Water features and ponds are a great addition to your garden. Imagine, the gentle sound of trickling water, sunlight reflecting off a glassy pool… A water feature can add interest to your garden and enhance its relaxing atmosphere. A water feature is a great addition to a sensory garden, as they are known to have holistic effects for people with autism, mental health issues and the elderly. If you are thinking of adding a feature here are some ideas to help you decide what to buy and tips for installing your fountain or pond.
Which water feature is best for you…
Modern water features are many and varied so it helps to know what you're looking for before heading to the garden centre. If you are keen to invite wildlife into the garden, a pond may be the best option. However, ponds aren't suitable for everyone and those with young children may be better suited by a waterfall or fountain-type arrangement.
Firstly, know your location! How much room do you have? Your water feature will need to be placed on a flat level surface, and you may want to add life to the surrounding area, with plants or containers; also your water feature may have a reservoir that will either need to be dug into the ground or decorated around. Most water features and ponds are prefabricated, so you’ll need to know what space you have available. Do you have an outside power supply? If not then you’ll need a solar powered pump and an area that gets enough sunlight. The style of the water feature is also important, is your garden in a traditional style or is it hard landscaped? Although taste and style is subjective, you don’t want something that will look out of place, so think about the material and style of your water feature before purchasing.
Be budget conscious…
By accounting for the cost of the water feature and the installation of the project, you will be certain that it fits well within your budget. Even if you're on a limited budget, there are going to be options that are available which will allow you to include such a feature to enjoy in your own garden area. Outdoor Living UK has a large selection of water features to beautify and enhance any garden or patio. Pumps, nozzles, hoses, lighting and other accessories are also available along with spare parts. Indoor water elements can be designed for conservatories and other rooms.
Safety first…
If you have children or if children tend to frequent the area, you would not want to have a dangerous location because of the water feature. In some areas, it may be necessary for you to block entrance to the water feature with a fence, depending upon the options that you choose. There is no doubt that your children are going to love the water feature as well. Just make sure that it is of benefit to the entire family and supervise it properly to reduce the risks that could be associated with it. Raised ponds can help with this, as it’s harder for a child to trip and fall into it.
Maintaining your water feature…
Once your water feature is in place you will need to maintain it to get the best out of it all year round. One of the most important tasks it to keep your water feature free from debris and leaves as this clog up the pump and stop it from working.
To clean the pump during the year is to use a garden hose placed against the outlet of your fountain to 'back flush' clean water through the pump. If this fails to improve the flow a more complete cleaning should be undertaken, simply remove the cover at the outlet end of the pump then pull out the rotor. With warm soapy water clean out the housing and rotor, flush with clean water, (Note the bearing pin in the centre of the hole, be careful not to damage it when cleaning) replace the rotor onto the centre bearing pin and slide back into the slot, the rotor should turn easily with just a slight resistance from the magnets. Replace the end cover and that's it.
Keeping the water clean is also very important. You can buy sterilising tablets to keep the water free from harmful bacteria, fungi and the build-up of algae. When your water feature is not in use it, especially in the autumn and winter months, a water feature cover can cut down the maintenance