October 2011

If you have purchased a water feature from here is our step by set guide to making sure you avoid potential damage due to the harsh winter we are about to face (again!):

All Solar Powered Water Features:

• If your feature is solar powered (no wires) we suggest removing all the water from the item, giving it a good clean using just warm water a cleaning cloth and maybe a few squirts of Fountain Grime and Lime Cleaner.
• Carefully remove the solar panel/pump and clean in warm water.
• Once clean and dry the solar powered water feature and solar pump can be stored in a garage or shed. Please remember that even in a shed though it can drop below freezing so it maybe also worth wrapping the water feature in a sheet or even bubble wrap to add further protection.

By following these simple steps come March 2012 and the start of spring you will be able to enjoy your feature for years to come.

All Mains Powered Water Features:

• Mains powered water features will more than likely form part of an integral garden design so taking these inside over the winter can prove tricky.
• As soon as the weather begins to change and the temperature gets towards freezing this is the time to make sure your water feature is prepared for the winter.
• Never allow ice to form in any part of the water feature.
• Start by emptying the water out of the feature. With smaller features is quite simple but with some of the larger water features it may involve two people to carefully lift the feature.  All the water needs to be removed. A little tip would be to place a towel inside the base of the feature to mop up excess water which struggles to find its way out.
• Once the water feature is empty it can then be covered with a fountain protection cover. These covers come in three sizes (Small Cover, Medium Cover and Large Cover) and can be placed over the top of the fountain with a simple draw string at the base.
• By following these simple steps your feature will be ready for when the sun makes its next appearance in the spring and your garden can be enjoyed again.

UK Water Features has a whole host of products to protect garden water features from Winter Protection Covers, to Algae Stopper and Fountain Grime and Lime.

“Remember remember, the fifth of November. Gunpowder treason and plot. We see no reason, why gunpowder treason, should ever be forgot” is a quote that we are relatively familiar with. However, do we actually know where it originated or why we actually celebrate the 5^th of November every year here in the UK.

Robert Catesby knew ‘The Gunpowder Plot’ as it was the failed assassination attempt against King James I of England by a group of English Catholics led. In short, the plot was to blow up the House of Lords during the State Opening of Parliament on 5^th of November 1605.  Guy Fawkes is the name that we all associate with bonfire night here in the UK. The name is remembered as he was plotter that was in charge of the explosives for the scheduled plot. The thwarting of the Gunpowder Plot was commemorated for many years afterwards by special sermons and other public events such as the ringing of church bells, which have evolved into the Bonfire Night of today.

Every year on the 5^th of November here in the UK we celebrate this failed attempt by hosting bonfire parties and firework displays. Every year millions of pounds are spent of fireworks across the UK with the end of October and early November holding the more significant increase in sales due to the celebration, which we now call Bonfire Night.

Over the years firework displays have evolved into beautiful and spectacular events where people come together to admire the skies. With so many variations of fireworks now available it is truly a huge task to decide on which ones interest you. The list really is endless, ranging from Roman Candles, Sparklers, Fountains & Mines, Rockets to even ones that make a deafening bang. You tend to be so spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting a few fireworks that your best bet is probably to purchase a selection box of assorted fireworks. During the run up to Bonfire Night there tend to be many offers floating around where you can pick up a bargain, such as buy one get one free offers. If you keep your eye out you will certainly pick a great deal.

Yet the 5^th of November or Bonfire Night as we call it is a time for us all to celebrate, we also need to take extreme care and safety when handling any sort of firework or fire. Bonfire night safety is exceptionally important.

Here are 10 safety tips to help keep you safe on Bonfire Night.

1. Plan your firework display in advance to make it safe and enjoyable
2. Light the firework at arms length with a taper and stand well back
3. Point all rocket fireworks well away from spectators
4. Control Your Children
 they are particularly vulnerable at Firework displays and can easily get drawn towards danger by the bright lights and loud noises. Keep an eye on them at all times and don’t under any circumstances let them wonder off.
5. Keep pets indoors
6. Never play with fireworks or fire
7. Never go near a firework that has already been lit, keep your distance
8. If possible, always wear gloves to protect your hands. The firework/sparkler will still be hot even after the flame goes out.
9. Do not put fireworks in your pocket and NEVER throw fireworks.
10. If you are hosting a bonfire party, make sure that the fire is out and the area is clear before you leave the area.

Halloween is an annual holiday that is celebrated throughout the UK. Over in the USA it tends to be a little more popular. With houses going all out to scare their fellow neighbours with some frightening Halloween decorations both inside their homes however a majority of the decorations designed for outdoor decorating. With the popularity of Halloween in the USA so high, it has gradually become more and more popular over here in the UK. Now a days, we tend to see a lot more decorations been put up in the spirit of Halloween.

This year, the 31st of October falls on a Monday, so those trick or treaters will have stuff their sweet sacks quickly as they will probably have school the following day. With Halloween now only 17 days away, there is still plenty of time to get some last minute Halloween decorations ordered in time to get them all hung up. There is a fascinating new addition to this years Halloween decorations, the Illoom Balloon. Once featured on the BBC's Dragons Den, this simple yet very effective halloween decoration is perfect to add a unique touch to your home. The illume Ballon is a Halloween themed ballon however it has a small LED bulb inside that once the balloon is inflated the build will illuminate the balloon. Giving off a glowing  effect. These Illoom Balloons are available as a glowing pumpkin or a shimmering ghost. Either are sure to draw some extra attention to you halloween decorations this year.  

Halloween Sky Lanterns tend to be a popular choice during this time of year, they are great if you are hosting a party of some sort or even if you are just out to entertain the young ones. Available in a pack of five, these sky lanterns come with various Halloween themed sillouhettes on the side which when lit give off a spectacular lighting effect. 

If you have never used or heard of Amazon Payments then here is a quick outline as to how it will benefit your overall shopping experience with us. With Amazon Payments we are able to offer our customers a quick, convenient and seamless checkout experience with Checkout by Amazon. Customers can complete purchases securely without sharing their payment information.

Amazon Payments is a trusted & secure method of online payment.

With Amazon Payments you will be able to purchase an item right here on the UK Water Features website without having to hand over any payment information. Offering you the financial confidence in your purchase with us. With the Amazon Payment method you maintain your Amazon A-Z guarantee, as you would do when shopping on Amazon its self.

Fast & convenient checkout

If you are one of the millions of Amazon customers then you will have the benefit of completing a fast and secure transaction without even having to re-enter any delivery or payment information. You simply log into your Amazon account from the checkout right here on the UK Water Features website. You will not even be re-directed to any other site when purchasing an item with us. With Amazon payments you also have the benefit of purchasing products through us using American Express (AMEX) as your choice of payment.

With the all-new Amazon Checkout, we are offering a familiar online shopping experience that is both fast and secure for all online users.

Thank-You and we hope that you enjoy this new option as part of our committed customer service promise to you.