water features

Installing a water feature is a great way to create a beautiful backyard with an enhanced look and feel. A finely designed garden water feature will sit in accordance with your garden providing an attractive focal point to your outdoor landscape. Besides inserting a little bit of nature to your exterior background, a water feature may also attract wildlife. Garden water features are available in all shapes and sizes, suiting varied budgets and tastes.

Both still and moving water features are alluring, adding a touch of tranquility and serenity to your garden setting. A still garden water feature offers brilliant mirrored images and a moving one is excellent in providing divine and relaxing sound as it gushes. A garden fountain is a popular kind of water feature worth consideration that compliments your landscaping. This article explores some of the popular garden fountain types that can be installed to spice up your garden.

Types of Garden Fountains

You will probably find garden fountains with endless styles, but choose the one that compliments your garden. A nice garden fountain can even be placed in and around your deck, terrace, pool area, front portico, etc.

Formal fountains are the most popular one if your garden boasts a proper pool or pond. These garden fountains can be used as a great addition to the existing pool. Jets of water shooting upwards from the middle of the pond are very appealing and can function by using the water from the pond. A submersible pump will make the job easy and solar-powered jet fountains are also available.

Wall fountains are a comparatively economical garden fountain option. Water will gush out from a wall opening, which sometimes will be designed in a novel manner, or from an animal statue or human figurine. This water feature will use the same water again and again since the poured out water is collected at the base for recycling. If your garden has a stone or concrete structure, a wall fountain can be integrated in a creative manner in the bare wall of these structures.

Cobble fountains are other great additions to your garden featuring water surging out over a group of cobbles or rocks with the help of water pumps. These waterfall designs can make your garden decor natural. Pedestal fountains are very popular as a focal point for your garden. This outdoor garden fountain is in the form of a basin that is perched atop a podium. These basins can be used alone and can be placed anywhere as birdbaths. Tiered fountains are ideal for big gardens and offer great visual appeal by offering a ripple effect of water.

If you are thinking of adding a water feature to instantly add a tranquil feel to your outdoor scenery, consider the right type for your garden, taking into account the space you have, the water sources in your garden, electric points etc. The right garden fountain can transform your garden into a relaxing setting instantaneously. 

UK Water Features stock wide range of garden acessories and garden decorations to suit all garden design needs. 

If you are someone who is interested in designing and maintaining your own landscapes and gardens, adding a pond to your garden is worth considering. A garden pond is a striking addition, offering a relaxing and soothing ambience to your outdoors. A garden pond or any water feature can definitely become the focal point of your garden and take pride of all the compliments that you receive from the guests. If you are planning to add a pond to your garden, you need to look into certain considerations, such as the type of garden pond, the location and size of the pond, and any additional water features such as fountains that you may want to add. This article intends to explore the advantages and features of pre formed ponds, a very popular and easy to installtype of pond.

Pre formed pond – an Ideal Choice for Beginners

A pre formed pond is often preferred by those who want to install a pond for the first time. Pre formed ponds are pre-made plastic or fiberglass ponds that you can simply insert into the ground after digging the ground in the shape of the pond. Compared to other forms of garden ponds such as pond liners/liner ponds and concrete ponds, adding a pre formed pond in your garden involves less labor costs, a shorter construction period, and reasonable maintenance expenses. A pre formed pond, in simple terms can be described as an instant and quick to install starter pond. They are available in a variety of sizes and shapes such as square, rectangle, circle and a range of other organic shapes.

Preformed ponds are favored by many house owners since they are the easiest way to bring a water feature into the garden or patio. Digging the ground of the garden in the shape of the pre formed pond shell is only the major work involved. All other necessary attachments and accessories are usually available with the pond kit making the job easy. Rigid liners with plant shelves come integrated with the pond. A pre formed pond kit may also contain a pump, a filter, water conditioners, etc. Adding a pre formed pond to your garden is not only easy but is affordable too. Since these ponds are highly durable and weather resistant, there is less tension about possible damage or other issues.

Before making your final choice regarding pond type, analyze what you expect from a garden pond and identify the reasons for your desire to install one in the first place. You may wish to combine a pre formed pond with a rock effect cascade or waterfall to add another element to your overall look. Whether you choose a geometric shape for a simple modern look or an organic shape with plants to go for a more naturalistic look there is a preformed pond to suit your needs. Defining your intention will itself solve your confusion regarding selecting the right type of garden pond. 

With winter on its way out and spring slowly making its way in, this is now the right time to get that gardening equipment you had stashed away and prepare your garden for the burst of color that this season brings. This is the time you get rid of all your winter plants that have run its course. It is time to prep those garden beds, put in new flowering plants and a fresh batch of nice summery vegetables. Along with prepping your garden up for the show of colors that will soon happen, you can also change the way it looks. Introduce elements that are aesthetic while being functional.

For those home gardens that are constantly low on space, you could think of bringing in a 4- tier greenhouse. It will stand perfectly against the wall and will serve as the perfect place to start germinating those plants. It comes with an easily removable cover and four shelves, giving you the space and flexibility you will need to tend to the plants. Assembling a stand like this does not need an expert and in fact requires no tools as well. It’s the ideal place to start growing your vegetable garden.

If you live in a fenced home, you will understand how unsightly the fences can get when you have a beautiful green garden in front of it. If you would like to cover than up, you could think of investing in bamboo screening panels that are usually available in a 6X6 standard size that can easily open up in one of your fence walls. All you have to do is attach these panels to your existing fence and you will have a great background on which to show off those creepers. Almost instantly you will have a perfect setting for a garden.

Another element that will be of great use in a garden cramped space or not, is garden planters. You could choose a few of the classic 34” trough wood styled versions which come with stain resistant woodwork. This works well in a garden where water is of course a constant. The heavy frame will keep things in check and you can easily put it together from the box without the worry of something falling apart. These are perfect for flowering plants and for a range of vegetables you might want to grow.

And finally, to bring in a bit of nature, do introduce a bird bath in your garden. There is nothing like waking up to the sound of grateful chirping birds that have come down for a drink or a bath. 

UK Water Features offers more than just water features with a wide range of garden ornaments, barbecues, garden furniture, garden lighting, wild bird feed and electronic pest control products.  

We are pleased to have the exclusive preview of the new fountain range for 2012 from Kelkay, the UK’s number one choice for resin garden water features.

The new range includes Traditional, Classic, Bronze Reflection, Natural, Contemporary and Statuary.

Favourites from the new range and predicated best sellers for 2012 include:

A new version of the popular Fluted Tier Fountain with a stone effect finish, two flowing tiers and built in white LED’s at the top where the water bubbles out from. This fountain is suited to a more traditional garden and when running creates the soothing sound of falling water. RRP £169.99 (On sale from January 2012).

The Tree Cascade is a very realistic looking tree crag style water feature with built in LED lights. This would suit a well planted garden and actually looks like it is carved from a large tree stump. Water falls from the top and flows down a couple of drops before entering the drop pool at the base. Enjoy at night with built in white low voltage LED lights. RRP £199.99 (On sale from January 2012).

Contemporary water features have proved popular this year and we predict this trend will continue into 2012 as people opt for low maintenance modern gardens. The Serenade Fountain has a sitting lady and a well thought out mixture of resin and stainless steel. The lady’s head offers reflections around the garden and built in LED lights where the water bubbles out a superb effect at night. If you’re looking to add peace and tranquillity to your garden next year the Serenade Fountain is the one we would recommend. RRP £199.99 (On sale from January 2012).

Continuing the modern contemporary theme Kelkay has added the Vision Fountain, Garden Spring, Inspiration Fountain and Spirit Fountain to their range. If you have a big enough garden why not build the whole set into your design! 

The Friendship Fountain has proved to be our best seller for the past two years so we are excited to see a new smaller version to the larger model. The Companion Fountain stands at just less than 80cm making this suitable for smaller gardens and patio areas. Just like the Friendship Fountain the Companion Fountain has built in low voltage halogen lights and is fully self-contained. RRP £149.99 (On sale from January 2012).

As always the new fountains are all fully self-contained and can be set up within minutes of removing from the box. All you need is included, just connect the pump and lights, add water and plug in. It really is that simple.

To view the full range of Kelkay Water Features, click here. 

UK Water Features has the largest range of indoor and outdoor garden water features.

Water features can be a fantastic addition to any garden in order to enhance the general look feel, however they are also widely used across the globe to enhance much larger areas to create a visual spectacle where people are genuinely excited about the feature and will travel hundreds if not thousands of miles to see. 

Plans are currently under way in Dubai where they plan on building the worlds largest water fountain. The fountains, will be built in order to produce a remarkable spectacle where the water will shoot over 150 metres into the air and stretch over 275 metres. Estimated cost for this sensational project will be around $218 million. Spending such a large amount of money to build such a feature that is 25 percent larger than the iconic fountains at the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas actually has its perks. The Fountains will include an integral light and sound show and will certainly become one of Dubai's major tourist attractions drawing in well over 10 millions visitors every year. One thing for sure, this water feature is going to need some very large fountain pumps. 

Dubai really seems like a brilliant place to visit and spot some truly remarkable water features. Even while you are out shopping at the Dubai Mall there is a stunning water fountain inside the shopping center. The Waterfall comprises two cylindrical structures, 30 metres in diameter and 24 metres high, with an overhead reservoir feeding the recycled water. Well-lit in the night and reflecting sunlight by day. A choice of coffee shops and retail kiosks overlook The Waterfall, giving visitors a relaxing ambience to meet. Several palm trees are also set up to replicate the ambience of a desert oasis, and various in-mall activities will be held around The Waterfall to sustain visitor interest.

There is a stunning water feature that is a must see for anyone who plans a trip top Dubai, situated under the worlds tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. The dancing fountains run daily every 30 minutes from 7pm and are set on a 30 acre manmade lake. Illuminated by 6,600 lights and 25 coloured projectors, it is 275 m (902 ft) long and shoots water 150 m (490 ft) into the air (equivalent to a 50-story building), accompanied by a range of classical to contemporary Arabic and world music. It cost over £180 million to build! 

UK Water Features has a huge range of garden summer essentials ranging from garden lighting, garden buildings, bbq's and water features. 

The use of natural slate garden features over the years has been somewhat over looked and you may find it a little hard to find much information on slate water features and their origin. Slate is commonly used in many well known items such as roof slate. In fact one of the most common uses of slate is in some unique designed water features.

