Water features current gardening 'must-have'

16:53 28th May 2008

Water features are the current must-have item in green spaces, an industry expert asserted in recent days.

Lucy Hall, deputy editor of BBC Gardener's World Magazine, explained that wildlife ponds are ideal for rural and suburban gardens, while green spaces in a city environment are perfect for smaller features.

She suggested that running water can be integrated into an urban garden's aquatic installations to help draw focus into the horticultural space and away from background noise which may be caused by traffic.

Concluding her advice, Ms Hall asserted: "They can take some maintenance, so only put one in if you know you're likely to have the time or energy to give it at least an annual clean-up."

Meanwhile, research carried out by financial services provider Lloyds TSB Insurance suggests that six per cent of people would most like to add a water feature to their green space during the summer months.