Choosing a Garden Water Feature
With so many water features and fountains for the Australian garden and patio, choosing the right design and style is simple if you follow a few basic steps. Rather than buying the best-looking design you see at the first shop, start by defining where you wish to make this a showpiece.
What you choose for a large garden will be different to a feature for a courtyard garden where space is limited.
Freestanding or Wall-Mounted
Basically, all water feature designs are either free-standing or designed to be wall-mounted, and size will vary greatly. However, in a smaller garden, a wall-mounted design is an excellent space-saving solution.
Small free-standing designs are also available but think carefully about space.
Specialist Rock Installations and Designs are dealt with separately.
Installing Garden Water Features
Two important aspects of an installation are the base or platform that the design will sit on and the availability of power.
A firm, flat base is essential as they are designed to be installed on level ground. With wall-mounted designs, some are attached to the wall or fence itself, whereas others sit on the ground. If you attach it to a structure, you must ensure it is strong enough to take the weight.
In terms of power supply for the pump, you have three choices: mains power, low voltage power and solar-powered pumps. If you need to install mains power, this is usually the most expensive option. Solar power is cheap; however, it will not provide power for pumps at night or on cloudy days without a battery backup, which will add to the price.
Consider installing garden lighting at the same time, as it will be cheaper than doing it later and provide a visual impact in the evenings.
Maintenance
Over time a build-up of dirt and algae will occur, especially in the garden where leaf litter and debris can be a problem. A few basic maintenance tips can help keep things working well and looking good.
You may notice that the water flow is slowing, which is often an indication that the pump filter is partially blocked. It might be debris or algae.
Algae can be controlled by providing shade as algae needs the sun to grow. Changing the water every four weeks will also help keep the water clean. It is wise every three months to give the whole thing a good scrub and clean.
Water features are wonderful additions to any garden. Choose the right design, install it properly and keep it clean.
Contemporary Designs
Modern designs are needed to add a sense of tranquillity to the newly designed courtyard or garden. From a small reflective bowl to a contemporary, slumped glass fountain or natural rock water wall, all have a place in the garden of today. In many cases, you can buy direct from the importer or manufacturer.
Suppliers in Sydney will vary state-to-state, from local retailers to online suppliers from interstate.
Wall-mounted designs are popular in Australia. Do-it-yourself (DIY) projects are possible with low-voltage pond pumps available from specialist suppliers. A huge range of underwater, outdoor and garden lighting suitable for highlighting a fountain or pond is also available.
Design Styles and Materials include:
- Glass – for a modern contemporary look, glass is fantastic.
- Copper – has a more rustic look than metal.
- Pools – water entering a pool or swimming pool can be made into a feature.
- Small garden features – popular in inner city units, small water sculptures and walls are cheap and easy to install.
It is possible to build your own.
Certainly, you will need a pump, and then the rest is up to you. Just about anything can be used to make an individual and unique addition to your garden.
There are 17 Online Water Feature suppliers located with many different designs for sale around Australia. If you are looking for a local supplier with various designs for sale in Australia, this is the right section.
Our listed Suppliers in Melbourne have a full range of designs for sale direct to the public that will meet your requirements. Browse and buy online.