Many of the water features that are made from natural slate are sourced right here in the UK. The use of slate in a unique range of slate monoliths, slate holloliths and slate pyramids are actual manufactured by hand in the welsh mountains. Click 'here' to see photos taken at our Quarry in Bangor, North Wales. Welsh Slate is based in North Wales and is the world's leading manufacturer of high quality roofing slate, architectural and aggregate slate products. The durability of welsh slate is one of its key benefits whether you are designing a landscape masterpiece, building or even a water feature for your garden the slate provides you with a guarantee that it will withstand the natural elements. Welsh slate with its professional lines and versatile characteristics offers you the most beautiful balance of elegance and durability. Whether your garden is a contemporary or a traditional design, Welsh slate is in fact one of the few natural products which gives you a constant balance across a variety of designs. One of the more popular garden slate water features is the 4ft Drilled Slate Monolith which boasts a large naturally drilled piece of slate exclusively designed for you. All the slate water features here at UK Water Features are hand made here in the UK from Welsh Slate and are pre-drilled offering every single monolith to be completely unique.

UK Water Features has a huge range of garden summer essentials ranging from garden lighting, garden buildings, bbq's and water features. 

When it comes to high quality craftmanship, many people turn to the specialists known as Haddonstone. Now if you are unaware of who or what Haddonstone is then you may find these short paragraphs very interesting.

Haddonstone was established in 1971 to produce high quality decorative cast stonework. At first they had a small range of just seven cast stone designs to offer during the first year of business. Over the years Haddonstone have become more and more successful and have constantly added new lines to the original seven. Their collection of high quality garden ornaments and architectural cast stonework has expanded to well over five hundred standard cast stonework designs. Today, Haddonstone is recognized as an international market leader with group companies in both the UK and the USA

Now what exactly is Haddonstone? a unique form of hand made cast limestone with a surface texture similar to natural Portland stone. The cast limestone material matures and weathers like natural stone or quarried stone yet, piece for piece, normally costs significantly less than quarried stone.

Haddonstone has the ability to mould cast limestone material into almost any shape, thus giving their customers the opportunity to own a one off garden feature, a simply unique piece.

Haddonstone use nothing but the very best of materials in order to design and manufacture their pieces. In fact the cast limestone material used in every design exceeds the compressive strength requirements of the United Kingdom Cast Stone Association and complies with all relevant UK and European standards, whilst TecStone also meets the requirements of all US standards.

Haddonstone take great care in their designs as every single piece is handmade here in the UK using special moulds that are created specifically in shops and studios across the UK. Where some features maybe handmade in the USA you can rest assure that the same amount of care has gone into each and every single design.

As mentioned, Haddonstone has expanded their product line extensively over the years. Starting with seven unique designs they have now well over five hundred. Some of the more popular features in the Haddonstone range include garden bird baths and garden ornaments. The Haddonstone range provides attractive garden features for all tastes and garden sizes. Their range of garden fountains is simply remarkable. The large range of Centrepiece garden fountains and water features provide a truly magical focal point to any garden or landscape, whether traditional, classical or contemporary. Haddonstone's range of self contained water features is certainly a strong candidate for their most remarkable features. With such a wide range of self contained features that are suitable for any garden. Over the years, self contained water features and freestanding fountains became more and more popular for use in gardens and terraces and not just in larger landscaping developments or business parks. The combination of Haddonstone's history, the unique and reliable materials used in each design and their overall desire to provide their customers with a simply beautiful garden feature that will last the test of time Haddonstone has truly deserved their spot as one of the worlds top international garden feature specialists.

UK Water Features is a proud supplier of Haddonstone garden features, stocking some of their most enjoyable and beautiful garden products. 

Kelkay is one of the most respected names in the garden features market, and when they announced the launch of the Kelkay Easy Fountain many suppliers across the UK were extremely eager to get on board. With everyone now a days having such a busy and hectic schedule, we tend not to have that much spare time to sit down on the weekends and build a water feature from either scratch or from some lengthy instruction manual. With the development of the Kelkay Easy Fountain this problem was instantly solved. Now everyone has the time to install a easy fountain becasue of the simplicity of the install. May sound a little cliché however, it is as easy as 1, 2, 3. 

Kelkay entered the market over 9 years ago with a mission to change, stimulate and inspire the garden centre industry.

By applying "retail solutions" to previously neglected categories such as garden aggregates, decorative paving, Kelkay then created promotional point-of-sale, merchandising units and display stands, resulting in a dramatic rise in popularity on these garden categories.

These successful retail solutions have also been applied to fountains, garden features and garden ornaments. In fact today's market sees the Kelkay easyfountain® range the UK's number 1 brand of garden water features.

*This is an image that was sent in from one of our customers, it is the water pump boy and girl water feature*

The Kelkay Easy Fountains are all made from durable resin-stone, are self contained, with no need for a permanent water supply. The Easy Fountains are all easy to unpack and assemble and best of all they need no tools and no experience. One of the most popular Easy Fountains is the Kelkay Friendship Fountain. This is truly a remarkable water feature and add a simple yet very elegant look to any sized garden. With the inclusion of the safe low voltage lights inside the water feature, it really comes to life at night. 

So as mentioned before, they really are as simple as 1,2,3 to install 

1:Unpack your new garden water feature from its packaging by simply removing it from the box and taking of the protective wrapping.

2: Fill the self contained water tank with water

3: Plug your beautiful new water fountain into the mains

Then all you have to do is sit back relax and admire all the hard work that you just put into installing that lovely water feature in your garden.

Here at UK Water Features we stock the entire range of KelKay products including the 2011 KelKay Easy Fountain range. 

UK Water Features has a huge range of garden summer essentials ranging from garden lighting, garden buildings, bbq's and water features. 

Having a water feature in your garden can create a relaxing and tranquil atmosphere where you can sit and enjoy your lovely garden. If you are one of those hands on people, who prefer to get the satisfaction of starting from scratch on a project to achieve a sense of accomplishment with the outcome then creating your own water feature is actually not that tough.

The concept of flowing water transforms the ambience of a garden. It doesn't really matter where the source of the moving water is coming from this is all personal preference. Whether it’s a garden pond or a spectacular flowing cascade water feature, the end result is the actual the sight and sound of flowing water that provides triggers a response of our senses. An important factor to consider is the actual placing of the water feature as once it is placed and water is flowing, you really do not want to be moving it around all that much. A couple of perfect ideas to consider are areas of your garden that is partially shaded, sheltered from wind and of course where the water feature can be appreciated by yourself and others.

What you need?

All in all it is actually quite simple and there is no need for you to be a garden designer or some sort of water feature specialist in order to construct. All recycling water features, i.e. those that circulate their own water feature. As with many self contained water features that recycle from a reservoir via a pump through a decorative feature, they are actually mostly constructed in a similar way whether they be freestanding, flush with the ground or even a wall-mounted feature.

To create a basic garden water feature of your very own the essential building kits consists of: a reservoir, which is filled with water; a submersible pond pump (plus attachments if you are creating a fountain effect). Obviously you’ll also need some sort of tools for digging out the hole (if the reservoir is below ground), and a spout with extra hose if the out-flow is elevated above the reservoir, and a nearby electricity supply.

A note to remember is that even though the submersible pump recycles water, the reservoir will need topping up every now and then (especially during days of warm or windy weather). Water features generally use pumps which run off low-voltage electricity. Remember though that they all need to be plugged in in-doors and always use a residual circuit breaker (RCB).

It is possible to create a simple water feature with a small budget. So unless you are thinking of creating a luxurious cascade water feature with expensive rocks or millstones then this may be a double if not more. To keep things simple, here is a shopping list to create a lovely yet simple water feature in your garden.

�� Small pump
�� Butyl pond liner and reservoir tank or pebble-pool reservoir
�� Steel mesh
�� Cobbles

First dig in your reservoir.

Next cover the reservoir with heavy gauge steel mesh and supporting timber if needed.

Attach a pipe to the outlet of the pump, and pass it through the mesh to the fountain head.

Position the head and arrange some stones so that the head is held in place and can’t be seen.

The flow rate will need to be adjusted by a valve on the outlet pipe of the pond pump so that water sprays out of the fountain, washes over the stones and back into the reservoir.

To build a raised water feature could potentially be a little more expensive depending on the actual fountain head that you decide on. This kind of water feature could also be constructed in a day. To construct a raised water feature you will need:

�� Medium-sized pump
�� Reservoir tank
�� Steel mesh
�� Fountain head
�� Cobbles
�� Length of hose

In order to construct this kind of water feature the reservoir needs to be big enough/deep enough to hold water feature pump. If free-standing, you could choose an attractive container such as a water tank or large ceramic pot. If not then it can be concealed behind a low wall or behind an arrangement of flowers

Place the new water feature pump in the tank and attach a long piece of flexible hose to the outlet pipe.

Cover the tank with a piece of steel mesh and thread the hose through it. (Same as before)

Then run the flexible hose up to the fountain head.

Disguise the pipe work by running it behind a batten attached to a fence post.

If the water feature is built against a wall, embed it into the brickwork.

Cover the steel mesh with a layer of decorative garden pebbles.

Adjust the flow rate so that water sprays/flows into the reservoir.

Choosing the correct pump really depends on what your intentions are. With such a wide range of water feature pumps available, it will certainly be to your benefit to doing a little research on which pump will suit your water feature.

One final note, as we know water and electricity are a potentially lethal combination, so when conecting our new feature to the mains don't forget to make sure that any mains supply to the garden is protected by an RCD, preferably at the house fuse box.

Sit back, admire your new water feature and relax in your garden. Job well done!

UK Water Features has a huge range of garden summer essentials ranging from garden lighting, garden buildings, bbq's and water features. 

By now we all know that adding a water feature to our gardens dramatically enhances the overall look and feel of the garden. Now many water features are coming with built in lights. Simply by placing one or two LED lights inside the water feature offer you a new world of exciting shadows and reflections from a once dim and glum corner of your garden.

   Garden water features with lights are a perfect addition to an area of your  garden that tends to lack a little light at night. Simply by placing the water  feature in the desired corner will dramatically enhance the effect the water  feature has on your garden. Most lit water features are provided with a low  voltage LED or hologen bulbs that offer the perfect amount of light to bounce off  the shimmering water to create a very unique effect.

