Water in the garden

 

Whether for its calm reflective surfaces or the soothing sound of its trickling, water is a wonderful feature in the garden. It can provide a cooling space in summer, a habitat for frogs and fish, and water for visiting birds. It can even grow edible plants such as water chestnuts. Regardless of whether your water feature is a simple tub, pedestal or wall-hung basin or pond, there are some important considerations.

 

Top tips for water features in the garden

 

Pick the right location. Adding a water feature is a relatively permanent fixture so it pays to site it in the right location. Avoid locations subject to a lot of debris and leaf-drop from overhanging branches. If using a trickle or spray feature, ensure the location is protected from wind.

Moving or still water. Depending on the type of water feature you intend to use, items such as capacity to install air pumps and a nearby electricity source will be important considerations.

Ensure a sealed base for any pond system. If you are putting in a pond, there are numerous flexible lining systems or readymade molded bases to choose from. The primary consideration is the size of the hole being prepared to receive the pond. In general, while molded systems are more trouble-free to maintain, they are harder to install because the hole must fit the mold.

Line base with sand and pebbles. Use sand and pebbles at the base of the pond to keep the bottom filtered and hold pot plants in.

Keep water aerated. There are numerous systems to bring oxygen to the pond or pot but the simplest is an air pump or a reticulating water feature.

Add flora and fauna.  Use water plants such as duckweed, reeds and water irises or lilies combined with fish or frogs to create a healthy pond ecosystem. Also plant up the sides of ponds to create a natural and attractive water feature.

Consider aquaponics for fish and veggies. Aquaponics combines water in the garden with a food system that provides both protein and some veggies. See the section on aquaponics in Edible Gardens.

Think safety first, especially with children. Young children can drown in just a few inches of water. So if young children are often or always around, consider a water feature that is completely kid-safe. Primary elements to consider are a water feature that does not contain more than a couple of inches of standing water such as a wall-mounted or pedestal basin. Also consider the height and location so that the water feature is not generally approachable or accessible to young children. If you have or are keen to install a pond system, then consider a well-secured, strong mesh cover over the pond or a fence around it.