Splash out in style

A water feature will add sound and movement to any garden

Water awakens and refreshes the senses. Its movement and reflection provide a feast for the eyes; the range of sounds it produces, from a gentle trickle to a loud crash, has the ability to calm or invigorate; and its tactile quality, whether liquid or in the form of ice, is fascinating. When used in a garden it can provide a home for plants and wildlife, with colourful swirls of fish and aquatic plants adding to its visual appeal. Broadly speaking, water features can be divided into those that are formal and artificial, and those that are informal and naturalistic. Generally, formal features look better in small urban gardens, or in larger gardens but positioned close to the house; informal water features such as large pools and lakes are more in keeping with natural landscapes and rural gardens. In small gardens, water is best used formally, either in conjunction with a building or as a sculptural feature or fountain. Using water informally, in free-form shapes imitating natural ponds, requires more space.

Choose the right spot

The success of a water feature often depends on where it’s sited in the garden. The position of trees and the aspect and orientation of the site will have a bearing on this. For instance, it’s generally advisable to site water features away from overhanging trees. In a formal setting, leaves can make the pool look unkempt, and if the pool is not very deep, vegetation collecting at the bottom may turn the water black and result in a proliferation of duckweed over the surface. If a formal pool is to be surrounded by plantings it’s best to raise it above ground level to reduce the amount of vegetation blown into the water – especially if the location is windy. Most plants and animals thrive better in pools that receive sun for at least half a day,

preferably more. If you only have a shady site, you won’t be able to grow water lilies, but mosses and ferns will thrive. A few species of fish, such as golden orfe, are happy in cold water; however, fish will consume tadpoles and other water creatures, disrupting the fragile ecological balance. So, if you want to create a wildlife pond it’s best to avoid fish altogether.