 What is the difference between LED and Halogen bulbs?

 In all fairness there is not that much of a difference between the two. LED (light  emmiting diode) lights produce light when an electrical current is run in an arc  pattern between two electrodes. Halogen lights produce light by heating up a  tungsten filament. That is probably the bigest difference between the two. LED  lights will gernerally last much longer than halogen lights. Halogen lights typically last for anywhere between 2,000 and 6,000 hours. Finally, halogen bulbs tend to be a little less expensive. Something to consider when deciding on which of the two.

All water features are child safe so there is no need to worry about the little ones. If you are sat there thinking that the addition of all this lighting to a water feature must mean that the install is going to be a nightmare..well no, not really. The install is so simple and in fact is no different to a regular watefeature without any lights. You simply unpack the water feature, remove the packaging, place it where you feel you will get the most satisfaction or where you feel that it will complement your garden the most, run a wire to the mains, plug in and enjoy a beautifully lit garden water feature.

Some of the more popular garden water features with interior lights are the Friendship Fountain, the Harmony Fountain and the Arched column Bowls all by Kelkay. These water features offer the perfect amount of light to complement any garden.

UK Water Features has over 3500 products online, with over 1000 water features. 

With the advancements in technology you can now enjoy the relaxing ambiance of a water feature in your very own back garden completely hassle free. Solar water features are a great way for you to enhance the general look and feel of your garden without having to worry about installation or wires.

How do solar powered water features actually work?

The word 'solar' means something that feeds on the energy from the sun, so in the terms that we are discussing here the water features are powered by the sun.

The diagram below demonstrates how the sun can power general appliances. What happens is that the sun hits what we call a solar panel which will store and transfer the energy from the sun to your appliances, or in our case our water features.

By using the sun as an energy source for your water features this essentially means free energy to you. You will be able to power your waterfeatures completely free of charge. Sounds good, but what is the catch? you ask. Well there really isn't one. It is a fantastic advancement in technology that is certainly catching around the world. From powering small appliances such as a fan in your home to larger objects like your entire home or office building to even powering airplanes and boats. As time goes by the technology advances as does the demand for this increasing popular, solar power.

Garden water features are certainly not a thing of the past; there is still a massive demand however there are now thousands of beautiful designs available as solar powered garden features. Perfect for the environmentally friendly consumers who wish to reduce their carbon footprint.

Installing a solar powered water feature in your garden is as simple as 1, 2, and 3.

1. Open your new water feature from its packaging and remove all protective wrapping

2. Place your water feature in an area of your garden that you know receives a good portion of daylight (it is not recommended to place your solar water feature in a completely shaded area of your garden)

3. Fill with water, and enjoy!

Here are some beautiful examples:

UK Water Features has a huge selection of water features, garden ornaments, garden furniture, garden lights, aggregates and BBQ's please feel free to stop by our online store.

This year’s Chelsea Flower Show has gotten off to a great start. Yesterday was opening day at the show and while many of us sat and watched the event on the television there were some lucky people who were able to get their hands on some tickets for the event. It was nice to see that for the 9th year in a row, Yorkshire was represented as one of the featured gardens.

'The Leeds Garden' was on show down in London yesterday and attracted thousands of spectators who were influenced by this magnificent garden design.

Description of garden

A slice of Yorkshire in Chelsea, a stone mill house complete with waterwheel is surrounded by semi-naturalistic planting, evoking old industrial Leeds. With areas of dry and damp shade the planting is more tamed and 'gardened' close to the building and, as you get further away, increasingly wild containing native species which will support local flora and fauna. An old boundary wall with ferns tucked into the stonework and large loniceras cloaking other boundary surfaces make this an intimate space which appears to have been here for years and that's Martin's aim, through sound, sight and scent, to create an atmosphere of days gone by. However it's not just looking to the past when the power of water built cities like Leeds, but also the future and water's potential role in the supply of sustainable energy.-BBC

The designer of the garden was influenced with his deisgn by the his love for his home town and heritage. Watermills were directly referenced as reference point for the design. The use of the watermill is a fantastic idea to create a unique water feature within this creative garden design.

List of plants planned to feature in garden

Geranium robertianum - Herb robert

Geranium macrorrhizum - Big-root Crane's bill

Menyanthes trifoliata - Bogbean

Myosotis scorpioides - Water forget-me-not

Primula bulleyana - Bulley's primrose (candelabra primulas)

Crataegus monogyna - Hawthorn

Acer campestre - Field maple

Alchemilla mollis - Lady's mantle

Lychnis flos-cuculi 'White Robin'

Thuja plicata - western red cedar

Viburnum opulus - guelder rose

Everyone here at UK Water Features wishes Paul Ackroyd and Martin Walker the designers of the Leeds Garden this year at the Chelsea Flower Show the best of luck.

Today sees the offical start of the Chelsea Flower Show (24th-28th May). It is a highly significant event in the gardening world where millions of people come together for 5 days to both celebrate the highest quality horticulture and view some of the amazing gardens and features that are on display. Hosted by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in the grounds of the Rotal Hospital Chelsea in London, it is widly considered to be the most famous show in the United Kingdom, infact it could possibly be the most famous gardening event across the globe. The event plays a crucial role for the social scene throughout London and is hugely anticipated throughout the year.

With the show being such a large event, there are many designated areas of interest. One of the more popular parts of the Chelsea Flower show include the 'show gardens' which are designed entirely by some of the top names in the garden design industry. This year sees several of the 'show gardens' featuring various water features. A popular trend this year seems to be in the inclusion of stainless steel water feature. The event really is great time of the year for both spectators and businesses. While it is a ticket only event the BBC televise the entire show for the enjoyment of the garden fanatics who prefer to enjoy the event from the comfort of their own home. It certainly will be very interesting to see how the week unfolds.

The programming time are as follows:

Evening programmes
Sunday 22 May 18:15 - 19:00 on BBC One
Monday 23 May 19:30 - 20:00 on BBC One and 20:00 - 21:00 on BBC Two
Tuesday 24 May 20:00 - 21:00 on BBC Two
Wednesday 25 May 20:30 - 22:00 on BBC Two
Thursday 26 May 20:00 - 21:00 on BBC Two
Friday 27 May 20:00 - 21:30 on BBC Two
Saturday 28 May 19:30 - 20:00 on BBC Two
Sunday 29 May TBC on BBC One

Daytime programmes
Monday 23 - Friday 27 May 2011 12:30 - 13:00 on BBC One

If you are not familiar with Henri Studio water features then this will be a really interesting read. There is a overwhelming sense of elegance that a Henri Studio water feature brings to one’s garden. With a company with a brand like Henri Studio's there is no wonder that these water features are one of the most sought after centre pieces in many gardens across the globe.

Tuscany, in central Italy, is known for its olive oil, wines and beautiful scenery. It is also the cultural heart of Italy. Centurineri  Prosperi, the founder of Henri Studio came from this area, but emigrated to the United States more than sixty years ago.

A sculptor in cast stone and marble, Prosperi brought his rich heritage of old world artistry to America and began a small business in the basement of his home. Early on he developed a method of combing time honoured sculpting techniques with stone casting technology, enabling him to mass produce extremely durable, artisan quality statuary and cast stone creations.

Today more than 40 years later Henri Studios is the world’s largest manufacturer and designer of fountains and garden décor.

Henri Studio has built up a worldwide reputation for quality, durability and original design. Some of the key characteristics of a Henri Studio water fountain are their exciting and original designs, the rich sculptured detail that goes into each piece, the efficiency and reliability of the fountains and lastly the quality of the materials used in each features is guaranteed to be of the finest and purest quality that will stand the test of time.

Henri Studio fountains are all manufactured in their 125,000 square foot state of the art factory in Wauconda Illinois, in the United States of America.

One of the more popular fountains from henri studios is the Low Equinox Fountain Water Feature, a fantastic water feature. Check out the video below to see the beauty of the Low Equinox Fountain.

Adding a fountain to your garden is a great way to increase the overall look of your garden, creating a unique focal point or centre piece to your garden. Henri Studio offers a wide range of different designs that are sure to suit any garden of any size. With products ranging from large and luxurious such as the Grande Kensington Three Tier Fountain in Toscana Pool to the smaller yet just as beautiful such as the Alfresco Fountain.

These fountains are certainly a step above the rest in terms of quality, design and engineering.

Well spring flying by, summer is almost here. So now is the time to start preparing your garden for the outdoor season. With all the features and garden accessories out there it may be worth just highlighting the top 5 essentials for your garden this summer. 

#1 BBQ: It would not be summer without a barbeque. Whether it is gas, charcoal or masonry bbq they are certainly an essential part of any garden this summer especially is you are thinking of entertaining guest this summer. Hosting a bbq can be a great social event, a great way to bond with new neighbours, meet new people or bring the family all back together. 

#2 Garden furniture: well there is no use in entertaining people with a lovely bbq, if they have nowhere to sit.  Garden furniture not only provides a comfortable seating area for guests it also provides a great visual element to any garden. With the harsh winters that we have over here in the UK it is essential to have garden furniture that is resistant to the harmful elements. Cast aluminium or pressure treated teak are great examples of heavy duty garden furniture. However, realativly new to the furniture market is the maintainence free weave furniture. It is resistant to UV, chlorinated water and sea water, high and low temperatures, micro organisms, and body lotions. Viro® is extremely durable and colourfast, which means that it is maintenance free and easy to clean (perfect for a hassle free clean up after your guests leave)

#3 Garden Lighting: You do not want to have to bring the party inside when the sun goes down. Illuminating your garden is a great way to add a sleek and holiday resort feel to your back garden or patio area. Garden lights are also a great way to light up darker areas of your garden or highlight a specific feature on display. Installing garden lights or deck lights are not only for outdoor entertaining. They are also great for personal use. If you enjoy sitting on your back garden on those warm summer nights, relaxing it may be worth thinking about including a few garden lights to help "lighten" the mood and create a peaceful atmosphere. Solar garden lights are becoming more popular in the market. Helping people save money on their bills by providing them with free energy to light their gardens. 

#4 Patio heaters: Not every night this summer is going to be a warm one, so investing in an eco-friendly patio heater to help take away the chill on one of those off nights it certainly a sound investment. A benefit to a outdoor heater is that they are especially beneficial at this time of year. Spring is a great season to sit outdoors, but at night the temperatures tend to plummet making it a little on the chilly side to sit outdoors and enjoy a glass of wine. Patio heaters are also perfect for outdoor entertaining. They provide a focal point where people can sit near and socialize.

