Gardening: How to make a water feature work in a small garden

FANCY water features in your garden but don't have much space? Don't worry, you can still enjoy a tranquil rippling pool or fountain to provide an eye-catching highlight, a magnet for wildlife, and give a home to aquatic plants which will add colour and form to the scene.

Keep it still:  Water in a small garden should be still rather than moving too fast. It will add to the feeling of space and tranquillity, and you won't need as much water to fill it.

A water feature doesn't have to take up much room. This one is just 60cm across.

Plants love water: Moisture-loving plants such as waterlilies, irises and marginals will enjoy having a watery home and will help to keep the water clear by soaking up nutrients.

Filtration: A good filter is essential to keep your water clean and free from algae.

Pumps: Choose a pump that is designed for the size of your pool and ensure that it is properly protected from the weather.

Positioning: A water feature will make the most impact if it is sited where you can see and hear it from your house.

Use water wisely: In summer, water features will lose water to evaporation, so top them up with rainwater wherever possible.

For more information on garden water features, visit the website of The Water Gardening Society.

Fountains and waterfalls: 

Fountains and waterfalls are two of the most popular types of water features. They can be free-standing or built into a wall, and come in a wide range of styles to suit any garden.

Free-standing fountains: These are available in a wide range of materials, including stone, metal, resin and ceramic. Prices start from around £50 for a simple design.

Wall-mounted fountains: A wall-mounted fountain is a great way to add a water feature to a small garden. They are available in a wide range of materials and styles, and prices start from around £100.

Waterfalls: Waterfalls can be built into a wall or created as a standalone feature. They come in a wide range of styles and sizes, and prices start from around £200.

Ponds: 

Ponds are a great way to add a water feature to your garden, and they can be created in a wide range of styles to suit any space.

Pre-formed ponds: These are the easiest type of pond to install, as they come in a ready-made shape. Prices start from around £40 for a small pond.

Liners: A liner is the most common type of pond, as it can be adapted to any shape or size. Prices start from around £20 for a small liner.

Concrete ponds: Concrete ponds are the most expensive type of pond, but they are also the most durable.

What about planting?

Planting is an essential part of creating a water feature, as it will help to keep the water clean and clear.

Marginals: Marginal plants are water-loving plants that grow in shallow water. They include irises, waterlilies and reeds.

Bog plants: Bog plants are moisture-loving plants that grow in damp soil. They include ferns, sedges and rushes.

Aquatic plants: Aquatic plants are plants that live in water. They include waterlilies, floating plants and submerged plants.

Don't forget water lilies:  waterlilies are one of the most popular water plants, and they come in a wide range of colours and sizes. Prices start from around £10 for a small waterlily.

So there you have it: everything you need to know about adding a water feature to your small garden. With a little planning and care, you can enjoy all the benefits of a water feature without taking up too much space.