see them from the house, especially if you have younger children. You might want the feature to be a focal point in the middle of the garden, or towards the end of the garden in a quieter corner.
Do you need more light?
Think about the balance between natural and artificial light and the effects it’ll have on your feature. You might want to go for something colourful and fantastic or you may prefer the look of the sky and natural daylight reflecting off the water’s surface. You could even have both – daylight and then some solar-powered lights once the sun’s gone down.
Can you commit to the maintenance?
The more complex a feature is, the more maintenance it’ll need to stay clean and fresh. Can you commit to regular water changes or would you prefer to install a filtration system? Are you planning to let wildlife make their homes in it? Will you need to top up the water in hot weather? Think about how much you’ll have to do before making your decision.
