Water, water everywhere
Research has shown that water has a wonderfully calming effect on us, so - if you're not lucky enough to live by the sea or on the river - why not create your very own den of zen, and install a water feature in the garden?
Water features take many guises, from fountains to mini waterfalls or ornaments incorporating a gentle flow. Space will of course be a factor in what you decide would best suit your garden, and there are some other aspects to keep in mind, too...
From a logistics perspective, there are sources of water and power to consider. Interestingly many of the self-contained water features on the market don't need a permanent pipe connection, and only need topping-up from time to time. Those with moving water (unless solar powered), will however need an electricity supply to power the pump. And give some thought to maintenance too - be sure that draining or dismantling it is easy, as you don't want a layer of green slime to build up.
Additionally, think carefully about the location. Best not position it under a tree, or you'll be constantly clearing out soggy leaves and cursing the day you bought it! Maybe nestle it among plants and bushes of a similar height, where it can blend in and look balanced.
The final one is the sound it makes - do you like it, and does it encourage relaxation? A tiny trickle could be irritating, and equally a vast gush of water could be too noisy to achieve the sense of calm you're seeking.
Another option for your garden (if it’s slightly larger-than-average) is toying with a pond or swimming pool. There is a mid-point between the two - and it's an increasingly fashionable addition to gardens...
Natural pools are the very latest garden trend in the UK, inspite being popular across Europe since the 1980s. Unlike most traditional swimming pools, natural swimming pools or ponds (NSPs) are filtered organically rather than by chemicals. They're designed to imitate ponds in the wild, so are often more brown than blue, take on irregular shapes and can include rocks, waterfalls and even lily pads.
NSPs are fed by another nearby pool called a regeneration zone; the water then enters via wetlands made of plants which clean it. This mimics the way that aquatic plants clean ponds naturally, and incredibly creates something just as clean as a traditional swimming pool. The pool & regeneration zone work together to build an ecosystem which evolves as time passes.
There are a great many benefits to NSPs, of course with the main one being how environmentally friendly they are. They require far less maintenance than a normal swimming pool, so the weekly nutty scientist routine of the pH, chlorine & filter checks are not required.
If you're considering a water feature in your garden, get in touch...