A small water feature or garden pond can make an attractive focal point in your garden and the sound of trickling water can be very soothing. However, if you are thinking of adding a water display to your garden there are several points to bear in mind before you can go ahead with your project.

Access to electricity will be needed if a fountain or waterfall is wanted, so ensure you consult an electrician first. In the case of a garden pond, the correct siting is important as overhanging branches of trees and shrubs cannot only create too much shade, but they can also harm the fish as falling leaves rot the bottom of the pond and give of poisonous gases.

Having chosen the site the next point to consider is what materials to use. A pre-formed, reinforced plastic rigid pond has an advantage over a butyl liner in that all that is required is a hole to be dug out to its shape. Whereas a liner will require careful digging, forming marginal shelves and then this will need the addition of a long lasting material around the sides and bottom so that the butyl liner cannot be punctured. However, you can create your own design, size and depth when using a liner. Whichever type you choose, to check the quality of the product and that it has a guarantee of at least 10 years. A concrete pond is a further type of material that can be used, but in most cases the use of a tradesman for this task is advisable.

Having constructed the pond and any other feature such as a rockery, it is now time to fill up with water and planting can begin. The main reasons for having plants is that they can keep the water clear from algae, give shade to fish during any bright sunny days and they give off oxygen which is essential in the keeping of fish.

Within the pond there are three levels at which plants should be grown:-

Floating Plants - these will create shade. Water lettuce, Fairy Moss and Hyacinth are all suitable.

Marginal Plants - these are grown close to the side and are used mainly for decorative purposes. Marsh Marigold, Colton Grass and Iris are some of the many varieties available.

Deep Water and Oxygenating Plants - are used towards the bottom of the pond. Water Hawthorn and many varieties of Water Lily are suitable for this level. Some oxygenating varieties are Parrot Feathers, Hornwort and Canadian Pond Weed.

By getting the correct balance of plants, the water should be in good condition and be ready for the introduction of fish. However, this should not take place before 4 to 5 weeks have elapsed.

If you have incorporated a controlled release fertiliser in your containers and hanging baskets you should now be seeing the benefits but if not then ensure that a weekly feed is given to achieve the same results.

Houseplants which are not pot bound can now be potted on to the next size pot. Too large a pot will not be beneficial as the plant will use its energies to produce roots at the expense of foliage and flowers. Glossy leafed house plants can be cleaned using a leaf shine.

Shrubs such as MOCK ORANGE and DEUTZIA that have finished flowering can now be pruned and shaped by cutting back the shoots that have flowered. At the same time remove any dead flowers from shrubs and feed with liquid fertiliser.

Continue to water tomatoes daily and feed regularly with high potash feed. Remove all side shoots and tie in the main stem to the support. Melons should now be showing flowers so you can help pollination by removing the male flower. This is always easily identified as behind the flower you will find a very small fruitlet. If you haven't grown the all female type of cucumber then it is important to remove all the male flowers. If they are left on the plant the fruits produced will have a bitter taste.

To help keep temperatures down in the greenhouse and also to prevent scorching on the leaves of the tomatoes, cucumbers and melons ensure the greenhouse is shaded either by painting a white liquid on the glass or use a good quality shade setting.

Recent weather conditions have caused many plants, shrubs and trees to suffer, not only from Mildew, but also Rust and Blackspot. If these diseases are not dealt with in the early stages, permanent damages may occur. Mildew and Blackspot are easily identified, however, Rust, which is normally less common, shows itself in most cases as orange/yellow coloured spots on the underside of leaves. This year because of the warm, wet, humid conditions, Rust has become more severe than in recent years. Spraying with a systematic fungicide, such as Doff Systemic Fungicide will control this problem providing you follow the manufacturers instructions. Unfortunately a once only spray is normally insufficient, so do follow the guidelines given. At the same time, collect and dispose of any leaves that have fallen, this will also assist in the control of these problems.

A further nuisance at the moment are infestations of aphids and, again due to the inclement climate they rapidly multiply if not treated with a systemic insecticide spray. There are also biodegradable products available, which can be used.

Continue the control of slugs and snails, particularly on Hostas, Delphiniums and bedding plants. Don't forget animal friendly Growing Success Slug Killer

In the vegetable plot sow spring cabbage seed and further salad crops such as Radish/Lettuce/Spring Onions and Beetroot. Early carrot varieties such as "Early Nantes" and "Sukko" can be sown and also Parsley which will then be ready for winter use. French and Runner Beans and Courgettes are hungry feeders, so continue to liquid feed twice a week.

If you go away over the next few weeks, holidays can cause problems if you haven't got friendly neighbours to help out with the watering.

A handy hint with houseplants is to use capillary matting. Lay a piece of this on the draining board in the kitchen, fill the sink, then dip the end an inch or so into the water. Stand the houseplants on the covered draining board and they will they take up water when required.

In the shrub beds and boarders the use of bark does help to retain the moisture and of course acts as a weed suppressant.

If you haven't used a controlled release fertiliser when planting up your baskets and containers ensure that you feed with a liquid feed before departing and also again on your return.

An essential piece of gardeners equipment is the water butt. This can be sited to suit your requirements but obviously placed by a drainpipe on the house or on the end of a greenhouse would be the most efficient way of catching rainwater. A kit is available which will fit most sizes of either round of square drainpipes, has an automatic overflow fitted to it and is easy to install. Water butts are available in various sizes, shapes and colour and some have legs fitted saving the need for blocks or bricks to be laid beforehand. Obviously the butt needs to be raised so that the watering can or bucket can be filled under the tap. As many water butts as needed can be linked together and with many homes now having water meters installed it makes good economic sense to own one.

Hopefully these tips will enable you to enjoy your "fun in the sun" knowing that your plants are not being neglected whilst you're away and that they will still be full of flower and looking good when you return.