Few things can add as much interest and atmosphere to a garden, as the sound of running water. Whether positioned discretely in a corner, or as a prominent centre-piece, the gentle trickling and the effect of light upon water gives a soothing effect as well as a dash of style to gardens of all types.

Christchurch couple Ian and Kaye Ford have recognised the demand for tasteful and affordable garden water features and now offer around 60 designs through their manufacturing outlet, Millstream Ornamentals and Water Features, next to the Sockburn Overbridge. Almost all of the designs are manufactured on site and available exclusively to Millstream.

Ian and Kaye have made water features affordable by choosing to manufacture on-site and sell direct to the public, rather than through distributors, retailers or garden centres.

The range includes contemporary, classical, minimalist, and a number of uniquely New Zealand styles, using stainless steel, West Coast river stone, sand and cement, and concrete. All are made as self-contained units. Water is recirculated from a reservoir beneath each unit, so that no plumbing is required. The result is an affordable product that is easy to install and requires virtually no maintenance apart from topping up with a hose to offset evaporation.

“Gardening is a passion for New Zealanders and a water feature is something that can provide a finishing touch,” says Ian. “We’ve set out to provide the designs that suit a range of garden themes and are affordable, without compromising on quality.”

A no-plumbing water feature offers a safe and convenient alternative to a garden pond, with proven reliability and low maintenance requirements. They can be easily relocated and adapted as a garden evolves and the small volume of water presents very little risk to young children. A number of designs are suitable for use indoors.

Millstream’s water features are extremely easy to install. A small submersible pump is housed in the water reservoir. A range of pump options is available, including low voltage and 240 volt systems. Ian can advise on the right pump for each application, depending on the distance between the pump and the power source and the likelihood of the feature being moved to new locations.

Millstream also stocks a wide range of creative garden ornaments, to suit a range of tastes and garden themes. Like the water features, Millstreams ornamentals are manufactured on site and available direct to the public. The range includes contemporary and classical designs and some creative new materials such as a popular new range of concrete ornaments with a rusted steel finish.