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All Water Features Information
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Garden fountains come in many different designs and sizes, and help to enhance the decor and tranquility of outdoor areas. The sound of trickling water is both relaxing and helps to block out background noise. Fountains may be blended in with the surrounding garden in a natural way or they may be showcased in a more formally landscaped area.
Fountains come in a wide variety of styles, sizes, and complexities. Natural styles may include a stream that runs from one pond to another where the water is pumped back to the first pond through pipes or a waterfall style fountain. Some fountains include elaborate piping and valving to allow droplets or streams of water to squirt into the air to create an aerial display. Many fountains contain elements of art or sculpture. These may be constructed of plastic, metal, or a host of other materials limited only to the artist's imagination. Ground-level fountains with pedestal bases, and wall-mounted fountains are more traditional and may be found in gardens ranging from neat colonial style gardens to elaborate Victorian gardens filled with trellises, benches and sometimes statues. These fountains may be made of stone, fiberglass, copper, cement, brick, and tile. They are typically constructed with a water retainment basin, a pump, piping, a nozzle, and a waterproof electrical supply.
Consideration must be given to the type of fountain that will be appropriate. Some fountains may require extensive landscaping, power line installation, and piping. Others are fairly simple installations that are self contained. Pets must be considered as dogs and cats often treat a ground-level fountain as a large water dish, bath-tub or swimming pool! In this case, it is best resolved with a wall-mounted fountain which the pet cannot reach. Also keep in mind that birds may view a garden fountain as a bird bath which may or may not be intended.
Few things add to the allure of a garden like a fountain due to the peaceful sound of running water and the pleasure it brings the viewer.
Ponds and water gardens have become popular in recent years. New products and materials have made it simple and affordable to create a wide variety of landscape water features. Your first step is to plan the size and location of your new pond, then to determine its overall style and how it will fit with your existing landscape. You can design a formal or informal above ground or in ground pond, with or without plants and fish. The edging of your pond should be selected for compatibility with the surrounding landscape, and may include pavers, flagstone, decking materials, boulders or turf. A variety of low voltage pond lighting is also available for creating special effects and after dark enjoyment. Be sure to consider child safety issues and GFI electrical outlet protection in your plans.
Flexible liner materials or preformed pond liners are used to retain the water in your garden pond. Flexible liners enable you to create ponds, streams, and waterfalls in virtually any size and configuration. Sections can be overlapped and joined with seam tape or sealer. For a quality job, consider using either butyl rubber or EPDM-SF liners. They are expensive but usually come with a 20 year warranty. PVC liners are somewhat less expensive but may be toxic to fish and plants. Not recommended are inexpensive polyethylene liners, which are difficult to repair and vulnerable to UV light. Preformed pond liners are well-suited for above ground ponds, and they are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. Preformed fiberglass liners are generally more durable and more expensive than rigid plastic liners.
Submersible or external pond pumps are used to recirculate the water; they use household current and are easy to install. Pumps can be used to create running streams, falling waterfalls, and spraying fountains as well as to drain ponds when required. A pond filter can keep your pond water clear and prevent your pump from clogging with debris. Prefilters are built in to some pond pumps, but a separate filter is required for many applications. A series of pipes, valves and pipe fittings are used in conjunction with the pump and filter to deliver water where needed, to connect the pump, filter, and accessories, and to control and direct the flow of water. With today's simplified techniques and equipment, a small water feature can be installed in a day or two!
Budgeting for Your Water Feature
Anyone that has ever constructed a water feature will tell you that it can be surprising how quickly the cost of installing such a feature can escalate. For this reason it is imperative that careful planning takes place BEFORE you rush in and begin constructing your dream water feature. Such planning can prevent nasty shocks from occurring.
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Design
The first, and often overlooked, consideration should be having a plan put to paper. Your vision of what your feature should look like is a matter of interpretation. Plans put this issue and any other conflicts to rest. Also take into consideration that important issues such as the best style of water feature to suit your space, placement, material choice and practical considerations.
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Material Choices
This is the area that will absorb most of your budget. If you are designing and constructing the feature yourself there are many ways to save money on materials without compromising too much. A few examples are: • Reproduction stone instead of natural stone • Facia a wall rather than construct from stone • Rendered and painted Besser Blocks rather than more expensive blocks • A liner pond rather than a concrete one • A solar pump in a small feature eliminates the need for an electrician • Second hand bricks/pavers can be replaced with modern imitations Be creative and spend more time at this stage, you will be amazed at how much money you can save.