#5 Water features: A water feature not only provides a great focal point and visual beauty to your garden. The relaxing sound from the trickling water is a peaceful and mellow sound that gives off a unique ambiance for yourself and your guests to enjoy. Self contained water features are a very simple way to add peace, tranquillity, and interest to your garden or patio. These re-circulating water features set up in minutes, require little ongoing maintenance and incur low operating expenses. It is possible to purchase a self-contained water feature that operates on solar power exclusively. Many of these solar water features are sold with battery backup for use on overcast days. Maintenance of a self-contained water feature consists of using algae and lime scale cleaners as needed. Both of these items are commercially available at reasonable cost.  Similar to the solar garden lights, solar water features are rapidly becoming more popular in the market. For example, the solar powered stainless steel sphere is one of our most popular water features. Stainless Steel water features are perfect for any kind of garden, whether they be contemporary and elegant as well the more traditional looking gardens. Stainless Steel is very simple yet very effective element. I am sure everyone has heard of stainless steel, so I’m not going to sit here and bore you with the long history of the stuff. Instead I am going to quickly tell you about how a stainless steel water feature will become one of your favourite features in your garden.

Stainless steel spheres can create a remarkable visual spectacle in any given environment whether it be your very own back garden or in a large city in the north of England. 

Millennium Square is situated in Sheffield. Located between two of the city’s most popular public spaces, the Peace Gardens and Winter Garden.

What is Millennium Square?

Millennium Square is part of Sheffield’s Heart of the City project, a scheme that has been synonymous with the City’s economic and cultural rebirth since it began in 1998. 

Why is this relevant to stainless steel spheres? Well it actually contains an amazing feature called ‘Rain’. Rain was created by sculptor Colin Rose. The sculpture features nine large Sheffield stainless steel spheres varying in sizes up to 2m in diameter, which were intended to suggest drops of rain that have just landed on the surface of the square. 

The feature truly is an amazing spectacle at night as the flowing water sparkles through the dozens of various colour changing LED lights that are set in the paving as well as into the rim of the pools under each of the steel ball or ‘raindrops’.

The stainless steel spheres in heart of Sheffield city centre forms the central part of an amazing walk, currently being tagged as the ‘Gold Route’. The route begins by taking visitors from Sheffield Railway Station through a series of beautiful new developments each with their own distinctive lighting, public art and water features.

It is possible to recreate this spectacular design on a smaller scale in your very own back garden. Simply adding stainless steel spheres into your garden design will add an elegant and modern look to your garden. The spheres are a simple yet very effective feature. Water flows from the top of the stainless steel sphere before running down the sides into the sump below. The sphere is lit from the top by six bright white LED lights, creating a stunning effect at both dusk and night. Our 100cm stainless steel sphere and our 50cm stainless steel sphere water feature are still two of out most popular water features. 

There are other stainless steel water features that provide the same visual amazement such as stainless steel polished tubes, blades and pyramids. These all provide a great focal point to your garden as the light reflects off of the LED lit water. We need not to forget the ever so popular stainless steel cascade water features also as these have become more and more popular over the years. 

Synthetic resins are materials with a property of interest that is similar to natural plant resins: they are viscous liquids that are capable of hardening permanently.

So, how does this tie into a water feature. Well this is what is used to create the ever so popular resin water features. This particular type of water feature adds a certain natural look to any garden, however are most suited for traditional themed gardens where they can blend with their natural surroundings.

Resin is a lighter easier to maneuver water feature compared to stainless steel, solid rock or even slate water features. making this a perfect addition to anyones garden who frequently likes a change. Essentially this resin, or pollyresin can be molded to create almost any shape or design. With the durability of the material, detail of the water features is so precise a very realistic water feature can be created such as our most popular resin water feature is the affection fountain or the Medium Granite Three Bowl.

A thing to consider if you are thinking of purchasing a resin water feature or even if you already have one is getting yourself a protective cover. Especially during the cold winter months it is essential that your resin water feature is drained and covered to protect it from these cold winters.

First off, a big congratulations to Collette for winning the Small Column and Sphere Stainless Steel Water Feature. It's on it's way.

With the overwhelming success of the first competition, we are at it again!!  This time the prize is even bigger so if you would like to win a beautiful water feature for your garden this spring then guess what? You can!!

Simply log on to our Facebook fan page and tag yourself in the competition feature picture and add us,  or log on to our Twitter page and “retweet” the competition link  that is floating around and follow us in order to be automatically entered to the drawing.

Please note, both requirements need to be met in order to be entered.

Facebook: Tag and Add

Twitter: Retweet and Follow

The Cascade Stainless Steel Water Feature is what that we are awarding the winner and it is truly a beautiful feature. We decided that there was not much point in hiding the prize till the end of the competition simply because it is an amazing prize and you really need to take a look at what you could win. 

Good luck to everyone, Entries accepted till 30/04/2011 and the winner will be announced on Monday 01/05/2011

Don’t forget to tell your friends!

The sound of flowing water can be a very relaxing and mellow sound for many. For some people the sound of flowing water can trigger a childhood memory or a favourite sound from the past. When we sit there and relax to the sound of flowing water, we can think back to sitting on a beach listening to the ocean, or sat relaxing in the countryside by a slow flowing stream. It is possible to re-create these sounds with water features that are simple plug and admire features or straight from the box. However, with the advances in modern technology, we can now re-create a much more realistic and personal water feature experience with custom built water features.

The beauty of a custom built water feature in your garden is that it is suitable for all budgets. It is possible to have a magnificent looking custom built water feature even on a smaller budget. When all said and done, the idea of a custom water feature is to be completely unique and personal. You basically can create a water feature the way you want it. Custom built water features are also perfect for garden designs, restaurants, office space and building projects.

When starting from scratch is a good rule of thumb to determine our overall budget for the project. Weigh up the list of items that you are going to be needing to create your water feature. For example, you will need a good quality water pump, basin materials such as plastic tubs, buckets, stoneware or the whole kit which includes the statuary and pump. It may also be worth considering a pump with adjustable water flow. As you can see there is a wide range of choice and it all depends on your overall budget and what it is that you want your water feature to do.

For a lot of people, the simple out of the box water features is exactly what they are looking for. After all these water features are simple to install, require minimal time and effort you are able to visually see the water feature prior to installing it. However, there are some people who prefer to be unique. They prefer to have a water feature that holds a personal touch or personal connection. Purchasing the parts one by one to create that unique water feature can be a fun and fulfilling experience. To see the final outcome of their perfect water feature will certainly provide them with a great sense of achievement.

Once your water feature is up and running you may want to consider decorating around the feature to hide any sort of working parts from the human eye. Adding a few garden ornaments or statuary to hide working parts is a simple yet very effective tip. Then you can just sit back and enjoy your new custom built focal point in your garden.

There are not many of us that know much about Cretan Pots, where they came from or how they first originated however what we do know is that they look simply beautiful in our gardens. The add a very stylsih and unique focal point to any garden design.

So, where do they originally come from?
Their heritage dates back to the infamous Greek civilization of the Minoans over 4000 years ago. Traditional techniques are still be used today by the potters from the Thrapasano region of Crete. The use of the traditional techniques are emphasized to make pots and pithoi (Pithos (plural pithoi) originally referred to a large storage jar of a characteristic shape. The word was at one point used by western classical archaeologists to mean the jars uncovered by excavation in Crete and Greece; it has now been taken into the American English language as a general word for a storage jar from any culture).

The creators take exceptional amount of pride when they create these wonderful pieces. A genuine 100% authentic Cretan Pot will be completely handmade, making each pot very unique. Essentially the pots are all made from local clay which is carefully sourced from various surrounding mountain areas and then hand thrown on the wheels which are then heated in a special kernel at over 1150c. Even 4000 years ago they were thinking about economically friendly ways as the kernels all use the islands olive harvest to fuel the blazing fires. Because of the ridiculously high temperatures that the kernels it helps guarantee exceptional quality, durability. Back in the day, these large pithoi pots were used for storing olive oil, wine and honey etc whilst the smaller pots stored olives, pickles, cheese and salt and so on.

Well, there is a little history lesson for all of you who were really wondering where these magnificent pots originated.

Many Cretan Pots are now available as a water feature for your garden, so they add that extra wow factor. Our most popular Cretan Pot is the Demeter Cretan Pot which is a stunning water feature that is 100% hand thrown and frost proof terracotta cretan self contained water feature made to the highest quality.

It truly is amazing that after all these years; we are still including them in our gardens today. 100% handmade Cretan pots are a brilliant and stunning addition to any garden design whether they are a contemporary or traditional designed garden a Cretan pot will add a brilliant focal point. Oh, and now after reading this blog you will be able to sit in your garden and show off your knowledge about Cretan pots next time you have people over for a glass of wine or two now that these lighter and warmer spring nights are sweeping in.

UK Water Features

Well with what looks like the worst of the cold grim winter weather behind us, and the fresh spring weather sweeping in now might be a good time to do a spot of water feature “spring cleaning”.

The harsh winter weather may have paid a toll this year on your water features. While you were in doors sat by a toasty fire all winter, your water features were outdoors in the cold wintery snow.  A properly designed and built water feature will suffer no weather issues so as it is maintained properly beforehand. However if you are an owner of water fountain of any sort, and your water feature was left all winter uncovered by a winter protector then you may notice some minor cracks in the actual feature. This could have happened for a variety of reasons with the main one being a water feature which was not been correctly covered causing the water inside to expand which has caused the water feature to crack.  

If you are wondering what to do with the water in the feature before winter, the best option is to completely drain it. Once it is fully drained then use a suitable water feature protection cover to cover as much of the surface as possible, preventing any cracks.

If you are unfortunate and do stumble on a few hairline cracks in your water feature, they may well be fixable with a few easy steps and a little patience. The use of a sealant called epoxy may be able to repair any small hairline cracks.  

If your water feature has picked up a few leaks over the winter season, there is no need to worry. Simply get your hands on some sort of spray seal. What this does is simply heals over where there is a leak. The spray seals are perfect for fixing any sort of minor leaks from any gaskets or pipes from the horrendous winter month’s wear and tear. Good thing is, is that they will repair cracks or leaks in just about anything. Essentially you are doing the job of an experienced repair man. Usually there are two types available, one being black and the other being clear. Generally the black spray is used for interior leaks and the clear spray is for exterior leaks. This is simply due to the visibility of the sprays. 

