Water Feature Ideas for a Small Garden
There is nothing like the relaxing sight, sound and smell of running water to add that special something to your garden. You might think that water features are for country houses or luxury hotels, but there are plenty of things you can do in the smallest garden to bring that Bellagio touch to your home.
So if you have always liked the idea of a water feature in your garden but have felt that there just wasn’t enough space, think again, as we explore what is available and exactly why some fresh running water is exactly what your garden needs.
It’s not just the look
Water features look fantastic, but they bring additional benefits too. Feng Shui is just one of several personal, religious and philosophical disciplines that advocates the calming and balancing effects of fresh running water.
Whether you actively follow these disciplines or not, it is hard to argue against the calming effect of waves crashing on the beach, a fast-flowing babbling brook or even rain falling on the roof.
Placing a water feature right there in your garden offers that same relaxing influence day in and day out. On a more pragmatic level, it will also add a sense of space by reflecting light, and drown out intrusive sounds made by passers by and traffic in an urban environment.
Type of features
Those who are keen on DIY can almost make a water feature from scratch, but with the abundant choices that are available from specialist stores, most people opt for something ready made.
While the details vary from one feature to another, they come in the following four broad types:
- Urn style – these work well in a central location, as they can be viewed from 360 degrees.
- Bowl style – these are the simplest type that simply retain the water in one receptacle, with no need for a pump.
- Panel style – these are the “water wall” type that are ideally positioned to one side of the garden, as they are best viewed from the front
- Cascading – these generally have two or more levels, with a waterfall type effect.
Choosing your feature
By considering the available area you have and whether you will position it centrally or to one side of the garden, you will be able to decide which of the above styles is best for you. Then it is just a case of choosing from amongst the numerous designs, to create your very own oasis of calm in today’s busy world. Enjoy!
