With everything that life has thrown at us in recent times, it has become increasingly important to claim some quiet time for yourself. What better place to do this than in your garden? Creating a water feature is an easy way to add peace and tranquility to your home.
A warm cup of tea, a book and a bubbling fountain in the background. Can you think of anything more tranquil?
There are loads of reasons why investing in a water feature (like a birdbath, fountain or pond) is a great idea. Apart from being beautiful and soothing, they are also a great way to attract birds, insects, frogs and other wildlife to your garden (which in turn can help keep unwanted pests such as mosquitoes away). A water feature can be a lovely focus for landscaping and can create a wonderful entertainment space during warm seasons.
Most importantly, perhaps, a self-sustaining water feature is an ecosystem that benefits plants and wildlife, not just in your yard, but throughout your surrounding area.
The lovely team from Granny Mouse Country House & Spa in the Midlands share some water feature options and ideas for your garden:
1. Ponds: There are four basic types – reflecting pools, ornamental pools, water gardens and fish ponds – and each can be made to any size, shape or depth.
2. Reflecting pools: Usually the central feature and often have formal shapes with walking areas.
3. Ornamental pools: Generally located near a deck or patio, designed around an ornamental piece like a spouting statue, a vertically cascading fountain or a bell fountain.
4. Water gardens: Living water features with aquatic plant life that is full of vibrant colours and textures. Plants, both inside and outside the perimeter of the pond, create a lush natural setting.
5. Fish: Can be added to almost any type of water feature, as long as certain life-sustaining criteria are met. Goldfish and Koi are common favourites.
6. Waterfalls: Like fountains, they add sound, motion and vitality to your water feature. Created with natural stone slabs or boulders, waterfalls bring a vertical dimension.
7. Streams: Ideal for meandering along paths, walkways or even pool decks. Acting as natural filters, streams are often designed to flow into waterfalls and cascade into a pond to help sustain the entire ecosystem of a water feature.
Details: Information kindly supplied by Granny Mouse Country House & Spa, grannymouse.co.za, 033 234 4071.
