GARDENING
follow:
- Use armoured cable, available from most
electrical suppliers, or ensure that the standard
flex that’s supplied with most water features is
run in tough plastic trunking.
- Bury the cable at least 12” underground - any
shallower and you’ll run the risk of clipping it
with a fork or lawnmower.
- If you don’t fancy digging, then run the cable
above ground, along a fence at least 2 feet off
the ground where it can be clearly seen. Clip
the cable at 18” intervals on a piece of timber
3” x 1/2” which you screw to the fence prior to
fixing the cable. The most important thing is to
ensure the cable is connected to an RCD unit,
so it trips instantly if accidentally cut!
With practical safety issues dealt with, you can
now choose your water feature. Firstly, keep it
in proportion to your garden. The Trafalgar
Square fountain would look out of place in the
average garden, yet a surprising number of
people make this mistake and go for overkill.
Another craze is to buy four or five different
water features when it’s usually better to opt
for just one striking centre piece that’s in
proportion to the scale of its surroundings.
Once you start looking, you’ll find a whole
range of water feature types, from the spitter
to the terrace pond, the natural cascade or the
modern/contemporary design. Budget anything
from £30 to £1,000 depending on the design
and level of sophistication. All models come
with pumps that can be replaced 5 years down
the line if required..
Your choice will come down to individual taste,
but trend-watchers are expected to be going for
the modern/contemporary looks this year (as in
the example pictured above). There are also
water features suitable for use indoors, which
work by re-circulating the water supply. These
are the perfect choice for conservatories or
verandahs.
If you’d like more expert advice, call in at Busy
Bee Garden Centre, Brading Road, Ryde.
Tel: 01983 811096.
Island Life - www.islandlifemagazine.net
47