In the spring, when we turn our clocks forward, the days get longer. The weather turns warm, and everyone starts to dream of summer and all that it will bring. That is the perfect time to spend a little extra effort in the garden, getting it ready for plenty of gatherings and time spent in the outdoor space. Water features are wonderful in the summer. The sound of the running water helps to relax you and gives you the illusion of being cool.
There are so many options to choose from if you are looking for a water feature. You can get a small fountain. You can even opt for a pond. However, before you make your final decision, think through the following five points.
1. Safety
Do you have young children? Will young children be visiting your property regularly? If so, a pond might not be the right option for you, at least not soon. However, you can still have a water feature. There are small elevated ponds and fountains attached to birdbaths, for example. You can also get a bubbling fountain, which is a feature that is very safe but still lets you have something that you can enjoy.
If there is already a pond on the property, and you want to update it, think about putting a fence around the feature to keep little ones out. A firm mesh over the pond also works well.
If you are installing a new water feature, make sure it is somewhere that you can see it easily. You don’t want it tucked away in a corner because you need to be able to monitor it, particularly if there are small children around.
2. Maintenance
For most water features, you don’t have to do a lot to keep them up and running. However, when running water is involved, there are a few things you need to do. For example, the spout should be cleaned regularly. Also, if you have a pond, that may need to be cleaned as well.
You can always hire someone to maintain the water feature, but make sure it is something you can do for yourself, just in case. A skimmer is really important to have on hand because it will help you get out debris. You may also need to add water, particularly when it is hot outside, to keep the water at an acceptable level. It’s always a good idea to have plants in the water as well. They help with algae issues. Once a year, look at the filters and clean and replace them as necessary. Finally, get care of your garden trees as they bring the most debris and leaves. Get tree care memphis for expert garden advice.
3. Features
If you have a gardener, ask their advice on what water feature would work best for your property. He or she may be able to provide you with the necessary materials for the project. Something like a fountain is fairly straightforward; you pick based on what you like. However, if you are putting in a pond, you have to think about filters, liners, and much more. Definitely put some time into the research process to make sure you get the pond that you want. If you are looking for something special, then an indoor water feature manufacture can be custom-made to fit your garden.
4. Installation
If your water feature is minor, like wall water features, you can likely install it yourself, even if you are a beginner. However, if the feature is prominent or has running water, you probably have to bring in a professional. When it comes to a pond, this is particularly crucial. If you want to have plants and wildlife in the pond, certain areas need to be deeper than others. Also, whoever you hire needs to have some plumbing experience so they can handle the water feed. Make sure you ask about this ahead of time.
5. Lighting
Lighting is important. For one thing, proper lighting will help with safety; it makes it much less likely for someone to fall into the water feature in the dark. Besides, proper lighting illuminates your feature and makes it look its best, even in the dark. Solar-powered lamps are one option, but since each water feature is distinct, you need to investigate what’s out there and determine what works best for you. In some cases, you might want to bring in an electrician to help with lighting.