Water Features

Every garden should have Water Features! Why? Because water adds life to a garden! The mere sight and sound of water can create a mood of tranquillity from its soothing sound and beautiful visual impact or invigorating energy from a spectacular audacious creation depending on the type built.

Water features design can be infinite and inspired by your imagination. If you are looking for that touch of elegance that sets your creation apart, we hope you will be inspired by the beautiful pictures found on www.garden-design-pictures.com.

The Projects shown further down this page have been submitted by Professional Landscapers, Garden Designers and Proud Owners of someone's hard work and creative design. We hope that you will submit the pictures of your creation demonstrating your visual expression in the near future.

Many options are available when creating that stunning expression of ones artistic flare. Including;

• Waterfalls & Streams
• Fish Ponds
• Natural Swimming Pools
• Fountains & Cascades
• Water Walls & Towers
• Walling & Rockery Stone
• Submersible Lights
• Aquatic Plants
• Whirlpools & Hot Tubs

Waterfalls & Streams have long fascinated the garden enthusiast due to uniqueness of each creation. No one waterfall exactly mimics another. A cascading waterfall may possibly require more powerful water pumps unless of course you are fortunate enough to have a natural stream that you are able to tap into. The water may get recycled from its lowest point to the highest via a water pump or if utilising a natural stream it may be possible to have the water disappearing below ground.

Fish Ponds are probably the most popular garden water project possibly due to readily available products and ease of installation. Garden pond design has been made easier due to Pond Kits. These water features come in a variety of finishes that line the pond. Options include; Preformed Rigid Fibreglass Shells, Flexible Synthetic Rubber Liners that are easy to work with or Concrete-lined Shells. Rock outcropping is it often incorporated as it gives a pond that rugged natural look to a garden pond design. Koi Ponds are also very popular as the shimmering surface, created by the tranquil movement of fish, creates such a relaxing atmosphere.

Natural Swimming Pools, as opposed to the typical bright blue pools that you might find in a Spanish Villa, can make you feel as if you are swimming in paradise. Whilst man-made creations, they take on a complete natural feel with nature being at the very heart of the feature.

Fountains & Cascades are very retro, but have become more popular in recent years. The Victorians were very elaborate and elegant in their designs and are well placed in a typical old English garden. Contemporary designs are often built into walls, pedestals and bespoke structures. There is still great scope for tiered designs that can be built laterally without the need for roaring sounds.

Water Walls & Towers are often found more in Contemporary gardens. The artist in the designer is expressed with Silent Mirror Pools and Spillways with a variety of finishes such as stainless steel, glass, stone, canvas, mosaics and copper. These materials nowadays are as much a part of garden design as flowers, shrubs and trees.

Walling & Rockery Stone can be used to contain and/or decorate a water feature as well as being an integral part of the infrastructure. They can be built with mortar, which clearly defines it as a man-made structure or, they can be scattered to create that natural look. Artificial (or faux) rocks can be made of concrete or other materials and can be moulded, textured, and coloured to exactly replicate the look and feel of real rock formations. In some cases they can be built onsite, eliminating the inconvenience and expense of hauling in the product. Seeing as large boulders can weigh at least a ton, this can be a good option.

Submersible Lights may not be exactly natural, but they sure can bring a feature to life. Often the garden can be used late into the night when entertaining and this is an ideal way of showing off your creation as well as adding a little to the illumination. Ponds lights and UV lights are essential for algae control in many fish ponds.

Aquatic Plants can be tricky to nurture depending on the variety, but were would any garden be without plants? Water Lilies, amongst the favourites, can carpet a pond beautifully as they lay on top of the water with over 70 species dotted around the world. What ever aquatics you decide to use - post your pictures!

Whirlpools & Hot Tubs are a modern phenomenon which has fast become a status symbol. Love or hate them, these 'bubblers' can bring a touch of luxury to the garden. The greatest challenge for a garden designer may well be to incorporate them into the garden without making them look inauspicious.

SAFETY FIRST

If you are considering a water feature for your garden, make safety a top priority! If you have young children please remember a child can drown in just two inches of water. Anyone can stumble or fall into a water feature and young children are particularly vulnerable.

Areas to consider with regard to safety are;

• A water bowl, pot or pebble pool can have little depth
• Protective devices such as alarms and pond covers are readily available
• Use a professional to 'Plumb' in electricity

Please post your water features projects for all to enjoy. We want to hear about them whether they are a decorative a waterfall, jar of water, water sculptures, floating granite spheres, laminar flows, a conservationist wildlife project or any of the bulleted items above.

Click Projects below to view details

WTFWCL001 - Hot Tub & Fish Pond Water Features

WTFMPG001 - Three Column Stainless Steel Water Features

WTFGSG001 - Bottle Water Feature with a Twist

WTFJAD001 - Water in Contemporary Modern Courtyard

WTFCDY001 - Dry Stone Walls & Romantic Charm of Raised Pond

WTFCDY002 - Exotic Plants with Rustic Bridge to Cabana

WTFCDY003 - Wildflower Pond with Rustic Deck & Pontoon

WTFDFI001 - Ponds and Waterfalls of Earth Retreat Gardens

WTFCWD001 - Decorative Ferns among the Stepping Stones of Water Feature

WTFCWD002 - Formal Garden with Natural Pool Planting & Large Swimming Pond

WTFGOR001 - Stainless Steel Water Feature with Circular Deck & Sandstone Pavers

WTFGOR002 - Gravel Paths to Pond Bridge with Railway Sleepers for Steps

WTFJTG001 - Tropical Planting, Vertical Sleepers & Sandstone Water Features