Water Feature Wow: Add Tranquility to Your Garden with a British Water Feature

The sound of water trickling, and the calmness that a well-designed water feature brings can turn a garden into a sanctuary. British gardens are not new to water features, as they are one of the best ways of creating a relaxing and welcoming outdoor space, especially during the summer.

So, if you want to know what to consider for creating your water feature and one of the best water feature ideas you can try out, this article is for you.

What to Consider When Choosing Your Water Feature

When choosing a water feature for your garden whether it’s a fountain, pond, stream, or water wall consider:

1. Garden Size and Style

Your garden size will determine the size of the water feature you can fit. A large formal garden might suit a grand fountain or big pond.

Think about the style of your garden too. A cottage garden might suit a naturalistic stream or wildlife pond, a formal space, a symmetrical fountain, or a geometric rill.

2. Maintenance

Different water features require different levels of maintenance. A self-contained fountain might need only occasional cleaning and water top-ups, and a pond, or stream ongoing care to maintain water quality and manage aquatic plants.

Be realistic about how much time you have to maintain your water feature. If you want a low-maintenance option consider a sealed system that recirculates the water, minimizes algae growth, and reduces the need for frequent cleaning.

3. Sound

The sound of water can be a major contributor to the calmness you experience outdoors. What type of water sound do you find most relaxing? A gentle bubbler might provide a background hum, a more dramatic cascade, and a more prominent water feature.

Remember to think about your neighbours when planning a water feature especially if you live in a densely populated area. A noisy water feature could be disruptive, so aim for a balance between looks and sound.

4. Wildlife

Many British gardeners design their water features with wildlife in mind. For instance, a naturalistic pond featuring flagstone rocks, large planters, gravels and stone, overlooking your moisture-resistant composite cladding, can attract birds, insects, and amphibians, another layer of interest to your garden. If wildlife is a priority consider shallow areas, native plants, and no chemicals in your water feature.

DIY Garden Water Feature Ideas

Here are three DIY garden water feature ideas to bring some serenity to your outdoor space:

1. Recycled Watering Can Fountain

Perfect for small gardens or patios. For this project, you need an old metal watering can, a submersible pump, flexible tubing, a large sturdy pot or container, decorative stones or pebbles, and waterproof sealant.

Once you have the required materials, clean the watering can thoroughly and seal any holes with waterproof sealant. Drill a small hole near the base of the watering can for the tubing. Put the pump in the large container and attach it to the tubing. Thread the tubing through the hole in the watering can. Place the watering can on top of the container at an angle and secure if needed. Fill the container with water over the pump. Add decorative stones around the base of the watering can and in the container. Finally, turn on the pump, and voila! Water will flow from the spout.

2. Stacked Stone Fountain

This sleek and simple fountain will be a showstopper in your garden. You will need 3-5 flat round stones of decreasing size, a submersible pump, flexible tubing, a large watertight basin or container, a drill with a masonry bit, and waterproof sealant.

Begin the construction process by drilling a hole through the centre of each stone, large enough for the tubing to fit through. Then put the pump in the basin and attach it to the tubing. Thread the tubing through the holes in the stones, starting with the largest stone at the bottom. Stack the stones, using small amounts of sealant between them if needed. Cut the tubing so it’s just shorter than the top stone. Fill the basin with water so the pump is fully submerged. Turn on the pump and that’s it! Water will flow gently over the stones.