Summer is the perfect time to create the garden of which you have always dreamed. As the weather becomes warmer, we find ourselves drawn out of the house, hoping to make the most of the rare British sunshine with barbeques, al fresco dining and relaxing in beautiful surroundings.

If your garden lacks interest or a focal point, or you just want to create an oasis of calm where you can enjoy an iced drink on a summer’s day, why not add a water feature such as a fountain, pond or statue? The simple addition of a water fountain can transform a plain garden into a haven ideal for outdoor entertaining, dining or sunbathing.

Creating a water feature may not be as difficult as you think. The key to installing a pond, water course, cascade or fountain feature is as simple as understanding what to buy. Good water garden specialists such as this one offer a wide range of water features and accessories such as pond pumps.

Here is our guide to what you will need for each water feature.

Ponds

A pond can be a beautiful addition to any garden. Ponds are a versatile water feature, available in any size or shape, with the option to include fish, plants or other water features. Your pond will require either pond liner or a preformed basin to create the pool. You should also opt for pond underlay, which goes underneath the liner to protect against punctures from stones or roots. An online liner calculator will offer insight into the measurements you will require.

Pond pumps and filters are essential to maintain water quality. Filter pumps provide easy cleaning for anything from small ponds to 200,000 litre lakes. You should ideally choose a pond pump which is capable of turning over all the water approximately every 2 hours. First you should calculate the volume of the pond using measurements in meters; this is done by calculating length x width x depth, then multiplying your result by 1000 to convert to litres.

Pond pumps are categorised by their flow of water in litres per hour, so as you need to clean the entire volume every 2 hours, your pond volume should be around half of the pump’s turnover per hour. Filter pond pumps are easy to install and control, and require very little maintenance.

An additional feature pump can be used to create a fountain, watercourse or cascade within your pond. These are great for creating a more dramatic feature, and solar powered varieties require no running costs and little to no maintenance after initial installation.

Self Contained Water Features

Some water features stand alone, meaning the feature has everything you need (including the pump) built in. They do not require a pond like some fountains and features, so are ideal for those looking to add the soothing sound of water and a beautiful focal point to their garden with minimal costs, knowledge and work.

They are available in a wide range of contemporary and traditional designs, such as wooden barrel fountains, stainless steel spheres and tube cascades, sculptures and bird baths with fountains. Many are solar powered, offering an eco-friendly, inexpensive and low maintenance option. Some self contained water fountains also contain LED lights, meaning you can enjoy your feature even when the nights draw in.

These units are extremely simple to install, often just requiring water. As self contained water features are usually much smaller than ponds or other features, they are ideal for smaller gardens, patios or balconies, and some can even be used as indoor features.

A specialist retailer such as Water Garden offer a wide range of water features and accessories, and more tips and advice on choosing a pond pump. Visit their website to begin your garden’s transformation.