A water feature can be a beautiful addition to your garden, bringing a focal point and attracting wildlife. The right choice will enhance your enjoyment of the garden with a sense of tranquillity, and the opportunity to add some attractive aquatic plants.
Here’s a guide to help you decide whether a pond, a fountain, or even a cascading waterfall would be the best fit for your outside space.
Consider the size of your garden
There’s a type of water feature for any size of garden. A large pond will be impractical for a compact backyard, but even the smallest space such as a balcony or patio can accommodate a bird bath. On the other hand, a small feature will be overlooked in a larger garden, or seem out of proportion if you want it to draw the eye.
If you do want a more discreet water feature in a large garden, position it among planting so that it harmonises with the surroundings rather than stands out.
Consider how much maintenance it will need
Contrary to what you might expect, a wildlife pond needs very little maintenance if it is well stocked with pond plants, because the plants will help to keep the water clean and well oxygenated. A water feature that requires a pump such as a fountain will require regular cleaning to keep everything ticking over and preventing a build up of slime and debris.
Consider where you will place it
If you have a very small garden then the location of the water feature will probably be limited, but in the case of a small fountain or bird bath, it can go anywhere. A pond should ideally be in a location that is in partial sun and partial shade, to encourage plant growth but to avoid excessive algae or evaporation.
The water feature may work well fitted into an existing feature, such as integrating a cascading waterfall into a rockery. A fountain can work well as the centrepiece to a raised flower bed. If you do want a feature that incorporates moving water, bear in mind that you will need an electricity supply for the pump.
Consider the climate
If you live in a dry area and you want to install a wildlife pond, it is a good idea to collect rainwater in a butt to keep it topped up. The chemicals in tap water can be too harsh for the ecosystem of a pond, so only use this to fill it up as a last resort.
If you live in an area that is prone to deep frosts and you want to buy a ceramic feature, make sure that it is sturdy enough to withstand the pressure of freezing water as it expands.
Aesthetics
Finally, consider if you want to be able to view the water feature from the house, and if it would benefit from some accent lighting to create striking reflections and shadows at night.
