Freshen Up
Even if your water feature or pond has seen better days, it isn't hard to give it a makeover. Sometimes just a clean out and refill with rain water from a water butt can help. Maintenance is best carried out in the autumn before creatures such a frogs begin hibernation. If the pond is overrun with blanket weed, remove it by winding it onto a stick.

Give it a Trim
Cut back water-side plants and remove decaying vegetation from the water. If you have cleared old leaves and mud but the water is persistently cloudy you might need to add an algicide. With some bog or moisture loving plants around the margins, a few oxygen generating plants and some tall structural plants to provide a focus, your pond will be transformed.

Natural Decking
To encourage frogs or toads, and to help birds take a bath or drink, place one or two stones in the centre of the pond or at its edge. This will give them a handy place to get in and out of the water. If you have kids, create a safe pathway or decking platform around the pond to help the children get closer to the water without falling in. Goldfish might be nice to look at but in small ponds they can discourage natural creatures such as frogs.

Planting Suggestions
To provide oxygen in the water, use plants such as Elodea crispa or Fontinalis antipyretica. These will also provide havens for insects and other aquatic life. Choose floating plants such as Trapa natans or any of the beautiful water lilies (Nymphaea) to give flying insects such as dragonflies a landing spot. For summer colour and a strong architectural feel, try irises such as the yellow flag variety.

Get Inspiration
Plenty of the countries best gardens have superb water gardens where you can draw inspiration. There are also many nurseries with stunning examples, including Stapeley Water garden centre near nantwich in Cheshire and Fairhaven woodland & water garden at Walsham in Norfolk.