Selecting the Right Water Feature for your Garden
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When contemplating a water feature for your garden it is important to reflect on the style of your landscaping and draw from this to select the right style of water feature to suit the surroundings. The wrong choice could result in your water feature looking out of place. Consider a contemporary minimalist garden with a Whisky Barrel Kit as the water feature!
Below we have prepared a list of common garden styles and some suggestions for incorporating water features into these gardens. This list is by no means exhaustive. Also, take into account that many gardens are a fusion of two or three garden styles.
Contemporary Garden
This style of garden is usually characterised by attention to detail such as the use of a single specimen plant. Simplicity, form and the clever use of light and space are fundamental to this style. Colours are used minimally to produce dramatic effects.
Suitable Water Features
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Cottage Garden
Arguably the most enduring of all garden styles, this garden is characterised by mass planting of colourful flowers and herbs in well designed garden beds. Although the plant design is carefully structured it is designed to look natural and free-flowing. This style often incorporates places of interest to visit such as bench seats, arbours, and gazebos.
Suitable Water FeaturesBird BathsWishing WellsNatural PondsStatuary FeaturesFormal PondsFountains
Formal Garden
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Suitable Water FeaturesStone FountainsBird BathsReflection PoolsSpilling Urns / PotsFountain SprayersGeometric Ponds
Tuscan Garden
The rustic Italian garden seems to assimilate very well into the Australian landscape. Aged, muted colors intrinsic to Italian gardens are echoed in our landscape. A focus on Al Fresco dining and entertaining is essential to this style. Planting is often semi-formal - formal and includes topiaries and hedges.
Suitable Water FeaturesSpilling UrnsWall FountainsStone FountainsClassical Statuary
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Japanese Garden
The Japanese garden has its emphasis in simplicity, control and thoughtful design. This garden must incorporate the careful use water as a focal point. Well placed, gracefully formed plants such as bamboos, grasses and flowering shrubs provide balance which is essential to this style. These gardens also use stone and sand to imitate the natural landscape. The Japanese garden is the ultimate meditation and relaxation. Suitable Water FeaturesDeer Scarer (Shi Shi Odoshi)Japanese Spill Basin (Tsukabi)Large Containers with Fish and Water LiliesRock GeysersFish Ponds
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Xeriscape Garden
Xeriscape is a term derived from the Greek word 'xeros' meaning dry and from the word landscape, to form a new term for water conserving gardens. This style is increasing in popularity due to our dry climate. This garden often features both native and exotic species and is landscaped to minimise water use and to channel water to plants that have a higher requirement. Xeriscaping often draws from Cottage and Contemporary styles.
Suitable Water Features
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Tropical Gardens
The tropical garden is one for the plant lovers, these gardens are gaining in popularity due to the range of plant species now available to Australian gardeners. Tropical plants, densely planted, look their best in summer when we typically use our gardens. Characterised by the use of bold, lush and colourful foliage with spectacular flowers. This style provides a cooling oasis in the warmer months.
Suitable Water FeaturesNatural PondsWaterfallsCreeks / Streams
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Australian Native Garden
This style of garden draws on the unique characteristics of Australian materials and the natural colours of Australia. Often rustic in style, the use of timber, stone and corrugated iron can be incorporated into the Australian garden. Modern Australian native plantings are often designed similar to a traditional cottage garden with the focus on the colour palette.
Suitable Water FeaturesWhisky/Wine BarrelsWishing WellsMill Stone FeaturesCobbled CreeksNatural PondsConcrete Sinks/TroughsRock Geysers
About the Author
Danielle Dickinson is an avid water feature enthusiast. She is a regular contributor to Gardening Magazines. Visit her website http://www.waterfeaturesonline.com.au
