Water Features in a traditional sense was originally found in Greece, in the shape of fountains and were considered to be at the heart of the population. Although, nearly one thousand years earlier there is recognized documentation verifying the design of fountains within a garden setting in Iran, where earthenware remains have been found. The beneficial qualities of horticulture as a whole has been established for a very long time, with many early settlements having gardens as regular features of their communities.

The Greeks devised whole temples devoted to healing with pastoral settings, gardens, gymnasiums, bathing pools and natural springs. The population would venerate the god ?Aesclepius? and take time to heal, relax and unwind, the temples were used to encourage recovery from sickness. The Romans would also keep notes on which plant life had beneficial properties,a surgeon from the army, Dioscorides put together a register of around 650 herbal remedies and where to find and how to use each particular plants to benefit health.

The Centre for Therapeutic Horticulture has been established since 1992 and is part of the University of Minnesota's Landscape Arboretum. The Centre specializes in investigation into the importance of connecting humans and vegetation in reference to physical condition and mending within the healthcare surrounding. The modern investigation into this correlation seems to show that being surrounded by and enjoying the beauty of nature stimulates our sense of well being and enhances the recovery of physical conditions. Particularly the sound of running water is supposed to enhance our feeling of well being and relaxes the mind. The connection between people and water is probably due to our innate need to be near water for survival but we are made from 70% water and maybe feel the benefit of water on a cellular level also.

During the two decades water features have increasingly become recurrant within the designer garden in the UK. Gardening programmes like the BBC's ground force have inspired the UK to become more aware of their garden and the huge benefit and enjoyment to be gained from maintaining and improving your outdoor living space. There is a definite financial gain to be made in terms of property value but it is about having a space to entertain, socialize and enjoy life.

The new designer water feature can come in a wide variety to suit all tastes, budgets and sized garden, there's no excuse for the plastic pond anymore. In the case of materials there is a vast range of materials being used in the design of water features from the current trend of stainless steel to traditionally stylish stone carving. Adding a new dimension to your garden by devising a water feature would fashion a new element of your garden and improve your enjoyment of the garden and may benefit your health in the long run.