Garden Water Features
Have you ever thought about adding a water feature to your garden? This post look at some different types of water features that could be installed into any size or style of garden.
When I sit down with our clients to discuss their garden design briefs, many people ask for the sound of water to be incorporated in some way. This is not surprising, as adding a water feature is a great way to create a restful, tranquil atmosphere – nothing beats the sound of water for relaxation. In addition, water features can bring a strong visual focal point to a design. This can be seen in the 2024 Chelsea Flower Show gardens as many of them feature water in some way. When it comes to water features there are many styles and options to choose from to suit any type of garden.
Here’s an overview of some of the different types of water features available, which ALDA could install as part of a new design:
Ponds
- The most traditional of water features is the garden pond. A great way of bringing nature into your garden and creating a haven for wildlife.
- A natural pond is a lower maintenance type of pond that is essentially an open-water system, meaning that it contains plants, animals, and bacteria that all work together to keep the pond clean and healthy. These types of ponds do not contain fish and are often shallower than fishponds.
- Formal ponds can range from small decorative ponds to large fishponds, and with a wide range of water plants available, they can be a real eye-catching feature. These types of ponds often rely on filters and pumps to keep them clean and therefore need regular maintenance and are often best designed into a larger garden as a striking focal point.
Self-Contained Water Features
- Self-contained water features are a the most popular style we install. These are usually a sculptural feature a top a concealed basin full of water.
- The water is pumped through the top of the column, then trickles down the side and into a bed of river rock before re-entering the basin and cycling through again.
- There is a huge variety of styles and sizes of these types of features from spheres, pots or natural shaped stones, which means there’s one for any size, space or style of design.
- They are safe for children as there is no open water and often lower maintenance than a traditional pond.
Garden Water Bowls and Bird Baths
- Garden water bowls, or bird baths can be placed anywhere in the garden.
- They’re particularly useful in shady areas where they help to bounce light around or to create reflection in a small space.
- They’re easy to set up and come in lots of styles and sizes.
Pondless Waterfalls and Streams
- Pondless waterfalls consist of cascading water over rocks without an actual pond at the end.
- Similar to this are pondless streams that can weave through planting and can be made bespoke to any size and shape.
- They are easy to maintain and don’t require as much space as traditional ponds or pools, however they are more expensive to install as they are best designed bespoke to your space.
Water Rills
- Water rills are a contemporary version of a stream, and consist of shallow channels that provide a flow of water from one area to another. Their flow provides a constant tranquil noise, and they can suit any garden as they can be designed bespoke to your space. (The photo here is of a water rill in a large public garden, but water rills can also be built into smaller gardens.)
Water Weirs / Blades
- Water weirs or blades are small, low-maintenance, modern waterfalls. They can be installed with or without ponds and are a great way of incorporating a water feature into a new wall or screen. The blades are available in several sizes so can fit into any size garden and they are a very striking feature in a contemporary design.
If you’re inspired and would like to discuss ideas for incorporating water into your garden and you’re based in or around the Reading and Newbury area, we’d love to meet and discuss your project in detail – book your free no-obligation garden consultation today.
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