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Water Elements in Your Garden

Whether it's a dramatic fountain or a quiet pond housing a few koi fish, nothing transforms a garden like adding a water feature. Flowing water works magic on any garden, using sound and movement for a wonderful calming influence. Moving water can mask bothersome traffic noise and provide delightful background music for garden strolls.

Small Space Water Fountains

Hundreds of different fountains are available on the market, and many of them are designed with small spaces in mind. Some small space fountains are deep and roomy enough that aquatic plants can be grown in them. Add some fish, provide some tall plants as a backdrop, and you've got a little bit of nature on the balcony.
 
Many of the newer fountains offer gentle, bubbling sounds that are wonderfully relaxing. If your gardening space attaches to your living area, why not bring a bit of the garden indoors? Place some potted plants and rocks around the door out to the garden, and add a small indoor fountain. The distinction between outdoors and indoors can be blurred enough that the garden seems like a natural extension of the house.

Large Garden Water Features

Shape can play an important role in representing water in a garden. For large gardens, creating rolling waves or curves for borders or pathways can produce the feeling of moving water through your garden.

If you have a large garden, patio, or deck, consider the luxury of a spa in your garden. Pools, spas, hot tubs and Jacuzzis are all enjoyable water features for your whole family.

Here are some other suggestions for water representation in your garden:

  • waterfall
  • pond
  • birdbath
  • rain barrel
  • wind chime fountain
  • tabletop fountain
  • functioning streambed
  • water sculpture.

Water Features and Garden Life

The humid atmosphere created by the gentle splash and spray of water from garden water features is perfect for growing ferns and other moisture loving plants that may be placed close by. Epiphytic plants, such as orchids, also enjoy a humid environment and do well near a fountain or other water feature.

Adding a water feature to your garden not only benefits your plants, but it's also certain to attract wildlife. Placing birdbaths in your garden can attract birds, butterflies and other small creatures looking for refreshment. Building a pond in your garden may attract wildlife such as frogs, or you can provide your own pond life by stocking it with fish.

Life in the Water
If you plan on having a pond—or a large area of water—with fish and plants in it, keep in mind that they will need sun. Place the pond in a spot where it will get at least six hours of sun a day.

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