Close your eyes for just a moment and picture yourself lounging in the shade on a hot summer day. Do you hear it? See it? Feel it? The sound of softly trickling water, the pristine reflection of nature and a cool breeze delicately sweeping across your face. How can you create an oasis that takes you away from the world's troubles and leaves you feeling relaxed and at peace? Simple. Create a water garden paradise. More and more people are looking for ways to spruce up an area on their property that reflects peace and tranquility. Water gardens can provide this and much more.
Although water gardens can be achieved by simply placing a fountain near a sitting area, ideally, you want to create an area that co-exists with your natural environment or that mimics a dream location such as a favorite tropical island. You should follow your hearts' desire and create your perfect sanctuary. Adding rocks, plants, fish and lighting can all add a touch of paradise. Although you should always incorporate the elements you want, following a few basic rules will ensure your time and hard work pays off.
The first step in creating a water garden is choosing the right location. A water feature should never be placed under the covering of trees since this can become a nuisance as leaves and debris collect in the water. However, a garden pond may need the restriction of light to prevent the build up of algae, although not necessary if you take other preventative measures. Nestled around trees is best. This will still give you the feel of nature without compromising your time to relax. If trees are scarce on your property, then perhaps an arbor or corner fence could serve as a backdrop to house some plantings.
Another important factor to consider is the size of your new garden. The bigger the garden, the more expensive it will be to create and maintain. Your budget and time will determine what features and elements should be added to your garden. Water fountains are ideal for smaller spaces while ponds and waterfalls need a bigger area. Low maintenance plants are ideal if time is an issue.
Once you've found the ideal location, it's time to create a plan. Always put your plan on paper. This will help you visualize the space and avoid costly mistakes. Include the type of water feature you want, the seating arrangements if any, how much sun the area receives and what decorative elements you wish to integrate. This will help you decide which plants to buy and what questions to ask when you go to your gardening center.
Now that you have your plan in hand, it's time to head to your local gardening depot to buy your materials and start building your dream water garden haven. Remember, no matter where you live, there is always a piece of paradise waiting to be unveiled!
