Build Your Own Water Garden

Build your own Water Garden (a guided series)

Often, when the idea of a Feng Shui Water garden comes to mind, a feeling of tranquility flows through us. We envision acquatic- birds, fish, ferns, lilies, the peaceful bubbling, splashing sounds of gently tumbling water and a lovely cool summer breeze. Water is one of the Five Element of Feng Shui and the human race depends on it for life and survival. Water is such an essential part of all our lives; an integral part, so why not add it into your garden, whether that garden is small and petite, or majestic and grand, a Water Garden feature will enhance it.

There really is nothing quite like the sound of water to soothe the soul, whether it’s the suck and hiss or the pounding of waves on a quiet beach, the gentle burble of a small country stream or the roar of a huge waterfall.

Water can not only mesmerize the senses, it can refresh and heal like nothing else. It is a balm unto the heart.

“He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul.”

We don’t have to have a large yard to enjoy the benefits of a water feature; nor is any particular style a prerequisite.

We can choose from a wide range of water features; introduce into our garden anything from a simple fountain or small pond, to a more elaborate construction. It depends on what we want and what our space and resources allow.

In this Water Garden section, and website of AGH you will find suggestions as to what type of water features are available. Also, you’ll find links to water garden websites, forums and landscapers.

Practical advice, and step-by-step instructions on planning and building your own pond, advice on landscaping, stylish ideas to help you create the look and feel you want, you’ll get them all here. You’ll also learn how to keep the water in your pond, pool or fountain happy and healthy.

We will discuss how to build your own Water Garden and the “Water Element” in ways that you may have never known; what plants to choose and how to care for them. How introducing water can increase and benefit your local wildlife, and how to stock it with fish, should this be your wish.

So, if you’re feeling stress and want release from it, why not try taking the plunge and dive deep into your own garden environment. Transform it into a beautiful tranquil space that you can come to, relax in, wind down, reinvigorate and grow whole again. Water…water is the way.

How to build a stream

Build your own Water Garden (Part two)

With some careful planning and preparation, it is quite practicable to connect two small ponds with a meandering stream, all in perfect scale with the rest of the garden. In the bigger garden, there is also the possibility for developing a wonderful woodland or rainforest setting, compete with larger stream, cascades, and a tranquil pond or ponds.

Left - A lovely man made stream with waterfall

In such a woodland garden, the surrounding trees would be the main design feature. The trees can be positioned to follow the stream. However, they should be planted strategically so as to minimize the dropping of leaves into its waters. In nature, streams take a meandering path, and this free-flowing concept should be followed when designing a garden in which a stream will be a feature.

When planting your trees, select a range of species indigenous to you area. This will attract wildlife. The trees should also cover a range of sizes to induce a more natural look.

A Man-made stream should be lined to prevent both bank erosion and water seepage into the surrounding soil. Whether this lining is concrete plastic or rubber, the same basic construction principles apply with streams as they do with garden pools or ponds. The water will need to be free-flowing to create the best effect and, when not in use, the water can be stored in an underground tank or sump so there is minimum wastage.

Left - Marty at work, building a Flowing Stream and Waterfall in Byron Bay, Australia.

Build your own Water Garden (large sites)

Boulders and irregular shaped rocks are a practical yet decorative feature in building in stone. Stones are used both to consolidate the banks and, with a shallow stream, to create a babbling effect as the water bubbles over them. (These same materials are also used in a "dry-stone" landscaped water beds that are designed to look like a seasonal creek that only flows in the wet season.)

In larger, more ambitious projects, fast-flowing rapids can be developed by placing larger stones or boulders to partially "dam up" the water, causing it to bounce and foam over them as it moves. This will create a dramatic effect. Great, eh? But serious design considerations will need to given to such projects.

Some gardeners are fortunate enough to have a natural creek or stream running through their garden. If so, they are lucky enough to enjoy the benefits already created by nature, and only have to select the plants and trees that will bring colour to their already natural garden environment.

Build your own Water Garden (native plantings)

Please don’t use “exotic” species in such a planting. To do so will upset the natural balance to the ecosystem. Exotics are out! They'll drop seeds and spoil the native environment. They could even escape into the hinteralnd and cause all sorts of problems. Use indigenous species. If unsure, consult your local nursery or landscaper to obtain the correct species to plant. Planting indigenous species will also cut down workload, as natives are already suited to the area.

I hope you enjoy our "Build your own water garden"("Watergarden series") just follow the links and discover a new landscape journey (More to come soon) Marty

Build your own water garden