10 beautiful water features for the garden

With the gorgeous summer holidays stretched in front of us why not get started in the garden on your own water feature? With the heatwave we have nothing sounds more refreshing to the ears the bubbling water! Take a look at this great post. I love the idea of a garden design where I can incorporate a natural pond myself! 

 The only thing better than relaxing in your garden at the end of a long day is relaxing in a garden with the calming sounds of bubbling water to help your worries drift away. When it comes to choosing a water feature, however, the whole process can be rather stressful. There is so much choice out there, it's hard to know where to start! Here are ten ideas to help you feel inspired.

Level up

Don't feel like you're tied to one level for your water feature. Whether you're going for a traditional walled design, or adding seating to a fountain, you can make a feature really stand out as a centrepiece to the garden, by raising it above ground level. Stone faced concrete or timber can be used to great effect to contain a raised pond, but just remember, the higher you go, the stronger the foundations must be!

Ponder a pond

If you're planning a more rustic feature, perhaps one based around a sunken pond, it is important to consider the flora and fauna living around your garden. You can plant a selection of species around the edge to help it blend in attractively, and also to help the water quality. A careful mix of water lilies for managing algae, oxygenating plants for fish food, marginal plants for structure and moisture-loving plants for the periphery will help your pond stay clear of algae and fauna-friendly.

Fall for waterfalls

If you're lucky enough to have a larger than average garden, why not consider a more dramatic water feature? There are a variety of waterfall structures on the market that can add something really special to your garden. Watch mesmerising sheets of water wash over plates of steel, or add a base of sea pebbles to cover the garden water pump beneath, and add a soothing ocean theme.

Act natural

If your idea of bliss is a walk in the countryside, surrounded by nature, then a wildlife pond could be the one for you. These are extremely low-maintenance, and rely on their owners having a light touch and patience. You can add insect-attracting buddleias, for example, along with pebbles and stones and gently sloping sides for easy access in and out of the pond, to make it a perfect natural habitat.

Jet streams

If your garden is a little more compact, consider smaller features that have a big impact. Pumped streams of water add that wonderful sound we're all searching for, without taking up space. They're easy to look after, and are perfect for gardens with resident children!

Keep it clean and simple

A 'rill' is a flat stream of water that forms a small canal through your garden, resulting in a small fountain or a simple, concealed pump at the base. The shallowness of the water makes this as ideal for children as the jets are, and the calm movement of water makes it perfect for city retreats where space is at a premium.

Get creative

A pond does not necessarily need to be round. In fact, ponds can be any shape you like as long as they are dug deep enough to avoid the risk of freezing over in the winter. Use your imagination and choose a shape that works for you and your garden.

Wall features

Water features needn't take up space on your lawn or patio. It is possible get a great effect from a feature embedded into the wall. Ideally pipework should be built into the wall, but ivy and other evergreen climbing plants can be used to conceal it.

Change it up

Adding a fountain pump to your pond not only adds wonderful sound effects and pleasing views to your garden, it also oxygenates the water, which will keep fish happy. Look out for a pump with a variety of settings and play around to find the one that suits you, whether it's a gentle spray or a powerful arc.

Make it your own

Whatever you choose, make your water feature your own with accessories, ornaments and plants. Then, when the feature is complete, simply sit back and relax.

What water feature would you choose?