Algae are another water feature damaging element that you need to avoid. This is the time of year where algae will start to grow. With the temperatures increasing this provides a perfect breeding environment for this bacterium. 

What is algae you ask? Well, Algae are a large and diverse group of eukaryotic (complex-celled) photosynthetic organisms. The green algae are primitive members of kingdom Plantae, though other types of algae are outside the kingdom entirely. Land plants evolved from green algae about 500 million years ago. The algae are a paraphyletic group, meaning they did not descend from a common ancestor. Algal groups have independently evolved several times in life on Earth, representing a beneficial strategy adopted by parallel evolutionary paths. (Just a little science and history for you).

A simple way to prevent this nasty bacteria forming is the use of an algae stopper. Simply spraying your water feature with this repellent will aid in preventing algae from growing.  A few key things to consider when using an algae stopper are that they are not suitable for fish or other marine life; they are not harmful to birds or any other animals and will also prevent a slime build up inside your water feature.

So remember not to worry if you do notice a small crack in your water feature. Take the appropriate action and don’t forget to cover it next year when the temperatures drop again, but let’s not think about the cold weather summer is next!

UK Water Features

This Wednesday sees the official closure of our showroom which has seen thousands of customers through its doors since opening in May 2008. With the growth of our mail order business and plans for the future we made the decision last year to close the showroom and continue to expand our warehouse and distribution facility.

Whilst the showroom closes we still plan to have a small shop where items can be collected from. (Please check stocks before visiting the shop as we have several warehouses in various locations).

Our Firework and Christmas Shop will also re-open this year bigger and better with a new range and even more special offers.

By the end of 2011 we aim to have over 5,000 products in our range. Whilst we continue to be one of the largest online water feature websites we also have a whole host of other products including; pond pumps, pond lighting, fountains, garden lighting, gas and masonry barbecues, wooden garden buildings, trampolines, swing sets, play sets, pest control and garden DIY gadgets.

Correct me if I am wrong but don't we all want a beautiful looking garden, full of life, colour with a peaceful, calm ambiance where we can sit, relax and enjoy this lovely weather? Sometimes we just sit there and think that something is missing, something that will provide your garden with that 'wow' factor or a real focal point. There are many water fountains out there on the market these days but none of them possess a beauty quite like a stainless steel water feature.  

Stainless Steel water features are perfect for any kind of garden, whether they be contemporary and elegant as well the more traditional looking gardens. Stainless Steel is very simple yet very effective element. I am sure everyone has heard of stainless steel, so I’m not going to sit here and bore you with the long history of the stuff. Instead I am going to quickly tell you about how a stainless steel water feature will become one of your favourite features in your garden.

A question that you are all probably thinking, why is a stainless steel water feature perfect for my garden? Well in all honestly not only do these fabulous water features provide fascinating reflections with light shinning in through the shimmering water both day and night they are exceptionally easy to maintain. Compared to other stone or resin where you need a brush to clean to the thing, the stainless steel features are very easy to clean and polish. I know I would much rather spend my time relaxing in the garden than sat on the floor cleaning a fountain all day for me only to have to do again in a several days later. Stainless steel is a durable long lasting metal that is free from rust. This is key, especially because this is a water feature after all!

A great example of a stainless steel water feature is the spheres. The stainless steel sphere are by far one of the bestselling water features as they are simply beautiful to look at and fit in with just about any sort of garden. They are exceptionally easy to install and as mentioned above, they are incredibly easy to maintain with a simple cleaning cloth. Check out this video to see how beautiful these features really are.

Some stainless steel water features can be placed in small ponds while others are free standing and self-contained. Stainless Steel water features can be placed in stainless steel reservoirs and pebble grids, to help keep your garden clean and tidy. When the garden is not in use, stainless steel water feature pumps can be shut off by remote control, to avoid wasting power.

With many different styles of stainless steel water features already available there is even a solar sphere range. You really are spoilt for choice. The only major decision you have to make is, which one you want!

Spring has finally arrived! We are only in the first week of spring however the sun is out, the weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer. As we are all sat here thinking about what we want to do to our gardens this year, it may be a good idea to spare a thought for solar power .

 Over the next several months, the days are going to be getting longer and longer, meaning there will be more daylight for a greater period of time. What does this mean to you? Well, if you are using the power of the sun to power your water features or even your garden lighting you will be benefiting from free energy. Okay, so if you are now sat there thinking, "how on earth do I get free energy? Nothing is free these days!" Well in simple terms the use of a solar powered water feature like the Solar Powered Stainless Steel Ball or a set of our Smart Solar Post Lights will sit in the daylight all day charging (gathering energy). Your garden water feature will run all day, at no cost to you. It will then run through the night by using the energy that it has stored during the day.  Whereas your solar powered lights will turn on when the sun goes down. No need for light timers, no need to flick any switches. As soon as the sun goes down your lights will come on. Simple. They use the energy that they have stored from the hours of light throughout the day.

With cost of electricity on the rise and a desire to have a well-lit beautiful looking garden full of various water features and garden ornaments more and more people have turned to solar power over the last year or so. With the popularity of solar power increasing weekly, people aren't stopping at powering just their gardens and are now looking into powering their entire home. Why not? the benefits of solar power are brilliant, I mean who doesn't want to save money? 

Solar powered features not only save you money on electricity bills, however they are very simple to install as they require no cables! All you need to do are two things, place your new feature in an area where there is daylight and sit back and enjoy the benefits of solar power.

Proud of your home or garden features? Then then this months monthly prize draw is a great chance for you to show everyone all your hard work.  There is a crate of wine available to the lucky winner this month.  

If you would like to be automatically entered into our monthly prize draw then please send over a picture of our water features, garden ornaments or any other features that you feel are prize winning placements in your home or garden.

Send an Email to us with your pictures, follow us on Facebook and post your pictures to our wall or follow us on Twitter and tweet your pictures to us.

The winner will be announced at the end of the month, good luck to you all!

With spring coming up now is the time to start putting your water feature ideas into place. If you are looking to add something new to your garden this spring, then the addition of a preformed pond is a simple yet effective water feature to think about.

Adding a preformed pond to your garden not only adds a little beauty or 'wow factor'  to your garden it also adds to the value of your home. The Rainworth Starter Pond is a simple, instant pond for your garden. With the preformed starter pond there is no need for pond liners as they are made from strong durable plastic. You simply just need to dig a hole and customize it with any accessories to give it the complete look.

If you are looking for a quick fix for your garden or a simple upgrade this spring then a preformed pond is especially effective and is ideal for creating a pond like habitat in your garden.

Spring is just around the corner and now is the time to start thinking about your garden. If you are looking to add something completely different and unique this season then the addition of a custom made water feature will certainly set your garden apart from others. Adding a water feature will generate a peaceful ambiance in your garden. After all your garden is a place where many of you go to relax after a long week. A place where you want to sit back, relax and admire.

From a winding water stream to a large stainless steel or glass water feature, the addition of a custom water feature to your garden will set a unique focal point to build your garden around. Emphasize your new water feature by adding a set of solar lights to bring your feature to life at night.

If you are looking for something completely unique, or you have a design in mind to fit a perfect space we can design and build a custom made water feature for you. Get creative, as almost anything is possible! Give us a call to tell us about your design ideas, we would love to hear from you. Or why not tell us your ideas on Facebook or Twitter. If you already have one of our custom built water features in your garden then please post a picture for your chance to win a crate of wine in our monthly prize draw.

Water features add a sense of calm to space both in the home and around the garden. When deciding on which feature to place outside one of the biggest problems can be locating a power source to the area of the garden where the fountain is to be enjoyed.

Solar Water Features, remove the need for any power requirements, can be moved around to suit any layout and cost nothing to run as they utilize the suns natural rays.

Most solar water features have a separate solar panel which can be placed in the garden where you get the majority of the day time sun. As soon as the sun comes out the feature will come to life.

As technology develops several solar features now have "On Demand" technology. This technology stores power during the day meaning that when the sun sets the feature can be turned on and enjoyed into the early hours. From our range of ‘Smart' fountains the Buddha Solar Water Feature, and Pitcher Cascade, both use the new technology.

UK Water Features, have a large range of solar powered garden water features and fountains along with solar fountain pumps and garden lighting.

A self-contained water feature is a simple way to add peace, tranquillity, and interest to your garden or patio. These recirculating water features set up in minutes, require little ongoing maintenance and incur low operating expenses. It is possible to purchase a self-contained water feature that operates on solar power exclusively. Many of these solar water features are sold with battery backup for use on overcast days. Maintenance of a self-contained water feature consists of using algae and limescale cleaners as needed. Both of these items are commercially available at reasonable cost.

Water features are a lovely addition to any garden or patio. Self-contained water features offer the same effect as more labour-intensive landscaped water features. The simplicity of self-contained water features makes them an excellent choice for busy individuals who wish to have an area of tranquillity within their garden. Additionally, self-contained water features are simple to set up and to take down. This makes them ideal for those who rent their dwelling, as self-contained water features are easily portable. In the event of freezing weather, it is simple to drain and cover a self-contained water feature to protect it from damage.

In summary, the simplicity of self-contained water features cannot be overstated. They are quick and easy to set up and to take down and simple to maintain, making them an ideal addition to any garden or patio.

UK Water features are a leading water features offering a large range of solar, self contained, indoor and fountain products

Solar water features are a great way to conserve both financial as well as ecological resources. Due to improvements in design, modern solar water features are designed to operate in climates that have historically been off-limits to solar power. Solar panels can collect power even on cloudy days, thus saving the owner the cost of powering the water feature. By allowing the pump to run continuously at no cost to the owner, solar water features prevent stagnation. This, in turn, helps to reduce algae buildup. This reduction in algae buildup also creates cost savings in the form of decreased expenditure on commercial algae cleaning products.

With the advent of solar water features that possess removable solar panels, it is even possible to locate a solar water feature in a garden that does not ever receive direct sunlight. Simply place the solar water feature on a level spot in the garden, fill with water, and then locate the solar panel in an area that receives adequate direct sunlight. The power is then fed back to the solar water feature, allowing the owner to design the garden to their specifications while still harnessing the energy of the sun for power.

