Water features for the small garden

Garden water features can help to bring a small outdoor space to life with the movement and sound of running water, whilst doubling as garden ornaments even when the water is not flowing.

There are plenty of choices when it comes to small water features - ranging from small pot garden fountains to stone water features in all shapes and sizes.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing small garden water features, to help you get something that will look really great in the space you have available.

Power source

Outdoor water features need a power source. Some garden water fountains run on a mains-powered electric pump, so make sure you have a safe way to plug them in via a weather-proof outdoor extension lead, a socket in a garage or shed, or another appropriate way of getting the cable to an interior plug socket.

Small water features in particular can often be solar powered, so if you're short on space outside and don't want to run a wire to a mains outlet, this is a good alternative to consider.

Solar water features need to be placed where they will get plenty of direct sunlight but the solar panel itself can be either integrated into the fountain, or in some cases can be mounted to a fence or tree where it will be in the light.

Appearance

Garden fountains and outdoor water features can look very different from one another - some look like statues with water jetting out or pouring down them, while others may look like logs, millstones and water-filled planters.

This gives you plenty of variety when trying to find something that will look great in your garden, no matter what size plot you have.

Remember to bear in mind that you might be more likely to place a small garden water feature in a corner or up against a wall, so it's possible that you will only see one side of it.

Also consider the position of the solar panel if there is one - as mentioned above, you'll need good direct sunlight in the daytime to charge the battery to the pump.

Cleaning

Modern water features are easy to clean, and may be made of resin and composite materials that just wipe clean once in a while, but make sure you also take care of the pump and keep the water clean.

We have grime and lime fountain cleaners for the occasional spring clean, and one-shot algae removers to get rid of any unwanted greenery and restore its original appearance.

Small gardens in particular can suffer from any excess growth, whether it's weeds and algae on your water features, overgrown grass and plants elsewhere, or accumulated leaf fall in autumn.

Give your outdoor space a onceover even just on a monthly basis and you can quickly restore it to its best, giving you a neat and tidy area in which to enjoy the sight and sound of some clean running water.