How to Build a Stream

Installing a Pre-Formed Stream Another option for creating an artificial stream is to use preformed stream units. These are similar to waterfall and cascade units and can be linked together in various configurations t

Concrete Streams

Concrete Streams If you want a more permanent stream than that provided by pre-formed stream units or a liner, a concrete watercourse is the only answer. Although more skill will be required than when installing eithe

Moving Water and Water Features

Problem Solving "I have a natural stream that has wildly varying water levels. After a thaw during the winter, it can become a raging torrent and cause considerable damage to my waterside planting. What is the

Pond Pumps / Stream Water Pumps

Pond Pumps / Stream Water Pumps A suitable pump is fundamental to the success of any moving water feature. Particularly important is the flow rate it produces, for upon this depends the visual effect produced by the w

Garden Fountain Features

Garden Fountain Features While many gardeners establish water features for the cultivation of plants and the enjoyment of fish, there is much more to aquatic gardening than these activities alone. M

Installing a Water Fountain

How to Install a Garden Water Fountain The installation of a ready-made water fountain will not be too difficult. Make sure you take into account the spray jets and the manner in which they will eject water when decid

Outdoor Wall Fountains

Outdoor Wall Fountains Wall fountains, particularly those disguised as masks and gargoyles, have a long tradition of use throughout the gardens of Europe, and modern versions abound in garden centres. All produce a je

Miniature Waterscapes

Miniature Waterscapes Apart from the conventional tub or half-barrel, other small contained water features can be created, often from unconventional vessels. One of the most interesting and potentia

Self-Contained Fountain Features

Self-Contained Fountain Features In some cases, particularly where space is at a premium, it may be desirable to install a moving water feature without all the paraphernalia of pool construction. In such a situation,

Walkways – Bridges and Causeways

Walkways – Bridges and Causeways Being able to cross the water, on a bridge or causeway, will allow you to see the water garden from another viewpoint. You can make the most of this by arranging the planting to

Water Garden Decking

Garden Decking Decking is a convenient means of hiding a pool edge or providing a landing platform. When built well, it can be most attractive and very functional. With a large pool, it can be extended over the water

Garden Stepping Stones

Garden Stepping Stones The provision of garden stepping stones in a water feature is an invitation to enjoy it from a totally different angle: from the water. They are also a useful alternative to a

Problem-Solving – Bridging Water

Problem-Solving – Bridging Water "I have a naturally very wet area in the garden that floods at certain times of the year. I intend planting it as a bog garden, but I need some means of access to get the

Water Garden Islands

Water Garden Islands An island is rarely suitable for a small pool. Not only will it look out of keeping, but also, given the diminutive scale on which it will need constructing, it will not be of a

Stocking the Garden Water Feature

Stocking the Garden Pool Once you have constructed the pool, you can begin to paint the water garden picture, that is to choose and establish the plants, and introduce the fish, bearing in mind the requirements of the

Water Feature Planting Ideas – Informal Planting

Planting Ideas – Informal Planting The arrangement of plants in a pool is a very personal matter: what appeals to one gardener, may not hold any attraction for another. The visual qualities of water must also be

Garden Water Features – Formal Planting

A formal water feature tends to depend upon rather rigid, or mathematical, principles to which the planting must conform. Although there are few aquatic plants that really lend themselves to such order, either

Choosing Water Garden Plants

Choosing Plants for Your Water Feature Selecting plants for a water feature is a very personal matter, but there are many aesthetic and cultural aspects to consider when making a choice. It is impor

Planting Water Garden Plants

Planting Water Garden Plants Fortunately, the planting season for aquatics coincides with the active growing period, which makes handling the plants much easier than if they were dormant. In additio

Soils, Composts and Fertilizers

Soils, Composts and Fertilizers As with all plants, aquatics will directly reflect the quality of the medium in which they are growing. Special aquatic planting composts are available, but in most cases carefully prep