Introducing Our New Water Features & Fountains Collection

With spring on the way, there’s no better time to enhance your garden with the soothing sights and sounds of flowing water. Hence why we’re so excited to announce the launch of our brand new water features and fountains range. In partnership with market leaders Kelkay and Smart Garden, we are now able to offer a multitude of styles to suit every outdoor space. From eye-catching contemporary designs to elegant nature-inspired cascades and more quirky options, we’ve got it covered. Learn all about the collection and some key maintenance tips, below.

Why install a garden fountain or water feature?

First things first, if you’ve never had a water feature before, you may wondering what benefits they offer. As well as adding to the aesthetic appeal of your garden, water features help to create a more tranquil atmosphere. The sound of flowing or trickling water has a calming effect, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels while you spend time outdoors.

Additionally, water fountains can help to mask unwanted noise. For example, if you live next to a busy road, cascading or babbling water can provide a reprieve. Plus, the sight of water in motion can add visual interest and breathe life into otherwise simple gardens and courtyards. It also attracts birds and other wildlife – ideal if you’re looking to reconnect with nature.

Discover our high-quality outdoor water features range

At Oxford Garden Centre, we have recently expanded our water features collection, taking the total up to 16 different models! This includes 15 mains-powered designs by Kelkay and one solar powered water fountain by Smart Garden – more on this later.

There are various materials to choose from to complement your home, such as concrete and stone-effect resin. Not to mention every style imaginable from modern to traditional and more decorative options. Plus many different sizes, pressures and even ones that light up at night!

Better yet, every model is fully self-contained with its own recirculating water tank or trough. Not only does this conserve water, but it also means that you don’t need to connect it to a mains water supply – handy! So which one is best for your garden? Let’s take a closer look…

Wall fountains

Designed with a flat back and outward-facing spout, these compact garden fountains can be attached to any smooth exterior wall. A great example is the classic Winchcombe Springs model which features a curved trough and single trickling water spout. Its moulded cast iron- inspired finish is understated yet ornamental. Perfect for adding a hint of luxury to courtyards, patios and established gardens, without taking up lots of space.

Traditional water features

Along the same lines, the characterful Irondale Pours is ideal for anyone who loves vintage designs. This freestanding fountain is made to look like rustic cast iron pots with corrugated sides mounted atop one another. And for additional visual appeal, they also feature copper-coloured trims and decorative topper. Yet, despite looking like a metal water feature, this traditional model is actually built from weatherproof recycled plastic with zero risk of rusting.

Garden waterfalls

Perhaps the most popular of all outdoor water features, are our cascading waterfall-inspired designs. That includes more rugged, natural-looking models like Como Springs which fit seamlessly into rockeries and gardens. This one in particular boasts an authentic stone finish and carved rocky ledges. Yet, it is made from durable (and more affordable) poly resin. We also stock a similar but more subtle Bubbling Brook design with faux boulders and tree trunks.

Want something that stands out rather than blends in? Then contemporary Illusion Falls may just fit the bill. It comprises a 3-tier stack of tilted pouring bowls to create a chic gravity-defying focal point for any garden. And there’s even built-in LEDs for the evening. Finished in a cool grey shade with a textured surface, this concrete model also cleverly mimics natural stone.

Modern water features

Interested in what other modern water features we have to offer? The Spiral Showers fountain is one of our most unique yet simple models. Its swirling shape feels new and different, as does the central curtain of water which steadily streams from top to bottom. Alternatively, you might like the almost other-worldly Cambrian Monolith. Crafted in cement, it looks surprisingly like real stone and has a hollowed out centre point that allows water to trickle down the face.

Nature-inspired water fountains

Alongside natural stone and wood-effect water features, we also have some lovely wildlife-focused designs. In the Kelkay range, you’ll find two stunning otter models moulded from poly resin and realistically hand painted. Then in the Smart Garden collection, the colourful Smart Solar Duck Family Fountain is ideal for family households and doubles as a bird bath. This fun solar water fountain is also very practical, with an integrated solar panel to power the pump. As such, no mains power is needed and you can position it wherever you like in your garden.

Better still, no matter which water feature you choose, we can deliver it free of charge to any Oxford postcode. You’ll typically receive your item the next working day, and there’s no minimum order fee. Sound good? Browse the entire range online or visit us in store.

FAQs about water features and fountains

How do you maintain a garden water feature?

There are three main things to keep on top of when it comes to outdoor water feature maintenance. The first is keeping it clean. Check it every few days and use a small net to remove leaves, twigs and other organic matter from the water as needed. This helps to keep the pump from clogging and ensures good aeration to minimise the risk of algae growth.

Then, once a month you should do a deep clean. To do this, pour or scoop out the water, then use a soft bristle brush and a few drops of eco-friendly dish soap to scrub any dirt off. If you notice algae that is proving difficult to remove, dab on some diluted white vinegar, then re-scrub. Remember to clean the pump and connecting tubes too, then rinse, air dry and refill.

Secondly, make sure that you top the water up regularly to keep the pump fully submerged at all times. In summer, you’ll need to add more water at least once a week as the water will evaporate faster in warmer weather. However, in winter, fortnightly should be enough.

The final thing to bear in mind, is that in winter, you’ll need to empty the water out to prevent frost damage. The reason for this is that water expands as it freezes, which leads to cracks. Once empty, cover the fountain to stop rainwater pooling or move it into a shed or garage.

How do I stop my water feature from going stagnant?

Changing the water every two weeks when you do the deep clean should keep cases of stagnant water at bay. It’s also a good idea to check the pump regularly. If it stops working or becomes blocked, the water won’t circulate which can cause a buildup of bacteria and thus, unpleasant smells. If possible, we’d also recommend positioning your water feature in a slightly shady spot to discourage algae growth. Just don’t forget to remove debris often.

Do water features use a lot of electricity?

How much electricity your water fountain uses will depend on how powerful the pump is and how long you leave it running for. Of course, large water features require stronger pumps. Especially if the water needs to travel a long distance against gravity. Meanwhile, smaller models tend to use less electric. Or you could opt for a solar powered water fountain instead.

Whether you leave your water feature on all the time is entirely up to you. Doing so can help to limit the buildup of mineral deposits and keep the water fresh for longer. But to reduce costs, you may choose to run it through the day and switch it off at night. It’s completely up to you!