Romantic garden water features

Garden water features come in many forms, from the obvious ones like swimming pools and ponds to fountains and sculptural, modern takes on the theme. What you go for depends on your budget, and also the size of your garden. In a sprawling country garden, you can afford to go big, bold and make a splash, but in a small garden, it's likely you'll want something more discreet – an accent rather than a statement.

The first thing to know is not to be afraid of them and think that installing a water feature will be costly and disruptive. It's actually fairly simple, depending again on which route you go down. Something as simple as a vintage planter with a tap trickling into in can be a soothing accompaniment to days spent in the garden, or go for a classical look with a jug pouring water into a pond. These terracotta vessels come ready-made for the job with a discreet hole to direct the water pump through.

A lot of water features with pumps require an electricity supply, other than some solar-powered ones, so consider that before you get going. Unless you buy an off-the-shelf feature with a self-contained water source – that will just need topping up on occasion – then you may also need a water source too. If a water source or electricity is going to be an issue, then something like a pond or water bowl is the right route to go down. These rely on nothing but an initial filling and then regular cleaning and maintenance to make sure they don't grow algae or attract mosquitoes. Mosquitoes take 10 days to hatch, so if you spot any larvae, change the water at least every 10 days until they clear up. If you can, fill yours with rainwater as tap water has minerals that encourage algae growth.

Water troughs are another low maintenance and attractive option. One top tip is to line the bottom with a bed of grey pebbles to stop the water looking murky. Plant around the edge of a metal one with flowers and grasses at different heights to soften the look.

The cheapest and simplest water feature to set up is known as a 'pebble pile,' where an artfully stacked arrangement of smooth rocks conceals a water pump and reservoir that cause water to trickle softly over the pebbles in a constant recycling action. That is one that will need topping up occasionally but will need something to power the pump.

Bigger features like fountains and pools require both serious space, builds and water sources to link up to, but there are many companies and professionals who will sort everything out for you so you don't need to fret about working it all out solo. We have a gallery of swimming pool design ideas if that is the route for you.