In summary, solar water features grant owners cost savings on both power and cleaning products. This cost savings makes solar water features an ideal addition to any garden.

UK water features offer a large range of water features, click to view our shop for more on our product range.

For those who are trying to live a green lifestyle, a solar water feature is an ideal landscaping solution. These water features are designed to operate in climates that do not always have copious amounts of direct sunlight. There is nothing greener than allowing Mother Nature to power your garden water feature.

Choices abound in the solar water feature market. One of the most novel solutions offered in the solar water feature market is that of the removable solar panel. Purchasing a solar water feature with a removable solar panel allows the owner to place the solar panel in an area that receives significant direct sunlight even if the water feature itself does not receive adequate direct sunlight. This allows the owner more choice in where to locate the solar water feature within the garden.

By recirculating water, solar water features conserve water while also saving money. Harnessing the energy of the sun to power the water feature allows the owner to constantly recirculate the water at absolutely no cost. By keeping the water moving, the solar water feature reduces algae growth and thus reduces the need for algae removal products. This reduction in chemical use makes solar water features an excellent and earth-friendly green choice.

In summary, solar water features create a lovely and tranquil oasis while still being an entirely green choice for eco-conscious gardeners.

For a large range of wall fountains, indoor, self contained and solar water features, please visit our shop

If you are trying to create a serene and tranquil area in your garden but are short on time, a self contained water feature is the ideal choice. Creating a peaceful spot by locating a self contained water feature in your garden takes only minutes. Gone are the days when you needed an engineering degree and an endless supply of free time to create a water feature in your garden. Simply choose your desired location, level the ground, place the water feature on the spot and fill with water. The beauty of these self contained water features is that require little maintenance once they have been set up. Simply treat your water feature for algae and limescale as needed using commercially available products.

If you do not have a garden, you can place a self contained water feature on your patio or even inside of your home. Self contained water features come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes including statues, above ground ponds, and free standing waterfalls. Solar powered self contained water features are easy to obtain and provide for a water feature that not only sets up in minutes but that costs nothing to operate. Such water features often possess battery backup for those bleak days when solar power is not practical.

In summary, a self contained water feature sets up in minutes, costs nothing to run if it is solar powered, and requires little ongoing maintenance. It is a quick and simple way to create a lovely spot in your garden.

For a massive range of water features in the UK, then visit our shop pages!

If you are going to be enhancing your garden with a solar water feature, you need to establish how often you would prefer to use it. It is totally fine if you plan to run your solar water feature only on sunny days, but if you are planning to run it on days when it is cloudy, I’d suggest you to also purchase a battery pack. By adding a battery pack, you will be able to use your water feature whenever you would like to. If your solar water feature is not going to be installed in direct sunlight, it is recommended you attach a solar panel in order to receive an adequate amount of sunlight to power the water feature.

When it comes to choosing a water feature, they come in many different varieties. For those of you that are deciding on the type of water feature you want, they are available in terra cotta, slate, stone resin, copper and ceramic. The best solar water feature to choose is the one that can function in climate for your area. Many types of water features, like stone or ceramic, will crack in extreme cold temperatures. The best type of water feature to use in cold climates is metal and resin. Also, to ensure your solar water feature is protected during the winter, you will have to remove it when it is cold and put it somewhere like the garage.

For an indepth range of water features please visit our site

As a busy person, you will find a self contained water feature to be an ideal choice for your garden or patio. Sold in many shapes and sizes, these water features set up in minutes. Self contained water features allow busy people to add an interesting and peaceful area to a garden or patio while necessitating minimal expenditure of time and effort. Above ground ponds are a particularly useful self contained water feature. Requiring no more than a level spot to sit on, these ponds set up in minutes but provide instant peace and tranquility to any garden.

As self contained water features are recirculating, they are quite simple to clean and maintain. Occasional use of an algae stopper is necessary to prevent the water in your water feature from turning an unpleasant shade of green. If hard water is an issue in your area, you will need to occasionally employ a limescale cleanser to prevent buildup in your water feature. If you expect freezing temperatures, it is best to drain your self contained water feature and take it indoors if at all possible. If this is not possible, you can purchase a cover for your water feature to protect it from the freezing temperatures.

In summary, if you are a busy person, purchasing a self contained water feature will allow you to add a tranquil area to your garden without forcing you to spend countless hours installing and maintaining this valuable addition to your landscaping. A self contained water feature is truly the ideal choice for busy people.

To make your garden especially lovely for the warmer spring and summer months, you can consider using pond lighting. The pond lighting can be used in the most important parts of the garden to accentuate the look. Most people can only admire a garden in the daytime, but there's no reason why it can't also be beautiful in the night.

Pond lighting is available in more than one way. There are underwater lights, solar lights, floating garden lanterns, and lighting around the pond. For a more subtle and warm effect, the underwater lights would be the best choice. The floating lanterns also give off a low light to just illuminate the pond and the surrounding garden areas. Sold in sets of two or four, you can also purchase filters to make them change colour for an even more beautiful appearance.

If you choose to have brighter lights, spotlights with or without colours would be perfect. Just one single bright light across the pond will have a dramatic and exotic effect that everyone will enjoy. These spotlights mainly come in singles or sets of three or four.

For a very stunning outdoor look, your pond can have both the submerged lights and the spotlights to create a unique and dazzling show of colours. This may sound like too much, but with just the right amount of light, your pond will become just as beautiful in the evening as it is in the bright sunshine.

Stainless steel is a practical and beautiful material for garden water features. It is durable, easy to clean, and resists algae growth. Stainless steel is much easier to clean than traditional concrete, which both algae and moss tend to grow on. It is so much more enjoyable to spend countless hours walking in your garden viewing stainless steel water features than it is to spend all your time cleaning stone and concrete water features with brushes.

The beauty of stainless steel is in its reflective shimmering quality which is brought out by the shimmering water flowing over its surface. Wet stainless sparkles in the sun, and reflects the shapes and colours around it, with a glorious brightness and lustre. Stainless steel water features can be exceptionally beautiful, in a contemporary garden.

Stainless water features comes in a variety of finishes, styles and sizes. Orbs and cylinders are very popular forms, but there are also basins with spray founts, series of bowls and basins, and even cubes. Freeform modern stainless sculptures are an attractive alternative as well.

Some stainless steel water features can be placed in small ponds while others are free standing and self contained. Stainless Steel water features can be placed in stainless steel reservoirs and pebble grids, to help keep your garden clean and tidy. When the garden is not in use, stainless steel water feature pumps can be shut off by remote control, to avoid wasting power.

There are few events more exciting for a gardener than the Chelsea Flower Show. Where else can you go to one place and see thousands of beautiful, perfectly maintained flowers and plants? It is impossible for any gardener to go to the Chelsea Flower Show and not walk away feeling more inspired and ready to improve perk up their personal garden.

For those not familiar, the Chelsea Flower Show, officially The Great Spring Show is a yearly event held over the course of 5 days held by the Royal Horticulture Society and located in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in Chelsea, London. The Chelsea Flower show is a sight to see with vibrant coloured flowers, stunning landscaping and lovely planting. It attracts over 150.000 visitors that come to soak up inspiration and take home ideas for their own garden.

The 2010 winner of the Best Courtyard Garden was ‘Music On The Moors’ exhibited by the Two Moors Festival and was the perfect balance between nature and landscaping.  There was a fantastic water feature representing a trickling stream that was flowing over a beautiful piece of Dartmoor granite into a pool. Christina Williams, who designed the garden, described how the sound of the water was a metaphor for music and features heavily in the mood of her garden. The serene and tranquil ambience created in this courtyard garden must have worked for the judges to receive the gold award. 

Using clever mirrors and reflections from contemporary designed water features can make your garden look bigger as well as enchanting. Mirrors are used in many modern buildings such as supermarkets, apartments, and gardens all over the world to make them look better, contemporary and also larger.

In the modern UK housing market space is at a premium and many gardens and outside spaces are smaller and compact. People find that if these spaces feel too cramped they are unable to enjoy the space to the full.  In such cases adding a contemporary chrome or stainless steel water feature will take up space but actually makes the garden feel larger.  It will give the mind a sensory focus, the light reflected by the water as well as the materials used in the feature and the sounds of the water bubbling or trickling will instantly relax a busy or stressed mind.

When enhancing the space of a garden you need to make sure that mirrors reflect the most attractive aspects of your outside space. This will help make mirrors bounce back the natural light that helps illuminate the features of your garden.

Mirrors are even used to balance out walls that aren't level or to create a fake window. This same concept can help take an unattractive fence and make it into something truly breathtaking. Gardens are unique to the individual and are often an expression of their owners.

There are many Eco-friendly water features that utilise recycled rainwater for ponds and garden watering. Recycled rainwater protects the environment by not tapping into external water supplies. Using rainwater conserves water and energy. Water conservation is accomplished because only a minimal amount of water is used. Conserving water and relying on solar power to nourish plants and flowers in your garden is a good way to help preserve the environment.

Another way to use the power of the sun and recycled rainwater is to install an environmentally friendly solar water fountain. Solar water fountains enhance the natural beauty of the garden setting and in general they bring a touch of panache to any outdoor area. These fountains have built in solar panels, which converts sunlight into energy. Solar water foundations add a calm and tranquil element to gardens, there is something very blissful about listening to natural sounds of water flow.

There are many different types of Eco-friendly solar water features, including using a solar pond pump. Solar pumps use recycled water and natural energy to constantly refresh the water flowing into your pond. Solar energy supplies enough power to efficiently operate and maintain the pond’s filter. The filter pumps in fresh rainwater, the water is treated and cleansed with oxygen. The clean water is then pumped back into the pond.

With cold temperatures and the snow of winter, are you looking ahead to spring and planning your garden? If so here are a few great tips on how to make it beautiful and be the envy of your neighbours. Gardens need to look great and provide serenity to those who enjoy the outdoors when it is warm. This is where adding a water feature to your gardens come in handy.

A water garden surrounded by landscaping timbers and flowers gives off a feeling of being somewhere exotic if landscaped the right way. Gardeners can replicate waterfalls by building up their land so that the water cascades like a real waterfall. Add a few different colour water lights underneath and surrounding the bottom of the pond where the water flows down to is a great idea. Have a patio area set up nearby and you can have cookout at night or just sit out under the stars and enjoy friends and family.

