Water is very important to humans and all life on earth. It covers approximately three quarters of the earth  and is responsible for shaping the landscape – cliffs, riverbeds and caves. It is also one of the most useful tools for creating atmosphere in the garden.

Water features can be installed just about anywhere, from a small courtyard, to a large entertainment area or even incorporated into a swimming pool. Wherever it is placed, the advantages it provides far outweigh the disadvantages.

Pros

Water features enhance unsightly or unserviceable parts of the garden such as dry areas under the roofline of the house. The white noise generated by moving water will block out unpleasant or unwanted background sounds, and create  atmosphere in the garden.

Cons

The main downfall of a water feature is that they require regular maintenance. If you don’t have the time to maintain a water feature, think twice about installing one. A neglected water feature soon becomes an eyesore and stagnant water breeds mosquitoes.

Set a Budget

Decide how much you want to spend on your water feature. Water features range in price from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Stand alone water features are a good place to start. They require little more than a power point for the pump and a flat surface to sit on. They can be installed on a deck, on paving or in the garden.

Larger custom built features, installed into walls are more expensive, and will need to be installed by a professional. These larger systems also tend to be less maintenance. Water clarity can be maintained by the use of appropriate chemicals which prohibit algae and mosquitoes.

The surface surrounding your feature should also be considered. If water splashes out of the system, avoid placing it on a timber deck. The constant moisture will accelerate its deterioration.

Water features are one of the simplest ways to introduce a high-impact feature into your garden.

Happy Landscaping