If you would like to make your backyard extra special, there's nothing like a water feature to create drama and ambience. From simple ponds to fountains and waterfalls, water features always look beautiful, impressing the neighbors and providing lots of fun for children. They can also be exciting to create.
If you want to set up a water feature, your local home and garden supplier should be able to provide you with the basic pieces you need. Make sure that you'll have ample water available to supply it and keep it from becoming stagnant, which could be a health hazard. You may need to lay pipes to supply it, so if you're creating your garden from scratch, it's best to set it up before you lay gravel or turf.
There are two different ways to go about creating a pond, depending on the purpose you have in mind for it. If you want to raise fish in your pond, you'll want to dig a hole at least six feet deep and as wide as possible. Keep in mind that a larger surface area equals more oxygen exchange and hence bigger, healthier fish. You'll then need to line it either with a specially made pond liner or with heavy duty plastic. Weigh down the upper edges of this with stones. Once it's full, you can plant reeds among them to create a natural look. Take your time about filling the pond and keep checking the water with a pond or aquarium test kit, which offered at your local pet shop, to make sure it's safe for fish.
If you're not concerned with keeping fish in your pond, creating it is much more simple, but it will still have to be at least two-and-a-half feet deep to avoid damage caused by evaporation and frost. If you line it with stones or porous plastic, it will slowly leach out water into the surrounding soil, helping to sustain your plants, but it may also become tainted by chemicals in the ground, making it hazardous to wildlife. Test it regularly if you aim to provide a safe watering hole for local animals.
Traditional fountains need a pond, but free-standing fountains are less complicated and self-contained with the pump already installed. The free-standing version comes in a multiplicity of designs, sizes and materials so the biggest dilemma you may face is choosing which one is your favorite. The material you decide on may depend on the area where you live. If you live in a very cold environment, then you should bypass the faux stone because this material can crack. If your space is restricted, you can still enjoy the ambient feel of a water feature. Wall-mounted fountains can be installed to a sturdy fence or wall to produce the same charm and character.
Some waterfalls come as complete units that really only require an electrical outlet. These are generally known as as table fountains and can be enjoyed both in and out of doors. Creating your own custom fountain can be only as limited as your imagination and finances. Many people are surprised at the ease and simplicity of constructing handmade, natural looking fountains for their backyards. Adding this small element can do wonders for creating a personalized and private oasis.
