First of all it is important to mention the safety element of adding a water feature. Children are attracted to it as if by magic, and of course the dangers are only too clear. Pets and pond liners are another potential bad mix, a punctured pond is not a pretty sight!

However, if it is an element you would like to introduce, the scale, complexity and costs all vary enormously. A small bubble fountain set, installed by yourselves over a few hours and positioned beside a patio or bench will provide a pleasant sense of motion and noise. It is important to get it level, and while solar pumps are available, in our climate a main power supply would be preferable. These pumps are the secret behind more types of water display than you might think and a wide range of effects can be achieved. Magazine articles and books are a great source of inspiration while choosing.

Even more straightforward is a container, perhaps a waterproofed half barrel, planted with a few water lilies. Needing little more than topping up, this can give a lovely extra dimension to your planting, surrounded by complimentary ferns and hostas.

Now, the pond option! These can be designed to look artificial- a regular shape and obvious edging will look best in a more formal part of your garden. Alternatively, you can build a natural looking pond. Take care in its outline and the material you use to edge it, as this is harder to achieve than you might think. In either case, you will need a minimum surface area and depth, and also a degree of shade and planting. Otherwise your pond will never regulate itself and will constantly be stagnating and clogging up with weeds. It is a task to get expert advice on before starting, as there is a lot of work ahead when you start to dig. It will, however, if carefully designed, bring a whole new element into your garden, with plants you would not be able to grow elsewhere and wildlife which would not come and visit you otherwise.