Along with your waterfall garden, you should plant lots of water flowers and plants to accent the look you are trying to achieve with your garden. Place a few outdoor candles along side of the pond and light them at night to add extra glow and give your garden the feeling of being on holiday all year round.

There are many ways to decorate your garden in the spring, but none is better than having a water garden to adore through the warmer months.

UKWaterFeatures.com offer ideas on garden design and landscaping and sell the UK's largest range of water featues and garden products

If your garden needs a little something extra to spice up its appearance, consider the possibilities of a cheap and really beautiful water feature. For just a little money you could add a peaceful and calming water feature to your garden and exponentially enhance its appearance.

One really common and easy way to do this is by incorporating an old wooden barrel or a retired garden pot. Most gardeners have access to some decent sized gardening pots and could easily use one of these. If you’re interested in a something a little larger and maybe more unique, try to get your hands on an old wooden barrel; most wineries sell these or you can look online to see where a cheap one might be in your area, click here for a range of oak water features.

Recycling an old wooden barrel or garden pot to make a water feature is easier than you think. The first thing you'll need to make sure of is that your barrel or pot is water tight. A wooden barrel will need to be lined with plastic or sealed at each of its seams with epoxy or melted wax, and most pots will only need their drainage hole plugged. Find a nice pump and faucet and attach them accordingly to your barrel or pot. After filling the container with water, plug in your pump and enjoy the heightened ambiance of your transformed garden.

UK Water Features are specialists in water features, fountains and garden furniture

There are certain things that take an outdoor space up to the next level, and a water feature is definitely one of them.

Landscaping companies are more than aware of the perks of a water feature and charge a small fortune for their services. However, it's more than possible for a handy homeowner to build their own bespoke water feature themselves for a fraction of the price.

There are a variety of kits available locally and online, but it's also possible to build a water feature with little more than a basic pump and some other simple supplies.

A water feature consists of a water tight base to hold the water, a pump and hoses for movement and circulation, and rocks, a sculpture or shells for the water to flow over.

Select an optimal spot in the garden. Dig out a bed for the water tight container. Line the hole with liner and insert the container. It should be snug. Arrange the rocks and tubing throughout, creating a pleasing structure. Silicone caulking works well to secure the tubing. When caulking is dry, submerge the pump and hook up the tubing. You now have your own bespoke water feature.

Choose decorative rocks or a sculpture that appeals to you and you will create a work of art that is uniquely yours.

Creating your own water feature at home is as simple as going to the store, pickup a pump and making the water feature yourself. The hardest part in making a water feature is choosing the water pump.

Water pumps are rated by LPH or litres per hour. The trick with choosing the right water pump is to measure accurately the lift you will require. The lift is defined as the number of feet the pump must move water vertically. Lift is measured from the pump to the exit spot of the water. If the pump is submerged one foot and must pump water through a line up a three foot tall statue then the lift is four feet. Most pumps have a grid on their packaging that indicates how many gallons per hour a pump will flow at X number of feet. It is important to choose a pump that is not too small or the water will not rise up the lift and fall. It is equally important not to choose a pump that is too large because the water will shoot beyond the reservoir. The ideal pump should turn over the water volume of the reservoir 3-4 times per hour.

Reservoirs can be constructed out of any material that will hold water. Flexible pond liners work really well. A sturdy plastic or metal screen should be placed over the reservoir and decorative rocks placed on top of the screen. The centre piece of the water feature will also rest on the screen so make sure the screen is stable or a base may be needed for the centre piece. The goal is to keep the water free of debris and the rocks should keep leaves, etc out of the water. The rocks also make it easier to refill the reservoir.

The next step is to connect the water pump with flexible tubing and attach the tubing to the centre piece. If using an open urn type centre piece then fill the urn about 1/4 full with small gravel and use rigid tubing for your uplift.

The rest is up to the designer. Let the creativity be your guide.

~UKWaterFeatures.com

A fountain or outdoor water feature can add aesthetic value to your home and offer a sense of peace and serenity. It can also be relatively inexpensive or a bit of an investment. Either way, you want to make sure that you care for it properly. This means taking the necessary steps to protect your water feature during extreme weather - typically the winter season.

As water freezes, it expands which can cause many types of material to crack. In areas with constant extremely low temperatures, you should remove all the water from your fountain and any small holding areas. Make sure that after it is drained, you turn on the pump and run it for a minute or two to ensure there is no water left standing in the lines.

For water features that don't include fish or live plants, you can use chemicals containing bleach, or a solution such as Algae Stopper to prevent algae from growing year round. During the winter, smaller fountains can be brought indoors, or disassembled and stored in garden shed for the winter. Larger fountains that have been drained should be filled with some type of material to absorb moisture. Old blankets, cloth sacks, or towels work well. Simple netting or a cover made from other materials can be placed over your fountain or pond to help keep debris out that might settle, clogging the pump and any filters. With a few simple preventative measures, your water feature can be kept in top shape and ready for enjoyment in the Spring.

Right now is an excellent time for planning the garden for a new season. While the days are shorter and the weather is cold and wintry, those who love to garden can be doing some dreaming about next year, and getting ideas for items they wish to add. Perhaps a lovely water feature could be chosen and some further landscaping to make the outdoor space more inviting, but it is important to think ahead and plan for spring.

Garden water features vary in design style and function. There could be a small fountain or a pond, but should it be naturalistic or art deco? For the private residence or business, a bit of water gurgling and overflowing into a small pool is so refreshing on those warm spring and summer days. A few well chosen rocks or a rock wall retaining the pool might be desired.

Of course, it is wise to take time when planning a water feature because there are several things to consider like how much space in the yard should be devoted, or just how the pond should lie. Maybe a narrow, disappearing stream would be better than a contained pool. The drainage could be an issue. There are professionals available for advice. Still, fountains and ponds can be inexpensive and yet fabulous additions to gardens.

Maintaining water features throughout the year with the change in weather and season is challenging task. Water can soon get clogged up. It is important to maintain your landscape water element properly for its running. There can be countless problems that can be a result of water features, especially when someone utilizes dirty or contaminated water. Special measures should be taken to solve problem and to avoid trouble.

Basically, two types of algae, string algae and notorious plankton algae affect the pond by making its water green. Sunlight and nutrition are two factors behind their growth. Providing shade to the pond by using above or besides the growth of plant can provide cover to the surface and reduces sunlight to get into it. Use of these covers can stop sun light to get into and thus reduces algae growth. Cleaning of the water timely will reduce the presence of nutrients.

Winter protection covers for fountains are available for outdoor fountains and in ground swimming pool. These covers help to protect these pools from the effect of cruel weather. They are made up of durable material and also have additional feature such as weather resistant surface coating which increases their durability and strength. Algae stopper anti algae treatments are very effective in reducing algae growth. Fountain cleaning products prolong the cleaning period of the fountain and ponds and make cleaning faster to provide fresh water.

If you are looking for the ideal Christmas gift for everyone on your list, check out indoor water features. They are inexpensive and very relaxing for anyone. It is very economical in energy use and takes very little water to make a wonderful focus point in any décor. You can find them at most stores for the home or the office.

For the office water choose a small water fountain with a single plant. It provides a living, moving flow in an environment without natural light. Most office buildings have so many employees, that a desk can be a long distance from the nearest window. A water feature provides a relaxation for the eyes when taken from a computer screen.

If you are looking for a gift for your teenage girl, choose one with fantasy characters or cute animals. The water provides a continuing sound of relaxation so she can focus on homework, solutions to problems or just something fun to break that mood of bored to tears that teens seem to go through.

For the adult you can find water features that will match décor. Check with us for a great range of indoor features. Use a colour theme such as blues and grey to fit any décor or search out something in all black or with lights for a change to the décor already in place.

Water; the image brings up thoughts of mountain streams, bubbling brooks, a waterfall tumbling onto the rocks below, summer rains. The soothing sounds of water trickling, flowing over rocks or rushing swiftly by are calming sensations for people. Why not bring that sound into the house this Christmas?

There are many choices when it comes to indoor water features. Wall fountains, which can be mounted indoor or out, come in many sizes and styles. There are small wall fountains that can be mounted on any wall and large wall fountains that need a significant amount of space. They are available in different materials such as slate, marble and copper. Features include mirrors around the water, trees inside the water, lights illuminating the water and some can even be ordered with a logo on them.

Table top fountains are the easiest to place since they come in sizes small enough for a side table to being the main centrepiece. On some, the water comes from above and goes down a series of steps and on some it flows down a smooth disk and lands on river rocks. Some have lights illuminating the fountain, some have greenery and some have the element of fire.

Whichever you choose, a water feature in the house will enhance your home with a sense of peace and tranquillity.

Ponds bring a new dynamic to any piece of property that other landscaping objects and arrangements can't touch. A body of water opens up a landscape in much the same way that softer colours open up a room. Something that can add such beauty also requires a level of responsibility, and one aspect of that responsibility is properly preparing your pond for the colder months so that it doesn't freeze.

The first step is to trim back any large plants in the area, and checking to try to remove as much dead plant matter from the water as possible. It's also recommended that you drain at least some of the water out and replace with fresh, this step helps to avoid having rotting plant material that stays soaking in your pond until spring.

Once the cold air starts to roll in during the winter, make sure that your pump continues to run, as moving water is more difficult to freeze than still water. A pond heater or de-icer will provide enough extra heat to keep the water from reaching freezing levels, and depending on where you look they aren't incredibly expensive.

Following these practices it's not difficult to keep ones pond from freezing, and before long you will have a healthy and vibrant addition to your landscape again come springtime.

Indoor water features are becoming more and more popular for home décor. They are attractive, come in many shapes, sizes, colours, and styles to complement whatever taste or decorating style complements your home. More than attractive conversation pieces, indoor water features actually have some benefits that go beyond simply pleasing the eye, or setting off your room accents, there are some health benefits to indoor water features. They can be especially helpful in the winter months.

Indoor water features on a practical and measurable level increase the humidity levels in your home and humidifies the air making the air in the room easier to breathe. If you have a condition that is aggravated by dry air, especially the heated indoor air of winter, an indoor water feature makes an attractive cool air humidifier. The flowing and aspirated water can also capture pollutants and allergens from the air also making the indoor air more breathable.

