If a waterfeature is incorporated into an outdoor space correctly it can add movement, light, life and sound to the area. Although many people love the idea of a waterfeature in their garden, often they are reluctant to install one due to the thought of ongoing maintenance and upkeep.  Today however, there is a wide range of both improved filtration and waterfeature products available on the market making installing and upkeep a much easier job.

Below are a selection of handpicked examples displaying how water can be added effectively into outdoor spaces using clever design and installation techniques.

These waterfeatures add calmness and serenity to their surrounds. Ornate water spouts and modern sheet copper waterwalls control waterflow to limit loss through excess splashing. When planning a waterfeature in your garden you can choose to nestle it amongst the foliage and plants or make a statement by making it a feature. Sub-merged lights can be installed to add interest for night time ambience.

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Waterfeatures with plants and fish add life and movement around the fringes of your house. Interior rooms are connected to the outside via these visually soothing ponds. They also act as natural air-conditioning for interior rooms due to the outside breezes being cooled by the water surface.

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Self-contained waterfeatures are a great way to trial a water feature on a small scale. They offer a low maintenance and low cost solution to creating your own waterfeature.

There are 2 types:

1.Waterbowls – usually pots that house plants and/or fish Plants that naturally oxygenate and filter the water are recommended for this type of waterfeature, as well as mosquito eating fish such as minnows. If these water bowls are kept in a naturally light area and have plenty of ventilation the little eco-system that develops should practically look after itself.

2.Fibreglass moulded water units These waterfeatures have a decorative top that the water flows over and a water trough that houses the electrical pump – the most maintenance free waterfeature on the market.

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OUR TOP TIPS FOR WATERFEATURES

• Pre-plan where you are going to position the waterfeature in the garden. Make sure an external electricity point is close by to run the pump.
• Buy an appropriate water pump to pump the water flow. Usually this can be adjusted for more or less flow pressure.
• If you have pond it is wise to incorporate a water fall or spout. This oxygenates the pond and helps with overall health and clarity of the water.
• Never rupture the water trough for the purpose of passing a cable for the pump or light through. It will be a constant point of leaking.
• If you have a larger waterfeature that houses plants and fish it is wise to connect a UV-filtration system. This will help maintain the water quality of your pond and the health of its occupants.
• You can also get an automatic timer connected to your electrical point which turns off the water pump for times when you do not want the feature operational. Great for holidays and night time.

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Here we share our top 3 tips to consider when designing a secure garden:

1.AIRFLOW FOR FORM AND FUNCTION

Wrought iron gate designs are perfect because they are strong, durable, visibly appealing and are not intrusive to the ethos of the natural garden which lies beyond. Theses types of gates allow air and light to transcend through to your garden and subtly keep unwanted pests out.

Image credits L to R: colemaison.fr, donteversaygoodbye.tumblr.com, artfactory.com