Water Feature

There are many types of water features that can be used in a yard or garden.Brooks, Asian spill fountains, wall fountains, fishponds and birdbaths are a few possibilitiess. Many items can be bought pre-sassembled, or can be built by the homeowner to give a more customized apperance.Proper planning is important, because a water feature is for the most part permanent. The guidelines below will help with the planning phases.

First, pick a good location. Utility or gas lines are obviously to be avoided, as are overhead trees that can fill water with leaves or other debris. Spray fountains should be placed somewhere not vulnerable to wind and evaporation can be slowed. Also bear in mind local zoning codes, which govern how close to the property line water features can be placed. Scale, style and proportion need to be in keeping with the house and grounds. Let the water feature function as an accent rather than a focal point. In a small garden, for example, a decorative ceramic pot fitted with a re-circulating bubbler may serve this function. A formal house and garden would be best suited for a fountain composed of geometric lines, whereas a water feature that mimics shapes found in nature will complement an informal architectural style.

Get a building permit if one is required. In some regions, a water feature that is deeper than 18 inches or that calls for electrical wiring or connection to home plumbing may require a permit to build. Be mindful of budget. Even doing the work alone can drive up the cost massively, especially if it involves lots of planting and equipment. Whether moving water or a still water garden should be decided early on. Moving water can produce a pleasant sound and mask the sound of traffic. Still water, on the other hand, offers a glassy, calm surface that can become a beautiful reflecting pool in the garden. Bear in mind that moving water will require a power source for the pump. Low-voltage versions are available for some types of small pumps--these make installation much easier, although many have to be wired for traditional 120-volt output.

Determine if there will be any fish or plants. Fish will help keep the mosquito population down which can help to deter threat in areas where the West Nile Virus is prevalent. Still water is generally the most favorable for plants; moving water provides more oxygen for fish. If water plants will be grown, select a location that will receive at least 5 hours of direct sunlight per day. If the pond is shallow, its water will evaporate quickly in direct sun so install a float valve that will control the water supply to maintain the proper water level.