With our extensive experience in landscaping and water feature installation we can transform your garden into an oasis of calm with an ecosystem pond, waterfall or fountain scape.
Do you already know what you are looking for? Choose the service that you want to learn more about:
We are Certified Aquascape Contractors
As Certified Aquascape Contractors, Shade Landscapes is your premier choice for custom pond and water feature design, construction and maintenance in Northamptonshire and surrounding counties.
Aquascape is a company from the United States who have revolutionised water gardens, creating water features that are in balance with nature. Their products, along with natural stone and wood, provide us with a bespoke, environmentally friendly approach to designing and constructing water features for our clients.
See below Greg Wittstock, the CEO of Aquascape vlog one of our projects in Bedfordshire!!!
Pondless Waterfalls
A pondless waterfall can be a small eye-catcher in the corner of a courtyard or a large feature with a stream in the centre of your outdoor space. Either way it has the benefits of safety, easy maintenance, and lower cost, whilst looking spectacular.
Pondless waterfalls are a great way to have the tranquil sounds of water in your garden without the worry of children or pets falling into the pond. They really are a hassle free option for water garden lovers who desire the peace and oasis of water in their outdoor space.
How does a pondless waterfall work?
The water feature recirculates the water without the need for a pond, and therefore without the need for maintenance of a body of water. During the summer months you may need to top up the basin with water, but that’s it!
Pondless waterfalls work by pumping (4) water contained in a large, in-ground reservoir (3) up and through the Waterfall Spillway (1), allowing the water to flow back down into the reservoir. This simple recirculation system requires very little maintenance, is easy to install, and ideal for families with young children or pets that love to play in water.
Rocks and gravel (2) hide the not so attractive pond liner (6) and frame your waterfall so that it makes an eye-catching statement in your garden.
Ecosystem Ponds
Water is an essential component of every garden, not only does it provide a stunning focal point, it also brings tranquillity and movement to your outdoors. Hearing the trickle of water and observing the stillness of a pond are pleasures that everyone should enjoy in life. A water feature will establish your garden among the elites providing a backdrop to your living space that everyone will be talking about.
Ecosystem ponds work with nature, not against it, providing a haven for wildlife, from birds and fish to amphibians and plants, all comfortably finding their place within your outdoor area.
Given the importance of wildlife conservation, an ecosystem pond is a great way to create a balanced ecological community in your garden, with few components and low maintenance, whilst doing your bit to help our planet.
An ecosystem pond’s benefit to nature is an added bonus to what will make a striking feature to your garden, leaving your visitors impressed by your breathtaking centrepiece!
How does an ecosystem pond work?
The ecosystem pond has a two stage filtration system: mechanical and biological. A pond skimmer (1) is the mechanical filter, it pre-filters all the water and debris, including leaves, into one simple place to be removed with ease. The water is then passed through into the biological filter (2) that harbours billions of microscopic beneficial bacteria which colonise over time, consuming and breaking down excess nutrients.
The recirculation system (3 & 4) ensures the water flow is correct for the water feature, this will help maintain oxygen levels, provide tranquil sounds of water, and optimise the water quality, lessening maintenance.
Rocks and gravel (5) protect the pond liner (6) from the sun, as well as bringing beauty to your pond. They also provide an extra area for the beneficial bacteria to thrive, helping with excess nutrient removal and ensuring your pond water is gin clear.
Aquatic plants (7) provide texture and colour to your pond, as well as natural filtration reducing the chemicals responsible for algae bloom. Through minimising maintenance and improving water quality aquatic plants bring equilibrium to your pond.
Fish (7) are an integral part of the pond ecosystem, grazing on the excess algae on rocks and gravel which reduces overall maintenance.
Answering your water garden questions:
How to build a garden pond?
Pond building differs depending on size, ground type and customer requirements. We can talk you through each element of pond construction during a site visit to ensure your needs are met. Take a look at how ecosystem ponds and pondless waterfalls work further up this page.
How much does it cost to build a pond?
Ponds come in all shapes and sizes, we work to our customer’s budget and needs to ensure your pond is the right fit for you.
What pond pump do I need?
Pond pumps control the speed and flow of the waterfalls as well as circulating the water within the pond. The size of the pond pump is determined by the size of the pond. We will discuss this with you as part of your consultation to ensure you have a pump that provides the appropriate power needed for your pond.
How to stop pond water turning green?
Pond water can turn green due to a number of factors, mainly due to the build up of algae caused by excess nutrients in the pond. The best way to get rid of algae is to have aquatic plants in the pond, fish can also help with this but it is important not to overfeed your fish as the excess nutrients from food can add to the problem. We can provide full details on pond maintenance and taking care of fish and aquatic plants, we can also come and maintain your pond for you!
What plants keep ponds clean?
We offer a full planting scheme with any water feature or pond that we install. We can discuss with you the best types of plants for your pond given its environment, as well as how to choose plants that prevent algae build up in your pond.
When to add fish to a new pond?
As well as adding plants to your pond, fish allow the ecosystem to be used to its maximum. We can add the fish for you and provide advice on how often to feed this fish. The great aspect to having fish in your pond is that they reduce the maintenance needed!
Where to hire a pond builder?
As Certified Aquascape Contractors, we are the premium choice for water garden installation in the UK, see our water garden projects above to get an idea of our work.