By Daniela Sperotto
A water feature may be just what your garden needs to add that perfect serene setting. One of the most crucial first steps is to ask yourself why you want this feature, suggests Manie Ward from DWLC Landscape Consultants. The answer will give you and your landscaper a better understanding of the purpose of the water feature and whether a formal or natural feature will work best. This will also narrow down the style, size and most importantly the position of your bubbling beauty.
“The home owner should describe the sound they would like to hear. Soft and tranquil or a cascade of water flowing over a waterfall – each of these can have a different effect on the audience,” adds Yochai Zlotnick, from Renaldo and YZ Gardens. The size of your garden will also impact your choice of style and size. You don’t want a small feature lost in a big garden and vice-versa. “Utilising the correct ratio for allocation of space and maintaining a balance between the elements is crucial,” explains Cheral Kennedy, from Living Matter.
Location is the key factor once you have decided on the type of feature you want. The position will ultimately be the defining factor when it comes to enjoying and getting the most out of your water feature. “You must consider where you spend the majority of your time and where you will get the most pleasure out of your water feature.” says Manie.
The feature will also attract an abundance of new wildlife, so if stuck in the corner or just in your entrance, you will not only miss out on the tranquil calm the water brings but also the added little extras. Even though there are many DIY models out there, all are in agreement that getting your structure professionally laid the first time will result in less hassle in the future. Although any feature, small or as large as a duck pond, will need maintenance, but if the core pumps and foundations are not correctly laid it can result in a costly endeavour both water wise and time wise.
