Water Gardens and Water Features

There is no doubt that water has soothing and calming effects which aid in relaxation and meditation. Aside from their aesthetic appeal, this is one of the reasons why water gardens and water features are gaining popularity nowadays.

As many people are searching for economical ways to restore balance in their lives, the sounds of cascading or trickling water bouncing off rocks and pebbles or simply pouring into a pool is like a symphony to the ears and In the long run, opting to create a water garden at home is far more rewarding and cost effective alternative compared to travelling to other places to unwind and relax.

Water gardens can be as simple as grouping different sizes of barrels and bowls to become containers for aquatic plants of your choice or can be as labour extensive as excavating large connecting holes in the garden to create a delightful ecosystem pond, where colourful fish and aquatic plants can co-exist and grow.

With modern innovations in landscaping brought by technology as well as the notable increase in consciousness on the perceived influence of moving water to an individual’s well being, a wide variety of water features are continuously being introduced onto the market. Some may just be ornamental decorations while others are fully nurturing to a well-balanced ecosystem.

Whatever designs or styles they may possess, each water feature plays a unique role in highlighting the natural look and feel of a typical water garden.

Here are the top three (3) common water features used

1. Standalone Fountains
This is the usual choice of those who are still starting out in water gardening. Similar with container water gardens, this is the perfect solution to a limited garden space and budget. They are modular in design and easy to install.

The decorative feature is usually placed on top of an underground water reservoir which utilises a pump that recirculates the water, usually being made of fibre glass, stone, glass, or stainless steel.  Units include stone monoliths and glass and stainless steel spheres or similar structures where the water gently flows from a hole in the top trickling down and around the surface to be recycled at the base. These come in an array of sizes and perfectly suit indoor and conservatory use as well as outside in the garden.

A remarkable innovation that is worth mentioning is that some standalone fountains are solar powered. An inbuilt solar panel is included in the package which allows the fountain to run most of the day even without wiring. As long as the solar panel is placed in the sun, the fountain will function.

2. Waterfall, Cascades and Streams
Experiencing the luxury of gazing at a waterfall every day without the worries attributed to pond maintenance has enormous appeal. This kind water feature can be created by strategically placing rocks of various shapes in the path of flowing water to create waterfalls and distinct ripples. A highly efficient pump recirculates the water so that its cascading sound continues until it disappears into the streambed, which is lined with gravel and sediments.

Stainless steel water blades are another great way of experiencing the sound and sight or running water even if you don’t have a lot of room. I am a big fan of these as they can be positioned to flow from all kinds of architectural devices such as walls, bespoke fences and raised planters into narrow collection trays or reservoirs where the water is simply pumped back to the top where it will fall again. Most blades are supplied with LED light units that will illuminate the cascade, bending the light with the water as gravity pulls it down to its collection pool.

3. Ponds
It is always exciting to find a picturesque pond nestled in the midst of a lush garden space. It can be a haven for a varied array of aquatic life. The colourful Koi Carp or goldfish darting softly between the floating water lilies are a delight to watch.

Creating an ecosystem pond requires the right balance of fauna, aquatic plants, and aeration. The location of the pond is an important consideration at the start as this will determine the direct sunlight that the pond and its creatures will be exposed to and plants that thrive well in shaded areas may not flourish as expected.

Aside from being temperature sensitive, the aquatic life dictates the actual depth and surface area of the pond. For example, a water depth of at least three feet provides a more stable environment for Koi fishes and suitable depth is vital if you have regular frosts in the winter or there could be a risk of your expensive fish not making it through to spring.

A waterfall in a pond stimulates the senses of a person with aural texture and at the same time provides more oxygen to the aquatic life. Whilst lighting around and within a pond can further highlight its beauty especially in the evening.

It is important not to forget that keeping a pond with plants and fish requires dedication and can take up a lot of your time, so it is worth remembering, that you do not have to have plants and fish to enjoy a pond. They can be used as purely aesthetic devices to carry water and receive cascades. They can also be used to function as mirrors, reflecting your planting and design features and as purely architectural devices in themselves.

Choosing exactly which type of water feature you wish to employ from the many different kinds available on the market may prove to be challenging for some people. Therefore it is well worth investing the extra time with a professional landscape company at the planning stage so that they can provide the guidance you need and help you to create a unique, private sanctuary that requires minimal maintenance.