Outdoor Water Feature in Melbourne: 6 Key Considerations

Small rectangular shaped ponds, garden ornaments, garden fountains, water sculptures and simple bird baths - these water features are extraordinarily efficient at adding a sense of natural harmony in any garden. No doubt, their calm and cool, aquatic atmosphere are behind the growing interest that homeowners have with constructing and establishing these features.

The terms "water feature" and "water garden" covers a wide range of options, from front-lawn bays to humble birdbaths. Simmering streams, creative discharge fountains, barrier fountains, fishponds—these are just a few of the choices. You can buy small ponds and fountains off-the-rack or modern pool layers and water distribution systems; you can build and establish your own.

Since water features in Melbourne are a relatively attractive and relaxing addition to your garden and may influence your yard’s appealing factor, function, and safety, it is of paramount importance to plan for one carefully before installing. Given below are six key considerations:

Get a building permit if required- Obtain a building approval certification, if required. In some regions, a water body that is deeper than 18 inches or so needs permission from your local building department for electrical wiring or plumbing work.

Select the correct location- Before digging for a pond or similar water enclosure; check the position of utility lines. Avoid locating a pond close to trees which will fill it with leaves and rubbishes. If you are contemplating a spray fountain, accommodate it in a location that is safeguarded from wind, which can puff the spray and hasten evaporation.

Determine if your water feature will contain fish or plants - Fish will control the mosquito population down. Stagnant water suits plants; running water offers more oxygen for fish. If you plan to grow water plants, decide on a position that will get at least five hours of direct sunlight daily. Another consequence is that, if the pond is not deep, its water will evaporate rapidly in direct sun; in this condition, set up a float valve that controls the water supply so as to maintain the desired water level.

Keep within your budget - In spite of carrying out the work yourself, building a water body can jack up your budget, particularly if it requires large scale planting and materials. You need to particularly pay attention to the expenditure incurred while setting up a water feature.

Decide whether you want running water or stagnant water garden - Running water can produce a pleasurable buzz and suppress the noise of traffic. The peacefulness of still water, on the other hand, can form an exquisitely attractive reflecting pool. Moving water would require a power source nearby to run the pump. Even though majority of pump motors must be wired to conventional 120-volt circuit, low-voltage versions are available for some types of small pump motors. These make fixing much easier.

Safety comes first- Young children can drown in only a few inches of water. Don’t forget to design your water feature such that it does not pose a risk to children or adults. A safe water feature does not hold more than a few inches of water and is situated where it cannot be assessed by small kids. It would be a good idea to go in for a wall or pedestal fountain that is absolutely out of the reach of kids.

Auther's Bio: John Tray is a prolific writer whose articles and write-ups mainly focus on outdoor water feature Melbourne. Being an interior designer by profession, he also highlights on the use of different types of Artificial plants Melbourne

John Tray is a prolific writer whose articles and write-ups mainly focus on outdoor water feature Melbourne. Being an interior designer by profession, he also highlights on the use of different types of Artificial plants Melbourne.