Water gardening can be incorporated into any landscape

An important first step is choosing a design to fit your property

If you do not have any water elements in your garden at this time, the first step to consider is choosing from the myriad styles and designs available. You should spend considerable time researching this as a water garden, once constructed is a permanent part of your landscaping and not easily moved. I've constructed a workbook page Developing a Water Garden for your use that you may want to look at and fill out as you plan a site for your water garden.

Decide on Your Water Garden Design

There are many styles of water gardens to consider. Think about the architectural style of your home. Is it formal? Informal? Do you live in the city and desire a casual pool? Are you in the country and want to attract wildlife and birds? Do you desire a stream or waterfall running through the back of your property? Perhaps you are only looking for a small container for water gardening? Or maybe you just want a small fountain to provide the sound of soothing water? What about a Koi pond?

As you can see, the choices are unlimited. For inspiration and ideas, visit your local nurseries, garden centers, and water gardening specialists Get a feel for what is available. Take your digital camera along and take photos of ideas that resonate with you. Try to get many photos. There may be just a construction idea you like, a paving stone, a planting group.

Whatever you like, take a picture of each idea. You don't have to like the entire layout. Just pick out the bits and pieces you enjoy. Download the photos onto your computer. Print them out, cut them up, move the pieces around like a jigsaw puzzle and see if you can come up with a design you are pleased with.

First Major Decision in Planning a Water Garden - Site Planning

There are many things to take into account when looking for a site for your water garden. Site considerations should be fully explored before making major construction decisions.

The lay of the land, the height of the water table, and locations of natural barriers such as trees and boulders must be taken into consideration. Along with these you should consider soil composition and the amount of sun and shade the location receives every day. All of these factors should be brought into account in order to find the ideal site for your water gardening project.

Be sure to also take aesthetic considerations into your plan. Will this complement the view? Will you be able to enjoy it from your patio or living area windows?

Designing the Layout

Draw a layout plan of the site you have chosen for your water garden. Measure and mark the boundaries of the pool area you are considering. Mark and make sure that all service pipes, gas and water mains, sewers, electrical lines and cables are all clear of the excavation area. Draw in the border plantings, seating areas, trees, boulders, or any other non-moveable items. Draw in the water garden along with plantings, edgings, statuary or any other items you plan to add.

Look at you layout design. Are you happy with the location? Will it add to or will it obstruct a view? Did you check the hours of sunlight and shade that will be available throughout the day? Will the water garden restrict access to other parts of your property?

Steps to Take in Building Your Water Garden

Since this is not a site devoted solely to water gardening, I haven't the room to go into great detail here. However, here is a great resource you can use to obtain free information on How to build a Water Garden or Fish Pond .

Most of the excitment of water gardening is the opportunity to add and enjoy new types of plants. After the building, comes the excitement of planting and adding accessories to your water garden. Visit Planting a Water Garden for information on plant species and varieties suitable for different water environments.

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