Gardening Tips and Hints

Professional landscaper and green thumb Margarete Abel shares her expertise on a wide range of gardening topics. For beginners and blackthumbs through to the avid gardener, you'll find information you can put into action right away!

5/11/2005

Small Water Features

Hi All

For centuries the qualities of water have been used to give life and energy to a garden. The balance of water, stone and plants was first perfected in China and Japan, and the Romans introduced graceful stair-pools, fountains and indoor water features.
Today the sound of water running over a waterfall, the reflections of sky or trees in a pool, or the flash of color and life in a fish pond, all add new and captivating dimension to a garden.
If the idea of adding a water feature to your garden is a little daunting you can always start 'small'.
Almost any container capable of holding water can make lovely accent pools when positioned correctly. A lined half barrel with goldfish and water plants fits nicely into a rustic setting, and although you will need a small filter and pump to keep the water clear, is easy and inexpensive to set up. I have seen old wheelbarrows, baths, terracotta bowls, even an old laundry sink, all used to create stunning water features, and of course there is always the tranquil look of a birdbath.

If your preference is for a small but more sculptered feature, there are elegant pedestals supporting water covered balls, small water walls, a vast array of free standing metal or stone sculptures designed to allow water to cascade over them, and
water spills to attach to courtyard walls.

It doesn't take a lot of effort or expense to create a small water feature, but placement should be considered carefully, especially if you have young children.
Water in large or small amounts can be dangerous for young children, even a pail or shallow bowl full of water can be life threatening to a toddler.

More Gardening Ideas


Until next Time, Happy Gardening
Margarete
webmaster@antspants.biz

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