Water has a lovely calming effect on us doesn’t it? I love being by the sea or a lake and watching the ripples and waves; there’s something so serene and yet powerful about it. I dream that I will retire to the coast and take daily walks along the seafront in my old age. I just love it so much. So how about recreating a little bit of that serenity in our gardens? There are lots of ways to include water into your garden design, some very fun ways in fact, and keep it looking great too.
Hot tubs
Have you ever thought about including a hot tub into your garden? I know I have! A hot tub on a private deck outside the back door is a great luxury, or why not think about housing one in a little summer house as a friend of mine did a few years ago. A real treat on a cold winter’s evening.
Swimming Pools
How many of us with children would think our own swimming pool would be fantastic? My children would absolutely love it I’m sure. Of course, space and budget, as well as the upkeep are a factor here in whether we have one of these. In this country an outdoor pool would need to be heated as well which again increases the cost so it’s not an option for many of us. Do think about the ongoing maintenance of a pool though and check out sites such as www.poolandhottubsupplies.co.uk for help and advice.
Ponds
You need to make sure small children are well supervised if you have a pond in your garden but there are ways of keeping children safe if you do have this feature. Lovely to sit and look at I have wonderful memories of my grandparent’s pond, feeding the fish and helping with the maintenance. They are a lovely feature and one for the enthusiast but a recent adventure to a relative’s pond taught my girls lots about frogs and frog spawn. Educational as well as fun!
Water Feature
What do I mean by a water feature? Well of course this can take lots of forms and creations and to be honest the only limit here is your imagination. You could install something quite small for example, and just have water trickling over stones, maybe solar powered. Or you could go to the other extreme and install an electric pump and build a stone feature with mini waterfall. Garden centres and DIY stores have great ranges and products that are suitable for all kinds of garden water features. Take yourself along and check out what they have before you start planning and digging.
Streams
I think a modern stream would look amazing in a contemporary garden. Nothing too meandering, just a straight edged stream bordering a lawn or gravelled flower bed. Striking and dramatic, a stream like this doesn’t have to be deep but the reflective nature of the water will add a different dimension to your scheme.
So what about you, do you have a water feature of sorts in your garden? If not, which of these would be your preference, particularly if cost was not a problem?
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Image: Credit
Jen is an interiors writer and blogger and has an insatiable love of home style and decor
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Yes, we agree – adding a water feature to your garden and backyard area is a great investment for your home and quality of life! Here in Florida, a swimming pool is the #1 water feature for most homeowners. Nice post – thanks!
I think we would all love a swimming pool, just a tiny bit less than living in Florida! I know it seems like a plug, but Inflatable hot tubs are a cool and obviously cheaper way of getting water involved in your outdoor space. Running a landscaping firm with my Husband I have to say water features built into rockeries are easily the most common thing we are asked for.
I am a real estate agent, and the one thing I have noticed is that properties with water features generally tend to be pricier, so it is a worthy investment if you are looking to get returns. Other than that, the tranquility that comes with such is priceless.
I always dreamed of living in the mountains with a little stream running through my backyard I could listen to while relaxing on the porch with a good book! Maybe I should think about creating my own in my backyard?
Nice post!
One day I whish I could live in a place like that and just lie there in the afternoon and meditate… so inspiring…
I plan on putting in a pond that will be around 1250 gal in the next few weeks.
I seem to have hit a roadblock when it comes to what filter/pump/heater to use. I am going to let my turtle have free in range in this area so it as to be safe for him.
Anyone have any tips/suggestions?
As for me, an above ground pool is the best choose for a garden.