Water, water everywhere

There is something special about having water in the garden. The gentle sound of running water and the reflections bouncing off the shimmering water add a great deal to the atmosphere in a garden, plus the added bonus of attracting birds and wildlife.

Of course water features come in all shapes and sizes from large informal ponds to small self-container formal features. There is a feature to suit every size and style and it is always something I recommend to people when they ask for advice on what to include in their garden.

After all, a garden should be a place to sit and relax or to entertain and socialise in and by having water you are adding a new dimension that can be enjoyed all year round. Personally, I find that it can be very calming and therapeutic to sit by a water feature as long as it isn’t a roaring torrent!

So, if you are thinking of adding water to you garden, first of all think about what you want it for. If you want to attract wildlife into the garden such as birds, frogs and dragonflies a small informal pond is ideal, especially if you can allow it to naturalise over time. If it’s ornamental fish that you want to keep, the pond will need more maintenance in the form of pumps and filters.

If you don’t want a pond then there are many different types of self contained water feature available made from stone, wood, concrete, plastic, steel or lead that are fast and easy to install in the garden. The water feature in the picture is a classic lead Lion’s head design that can be used in many garden situations from a country garden to a small town garden and is made here in Yorkshire - www.nidderdalelead.com.

It’s is totally self contained and a small pump circulates the water from the sump to the mouth of the lion. This type of feature not only looks good and creates a focal point in the garden; it can also transform a patio area or small courtyard into a much more user friendly area.

Jobs for the week

Harvest home-grown salad leaves while they are still young and tasty and to keep a regular supply through the summer months, sow more seeds in containers or the garden every few weeks.

Tidy up early flowering perennials such as dicentra and brunnera when the flowers fade by trimming back the flowering stems.

Finish planting out tender vegetables such as runner beans, courgettes and sweet corn now the danger of frost has passed.

NGS open gardens

Wednesday, June 3: Brookfield, Oxenhope. One-acre garden large pond and many varieties of primulas and rhododendrons, 1.30-5.30pm - £4.00 children free