According to Atlantic Homecare, homeowners like the way water, in some form or fashion, can otherwise transform a decent, but rather characterless patio or lawn.

In the past, installing a pond or similar involved serious digging, careful lining and even more careful connection of an electrical pump, a la Ground Force.

But now the big DIY warehouses offer a selection of much more straightforward yet effective possiblities. And they don't cost the earth.

The trickle of water provides delightful background music and masks traffic noise, says Atlantic, thus bringing tranquility and peacefulness to the garden.