Having water in your garden is important for many reasons – and not just the obvious one of being able to water your plants! A water feature provides a source of relaxation and a haven for wildlife of all sorts. Even something as simple as a Bird Bath will bring birds and other wildlife into your outdoor living space making it a much more pleasant and interesting place to be.
Choosing Your Water Feature
Before choosing whether to have a pond, a water feature or just a simple Bird Bath and watering spots for wildlife you should think carefully about a number of things
- How much space can you give the water feature?
- What do you want it to achieve?
- How much maintenance do you want to do?
- Do you want to have water plants?
- Will any sound relax you or will you find it irritating?
- Do you want to have ornamental fish or will you let nature take it’s course?
Bringing Birds and Wildlife Into Your Garden
The water in your garden can provide many benefits to the wildlife in your area, as well as to your family. By providing a steady and consistent source of water to local wildlife you will be contributing to a healthier and happier environment. Many plants and animals can benefit from the water in your pond, and with suitable planting it can provide a habitat as well as easy access to water
Spring can bring a whole range of joys – if you are lucky you may have frogs, toads or even newts and the sight of brightly coloured dragon flies hovering over the water is a joy.
A properly placed Bird Bath provides a safe space for birds seeking both food and water. Birds always need a drink and if you provide it, the birds will come. You should make sure it is sited away from hiding places for predators such as cats, but within easy reach of places where birds can pause and check for safety or find food.
The Benefits of Having Water In Your Garden
Water gardens can look beautifully serene and the soothing sound of water flowing can help you to relax and de-stress and relax after a long day in a beautiful and relaxing space.
It improves both air quality and the quality of life – people with water in their garden tend to have a lower risk of hypertension because they have access to a small oasis of peace and tranquillity. The sense of calm can help lower blood pressure and heart rate. The trickling of water in the background is proven to soothe and relax the mind and the spirit. Studies show that gardens with water improve the well being of people with mental health issues. The sound of water carries over the whole garden helping to provide a sense of wellbeing, and pleasures of watching the thriving wildlife making your garden a healthier and happier place cannot be overestimated.