The RX-8
The RX-8
The RX-8
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follow:<br />
- Use armoured cable, available from most<br />
electrical suppliers, or ensure that the standard<br />
flex that’s supplied with most water features is<br />
run in tough plastic trunking.<br />
- Bury the cable at least 12” underground - any<br />
shallower and you’ll run the risk of clipping it<br />
with a fork or lawnmower.<br />
- If you don’t fancy digging, then run the cable<br />
above ground, along a fence at least 2 feet off<br />
the ground where it can be clearly seen. Clip<br />
the cable at 18” intervals on a piece of timber<br />
3” x 1/2” which you screw to the fence prior to<br />
fixing the cable. <strong>The</strong> most important thing is to<br />
ensure the cable is connected to an RCD unit,<br />
so it trips instantly if accidentally cut!<br />
With practical safety issues dealt with, you can<br />
now choose your water feature. Firstly, keep it<br />
in proportion to your garden. <strong>The</strong> Trafalgar<br />
Square fountain would look out of place in the<br />
average garden, yet a surprising number of<br />
people make this mistake and go for overkill.<br />
Another craze is to buy four or five different<br />
water features when it’s usually better to opt<br />
for just one striking centre piece that’s in<br />
proportion to the scale of its surroundings.<br />
Once you start looking, you’ll find a whole<br />
range of water feature types, from the spitter<br />
to the terrace pond, the natural cascade or the<br />
modern/contemporary design. Budget anything<br />
from £30 to £1,000 depending on the design<br />
and level of sophistication. All models come<br />
with pumps that can be replaced 5 years down<br />
the line if required..<br />
Your choice will come down to individual taste,<br />
but trend-watchers are expected to be going for<br />
the modern/contemporary looks this year (as in<br />
the example pictured above). <strong>The</strong>re are also<br />
water features suitable for use indoors, which<br />
work by re-circulating the water supply. <strong>The</strong>se<br />
are the perfect choice for conservatories or<br />
verandahs.<br />
If you’d like more expert advice, call in at Busy<br />
Bee Garden Centre, Brading Road, Ryde.<br />
Tel: 01983 811096.<br />
Island Life - www.islandlifemagazine.net<br />
GARDENING<br />
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