Water also has a calming influence on us psychologically and symbolically, water features can speak to the spirit and the subconscious as well as providing a relaxing background of flowing water sounds. Flowing water sounds tend to calm the psyche and relax the mind. For those with tinnitus, or ringing of the ears, the sound of flowing water can provide just the right level of background white noise to relieve some or all of the ringing in the ears.

The end of autumn is a time of preparation for many gardeners and landscapers. It is common knowledge that most plants will not survive the winter months, but what many people don't know is neither will the water features in your garden. It may seem like they would not be harmed since the water is constantly moving, but this is not the case for most water features, even smaller ones.

Before the first cold winter snap, it is important to go ahead and empty out your water feature and move it to a place that is warm and dry. No matter the material your water feature is made of, the stress of freezing temperatures on the fountain and pumps is too much for them to last long. While it may seem like a quick fix to simply pour antifreeze or some other warming agent into the fountain, these chemicals are often dangerous to animals and the environment. It is not recommended to try this "quick fix" because it could have devastating results.

If you are unable to move the fountain to a better location, it is still necessary to empty it out and make sure it stays dry throughout the entire winter. Even if a cover is used, water may leak into it and potentially cause damage. Don't think that your water feature is safe from the winter cold, because you may regret it come spring!

Autumn brings many new colours, birds, and flowers to your garden at home, along with some new chores like raking leaves and preparing your water feature for the winter. An important thing to remember about your water feature is that you can't just leave it all winter, unless you happen to live in a very warm climate all year long.

If you have a concrete or any type of stone fountain, the best advice for the cold winter months is to empty the fountain out completely and bring it indoors before the first winter frost. Simply emptying the fountain may not be enough, as stone tends to expand and contract with varying temperatures. This could cause the fountain to crack, especially if there is still water in it. Adding antifreeze to your fountain may seem like a quick fix, but that is dangerous to pets and wildlife.

If the fountain is too big or you simply don't have room for it inside, then still protect it by emptying it out, removing all pumps and hoses, and putting a cover over it. You might also want to check it from time to time to ensure no water has leaked into it.

If you follow these basic instructions, you can be sure your fountain will be in good shape when it's time to use it again, and you'll get years of enjoyment out of your outdoor water feature.

What better way to both beautify your garden and show your pride in the great UK than with a slate monolith dug from Welsh quarries? Most slate monoliths available in the UK were dug out of quarries right on the mainland, so not only would you be adding a beautiful piece to your garden but also showing your support of British-based manufacturing companies.

Not just any old water feature will do in the great UK. Water fountains can be found in gardens literally all over the world, but authentic Welsh slate monoliths can only come from one place. Simply adding a water feature to your garden can take the ambience to a whole new level, but also adding the beauty of one of these slate monoliths puts it over the top, above and beyond the neighbours' gardens.

If you want a quick and easy way to turn your garden from an everyday run-of-the-mill garden to a place of beauty and serenity, a slate monolith direct from a Welsh quarry is the way to go. Since we have the privilege of calling Great Britain home, these amazing pieces of art can be shipped to us in days and installed in a jiffy, all while not breaking the bank. I've got one literally smack dab in the middle of my garden, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Most people treat their gardens as a place of beauty, serenity, and life. When you combine all three of these elements, you come up with a slate monolith. While there are many different types of water features you can put in your garden, very few can compare to the beauty and peacefulness of a slate monolith. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colours, so finding one that fits your garden would be a breeze.

Even if you don't use your slate monolith as the main centrepiece of your garden, it will still seem to breathe new life into the atmosphere. Nothing is more peaceful-sounding than running water, and when that sound is combined with the beauty and smell of the life around you it can complete any garden theme. While you can get that same basic sound with any old water feature, nothing quite pulls it all together like a beautiful slate monolith.

While a slate monolith may seem very simply in design (it is basically just a slab of beautiful rock), the uniqueness of such a water feature astounds even the most experience landscaper. You can find one that fits just about any budget, and once you place it in your garden and see it in its majestic glory, you will realize what a good investment it was.  What’s more is that they are sourced from Wales.

British winters can be bitterly cold, and your body won't be the only thing feeling the temperature drop. Your outdoor water features will be at stake, and you must take important steps to protect your expensive investments. Of course, it isn't always necessary to shut down your water features for winter, as they often compliment a snowy backyard like no other. However, if your water features are habitat to fish, you will want to invest in a pond de-icer. Pond de-icers not only keep your fish warm and alive, but also ensure your water does not freeze.

Remember, most pond fish won't be able to digest their food past 12.8 degrees Celsius. If you live in an area that experiences hard freezes, you should definitely consider moving your water features indoors. If this is too much trouble, you have the option of draining your water features and storing them somewhere such as your garage or shed. Of course, some things are just too large and bulky to manoeuvre inside a home, so if you have no other options and are concerned your water will experience a hard freeze, you should drain the water from your fountain, ensuring the pipes do not freeze. If you feel it's necessary, purchase a large, durable blanket to protect your investment or better still a fountain water protection cover from the harsh weather.

Pre-formed pond liners are a quick and simple way to create a mini-wildlife habitat in your private garden. All you need is a small amount of space, a spade, and a strong back (or at least know where to find one).

Pre-formed pond liners are usually made of plastic or fibreglass, are lightweight, and easy to install. Easy to follow directions come with the liner, or there are many landscapers available who are familiar with the installation of pre-formed ponds in private gardens. You can make your garden pond look natural by surrounding it with stones, bedding material, or anything else that disguises the top edge.

Once your pre-formed pond has been created, it won’t take long for wildlife in your area to begin to frequent your garden. From birds, to amphibians, to small or (even large) mammals, you should soon see a wide variety of wildlife visit your garden oasis for water, food, or shelter. Depending on your location and the type of wildlife you want to attract, you can surround your pond with the plants and other habitat enhancements that certain wildlife favour. You can feel good that you have done your small part to make life more enjoyable for our animal friends, while you get to enjoy viewing them in their natural habitat.

Add a touch of class to your garden with Stainless steel water features. These features are becoming more and more popular these days both in the United States and in the UK. Stainless steel is very versatile which is great for reflecting water movement along the surface. These features look fantastic in either a modern or in a basic classic garden. Stainless steel is a very durable material. It is also very easy to maintain. There are very basic forms such as geometric shapes. Examples of these shapes are spheres. There are also many other abstract forms to choose from. No matter what your preference may be elegant or bold most people would agree that stainless steel water features are very unique and eye catching. Stainless steel features look good in any type of setting when combined with plants and trees and are very attractive at night.

When deciding on a water feature for your garden it is important to know the style of your landscaping. It is a good idea to select your water feature to fit your surroundings. Your water feature may look out of place if you make the wrong choice. Your outdoor design is what determines what water features you would like to use. Fountains and other water features also come in natural stone and copper which is very much in style these days. It is important that you choose water features that complement your design, and the style of your home.

If you want custom made water features for your business, you will find that there will be more restrictions than with those that you put in your garden. You will be aiming for a different atmosphere. Keep your client base in mind as you choose what to implement.

In an office building, you will want to have a more conservative look. Water running over a stone etched with your logo is a common and simple idea. You can choose something that says something about your business, incorporating it into your niche with a statue, or you can have something generic in order to keep the atmosphere more formal.

At a restaurant, you have much more freedom, but still not as much as in your own garden. You will want to keep the water feature in the same theme as the rest of your restaurant. You can get quite creative in a restaurant, and make the feature a focal point.

In any business, location is key with a water feature. Many larger businesses will have the feature in their lobby or even on the path as a symbol of status. In restaurants, it might be wise to have water flowing near the bar, as it will inspire thirst in customers.

Adding a pre-formed pond to you garden will not only give your backyard an added sense of serenity, but it will also attract various forms of wildlife. Squirrels, frogs, salamanders, and birds will soon begin to frequent the area, allowing you to watch the beauties of nature from only feet away. Choosing an ideal location for your future pond is a must. If possible, choose a location that receives close to 5 or 6 hours of sunlight per day. Do not place your pond directly under a tree, because cleaning a pond full of leaves and other debris can become very unfavourable. If you prefer a more natural look for your pond, consider edging the pond with rocks collected from a creek bed. Adding fish to your pond can be a nice finishing touch however, it can also be a deterrent to the frogs, salamanders, and other animals who wish to take a swim. Depending on the type of wildlife you wish to encourage to your pond and garden, you may wish to add stones and water lilies within the pond to aid smaller animals, and if a build-up of algae occurs, snails will do the cleaning job for you.

We all look forward to those summer holidays; a chance to feel the warm sun on our face and the gentle breeze in our hair; just the chance to get away from the everyday grind of life. However, most of us get bored to tears after a few days of just vegetating around the house. Taking a trip would be to nerve wracking, as well as expensive, but you want to do something. Well how about a bit of gardening?

There are many tasks that one can undertake on a summer holiday in the garden that is both rewarding and easy to do. Want to do your part to help the environment and have that luscious green garden without adding those pesky grow formulas and pesticides? Try your hand at composting. It is simple to do, does not take much room or effort and can pay off greatly. Not only will you reduce your wastes to be tossed in the rubbish, you get a cheap high quality fertilizer.

You can also try landscaping. Turn that plain garden into a summer and fall explosion of colour. Have a walkway to you house, line it with small hedges, or be adventurous and plant flowers and plants that bloom brightly coloured and fragrant plants. Maybe some window planters for herbs, there is nothing like the small or taste of fresh herbs in your meal, or to just add to the aroma of the room. Maybe even install a water feature and listen to the tranquility of running water as you sit outside.

For your summer holidays, gardening can be a rewarding experience. You get the challenge of making living things grow, and the activity and exercise to challenge the mind, body and refresh the spirit.

The heat of summer is on its way and the sun is powering your solar fountain in your garden. How do you care for a solar fountain? Does it require any maintenance? Do you have a care guide to looking after a solar fountain or you completely on your own with its care?

When caring for a solar fountain remember to check the solar battery that the sun charges. Sometimes the solar battery inside a solar fountain can have a loose connection and the battery will not store the suns energy which in turn will make your solar fountain run sluggish or even stop working. Make sure you clear away any leaf debris from the solar charging area so the battery can keep charging during the day so it runs at night also.

With a care guide you can follow simple instructions from most yard solar decorations. Remember to have your solar fountains where it can get at least six to eight hours of sunlight so it work through the night also on the reserve solar battery. Checking the hose connections is a wise idea to make sure that nothing has clogged the water from flowing through the circulation pump.