Beautiful Water Features - Greenfingers
Buying Equipment
Purchasing Pumps and Filters for Water Features can be a daunting task. It is best to always seek professional advice here as mistakes can be very costly. In order to get professional advice you will need to be able to answer the following questions:
1. What size is your pond/water feature (or volume, if known)?
2. What is the ‘head height’ of your water (ie. The height your pump will need to push water)?
3. How often and for how long do you intend to run your pump?
4. What other features must your pump run (eg: Spitters, Filters etc)?
It is wise to buy the best pump that you can afford as this is the heart of your feature. Buy a pump that is large enough to run your feature (consider future additions also). Imagine a car where motor that wasn’t quite powerful enough to run it, your water feature is no different. If you skimp now you may need to buy a new pump later on, a costly mistake.
Construction
When considering your budget it is prudent to consider the types of skills required to complete construction of your feature as the construction of a water feature often requires many skills. Be realistic about your skill level, If constructing the water feature yourself you should make allowances for tool hire/purchases as you will most likely not have all tools required on hand.
Other costs to consider:
Electricity supply – always employ a suitably qualified and licensed electrician.
Aquatic Plants & Soils / Fish – Often overlooked at this stage
Delivery Fees – plan and co-ordinate delivery of materials well so that you do not overspend on delivery fees
Consumables – don’t forget tubing, fittings, nails, screws, glue etc
Nets / Water Quality Test Kits and Treatments etc – all essentials for owning a water feature
Estimating Time
Often the time required for construction of a water feature is not sufficient and more often than not, twice the amount of time originally estimated is actually required. When planning how much time you will spend on your project add time for ordering, visiting suppliers, phone calls, inclement weather, late deliveries from suppliers and other factors outside your control. Remember that set-up and pack-up also adds time onto your day. Allow yourself plenty of time and be realistic in your expectations of yourself and make creating your water feature and enjoyable experience.
Ponds
In most garden ponds, fish are the main attraction. Building a pond is quite an untertaking, and some planning and preparation are essential. When you have decided on the type of pond you are going to build (liner or preformed), take some inital measurements. Then make a list of all the materails you will need, research what is available and arrange for any items that you cannot transport to be delivered, Make sure you have all the necessary tools and equipment to make the work as trouble free as possible. The most important objective in building a pond is to make it level. Use a reliable spirit level and straightedge, particularly when installing a preformed pond. Choose pond equipment with care. Make sure that pumps and filters are able to cope with the demands put on them. Always read instructions carefully.
Styles
When contemplating a water feature for your garden it is important to reflect on the style of your landscaping and draw from this to select the right style of water feature to suit the surroundings. Take into account that many gardens are a fusion of two or three garden styles.
Cottage Gardens
Arguably the most enduring of all garden styles, this garden is characterised by mass planting of colourful flowers and herbs in well designed garden beds. Although the plant design is carefully structured it is designed to look natural and free-flowing. This style often incorporates places of interest to visit such as bench seats, arbours, and gazebos. Suitable water features may include bird baths, wishing wells, or fountains.
Formal Gardens
A formal look in a landscape is typically achieved by placing plants to conform strictly to a geometric design theme. This style relies on the use of symmetry to draw the eye to focal points such as water features or sculpture. The use of hedging plants and topiaries is essential to achieve the formal look. Suitable water features are reflection pools, spilling urns or pots and fountain sprayers.
Japanese Gardens
The Japanese garden has its emphasis in simplicity, control and thoughtful design. This garden must incorporate the careful use water as a focal point. Well placed, gracefully formed plants such as bamboos, grasses and flowering shrubs provide balance which is essential to this style. These gardens also use stone and sand to imitate the natural landscape. The Japanese garden is the ultimate meditation and relaxation. You might find a rock geyser or a fish pond here.
Tuscan Garden
The rustic Italian garden seems to assimilate very well into the Australian landscape. Aged, muted colors intrinsic to Italian gardens are echoed in our landscape. A focus on Al Fresco dining and entertaining is essential to this style. Planting is often semi-formal – formal and includes topiaries and hedges. Look for stone fountains or wall spitters, maybe a tiled or stone water wall.
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