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WATER FEATURES 

This describes the main water features and their suitability to the main garden styles.

1 - Choosing the feature

Decide which water feature will give most appeal to your requirements from the following main types:- fishkeeper's pool; wildlife pool; a cobble fountain; a formal pool; an informal decorative pool; a self contained feature. Some fit better than others into different garden styles. Step 2 will help identify your garden style and steps 3-8 will explain each feature in more detail.

2 - Styles of garden

Garden styles are identified by the following main features:-

Formal:- Clipped hedges rather than mixed shrub borders; plants in rows rather than irregular drifts; retaining walls and steps at different heights; symmetrical balance of features; straight edges to lawns.

Informal:- Shrubs of various heights; plants never planted in rows; sloping rather than level areas, curved edges to lawns; asymmetrical balance to features.

3 - Fishkeepers pool

The priorities of the serious fishkeeper may override the need to blend into a particular garden style. The pool or pools need to be nearly 1m (3ft) deep with vertical sidewalls which are easily scrubbed. Large filter boxes need to be accommodated with pump chambers and sheds to house equipment. More than one pool is frequently necessary to isolate fish or a large pool which can be sectioned off. Often the pools are constructed above ground level for easier access to the fish.

4 - Wildlife pool

Wildlife pools fit best into informal gardens. Their outline should look as natural as possible and they should be sited a little way from the house to encourage shy creatures to visit. They are densely planted pools using native plants in the margins to provide cover for wildlife and encourage insects. Part of the pool edge should be a shallow sloping 'beach' to allow amphibians to move in and out. They should not be stocked with large exotic fish which eat tadpoles and smaller creatures.

5 - Cobble fountain

A cobble fountain will blend into any garden style. It is particularly appropriate to small gardens where it can be appreciated at close quarters and requires very little maintenance. It consists of a small underground reservoir such as a plastic dustbin covered by cobbles supported on a wire mesh which allows the water to fall through. A submersible pump in the reservoir pushes water through the cobbles in a frothing spout, which then falls back on itself replenishing the reservoir.

6 - Formal pond

A formal pond has a distinct geometric outline, usually a square, circle, or rectangle. Being a regular shape it makes a good choice for the patio where one of the sides can run parallel to the house. It is ideal when surrounded by paving which can be highlighted by edging with bricks of a contrasting colour.

A formal pool makes an ideal fountain pool, either at ground level or raised. A raised pool with a wide coping around the edge makes a good casual seat to enjoy the water.

7 - Informal pond

The ideal choice for the informal garden which is similar to the wildlife pool. The planting is not restricted to native plants and is more ornamental. Its shape has considerable freedom and is frequently incorporated into the lawn which can form part of the edge. Exotic varieties of waterlilies and marginal plants are a feature of these pools which look well when associated with nearby moisture-loving and bog plants, making it a good choice for the keen plantsperson.

8 - Self contained feature

For the very small garden, whatever the style, there are several containers which make interesting water features. Half barrels are often used for this purpose which can be planted with a miniature water lily and small aquatic plants. For moving water features, various terracotta urns and pots can be adapted to contain a small pump for recirculating. There is an increasing range of self contained wall fountain units which can bring the movement and sound of water nearer eye level.