For thousands of years, virtually every culture and age has recognized the aesthetic qualities of water as well as its importance in sustaining life. The practice of gardening with water has been modified and refined to suit many needs and tastes. Today for gardeners and landscapers alike, garden pools can open up a whole new world of possibilities. There is virtually no limit to the styles and sizes of garden pools. Whether it takes the form of a simple container fountain bubbling peacefully on a patio, a pondless waterfall cascading down a hillside or a large pond stocked with colorful koi and a variety of plants, water features in a garden can be a welcome addition to any space.

Fish are the focal point of many garden pools. They also serve a practical purpose by helping to create an ecological balance in a watery environment by feeding on algae and insect larvae. Plants also serve an important role. Algae thrives in sunlight, so it is wise to deprive them of it. Plants covering some of the surface of the water will compete with algae for available light.  Plants covering some of the surface of the water will compete with algae for available sunlight.      Oxygenating plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen for the use of other plants and fish. Just make sure that plants cover less than 50% of the surface area of a pond when sharing the area with fish.

A well crafted garden pond can create a radically different change in scenery from the immediate surroundings. How could a walk over a rustic wooden bridge or water lined pathway not affect your mood pleasantly? A variety of styles bring different feelings and emotions but as a whole the presence of water creates a feeling of peace and serenity. Getting back to nature, slow down long enough to breath in your peaceful surroundings and exhale calmness.