Water Feature Ideas to Elevate Your Outdoor Space
Add a water feature to your yard for beauty and ambiance
Photo by: Natalia Bratslavsky / Shutterstock
Water is one of the most essential elements, with all life dependent on it for survival. Humans are drawn to spending time near water, whether it’s the roar of ocean waves along a coastal beach, the serene lapping of water on a lake shore as the sun is setting, or the rush of a fast-moving stream in a verdant forest.
Adding a water feature to your yard is a way to bring this basic element into your landscape. The soothing sounds of moving water drown out urban noises, helping to create a calming oasis where you can unwind after a long day.
A water feature can be as elaborate as a large pond or as simple as a tabletop fountain. It can be the main backyard water feature, a focal point that draws the eye through the landscape, or a background element. Even if you only have a deck or apartment balcony, you can still enjoy a small water feature. Explore what type of water feature is right for you and how to add one to your yard.
TYPES OF WATER FEATURES
There are many types and sizes of water features made from a range of materials. Here are the main types:
Photo by: Proven Winners
POOL
A pool is a manmade structure made of concrete, fiberglass or vinyl that is typically used for swimming, with smaller options including a plunge pool, lap pool, or spa. It can also be solely decorative, as a reflective or cooling element in a garden.
Photo by: Morty Bachar and Patty Storms
POND
A pond is a natural or manmade body of standing water that can be used as a natural swimming pond or a decorative feature. Ponds are typically more natural looking than pools and support aquatic plants and wildlife such as birds, frogs, dragonflies, koi, and other fish.
Read more about natural-style swimming ponds.
Photo by: Proven Winners
WATERFALL OR STREAM
A waterfall or stream adds drama and the sound of running water to your landscape. There is a range of sizes and materials to fit nearly any landscape or budget.
Photo by: Natalia Bratslavsky / Shutterstock
FOUNTAIN
There are many types of water fountains, from classic multi-tiered fountains to small tabletop models suitable for a patio or apartment balcony. They can be free-standing or part of a water wall. A garden fountain can be powered by electricity or solar; consider the pros and cons of each.
Photo by: Bobkeenan Photography
BUBBLER
A bubbler is a sprinkler head that gently percolates. It can be incorporated into a fountain, ceramic pot, or in-ground installation.
Photo by: Susan Teare
RILL
A rill is a narrow channel made from stone, concrete or metal, with still or flowing water.
Photo by: Gerald DeBoer / Shutterstock
BIRD BATH
Water is crucial to wildlife, especially during warmer summer months. One of the best ways to attract songbirds, hummingbirds, dragonflies, and other wildlife to your yard is to include a bird bath or other water source in your yard.
Photo by: Janet Loughrey
CONTAINER
Adding a bowl or container is one of the easiest options. A bowl can be ceramic, stone, wood, or metal, while containers can include livestock troughs, wooden tubs, or whiskey barrels.
Photo by: Proven Winners
RAIN GARDEN
A rain garden is a shallow depression in the landscape that catches and holds runoff from rains. This eco-friendly solution allows water to percolate into the soil where it is available to plants.
Photo by: Gardens by Design / Shutterstock
COMBINATION
More than one water feature can be combined, such as a waterfall and pond or rill and pool.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT WATER FEATURE FOR YOUR YARD
Photo by: Anita Warren-Hampson / Shutterstock
When deciding what kind of water feature to add, consider the following:
Scale:
How big is your yard? Do you want water to be the predominant theme, or a secondary element? If you have a spacious property, you’ll have room for a larger pond or pool. For smaller yards, you might still have room for a pond or pool, but it will have to be scaled down. Choose a water feature that is in scale with the landscape so it doesn’t overwhelm or get lost in the design.
Function:
Do you prefer the grandness of a pond, the drama of a waterfall, or the serenity of a small fountain? What do you want to use your water feature for? Swimming, attracting wildlife, as a decorative element, or to add the sound of water?
Budget:
Research the cost of design, materials, and installation. Include the cost of extras such as walkways, structures, decorative boulders, rocks, statuary, seating, plants, and maintenance.
Installation:
The type of water feature you choose will determine the complexity of the installation. A pool, pond, waterfall, or stream will need a pump, plumbing, filtration system, and access to a power and water source. Heavy equipment is necessary to dig the hole for a pond or pool, put down a liner, grade a hillside for a waterfall, and to move dirt, boulders, and rocks.
Maintenance:
A water feature can develop harmful algae, attract mosquitos and require regular cleaning and maintenance. Before you decide on a water feature, research how to keep it maintained. How much time and expense are you willing to devote? Consider the best methods of cleaning and pest control, whether it’s mosquito dunks, beneficial bacteria tablets, or other products.
Hire a professional:
For more complex projects, consult a garden design professional who is experienced with installing water features.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Photo by: Dayna Springfield
There are many factors when adding a water feature to your outdoor space. Here are some things to consider:
Location:
Where do you want to place your water feature? Though the backyard is most common, you can site a water feature in the front or side yard, too. Consider how it looks from inside your home and the reflective qualities from the surrounding trees and sky. Locate your water feature in an open area away from large deciduous trees, as fallen leaves and other debris can cause algae build-up, clog the pump, or cause harm to fish. Provide some shade, as high water temperatures can promote algae growth and evaporation.
Access:
Make sure you can easily access your water feature for maintenance or repairs. Add pathways and keep the surrounding area free from debris or overgrown plantings.
Style:
There are many different styles of water features, from modern to classic. Choose a style that complements your home and landscape. Include elements that add visual interest and appeal such as a gazebo, decorative rocks, statuary, and plants.
Sound:
Decide what noise level is right for you and your yard. Water flowing from a stream or waterfall can be dramatic and invigorating, while the trickle of a fountain can be soothing and contemplative. A bird bath or small pot with standing water won’t have any noise at all.
Safety:
Make sure larger water features such as ponds or pools are safe for children. Install a security fence if necessary. Use materials that won’t be slippery to walk on. Provide lighting at night. When including fish such as koi, make sure there are places for them to escape predators.
Plants:
Aquatic plants can help to keep the water clean, attract and support wildlife. Common aquatic plants include water lilies, mosaic plant (Ludwigia sedoides), water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes), umbrella grass (Cyperus involucratus) and Egyptian papyrus (Cyperus papyrus). Include moisture-loving plants alongside a pond, stream or rain garden such as giant rhubarb (Gunnera), elephant ear (Colocasia), marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), ferns, and iris.
WATER FEATURE IDEAS
This attractive entryway is adorned with a waterfall and small pond, making a dramatic first impression. Designer: Phil Thornburg, Winterbloom. Photo: Janet Loughrey.
The central feature of this contemporary stone patio is a round water lily pool. Bud Dietrich garden. Designer: Michael Schultz. Photo: Janet Loughrey.
A lighted water feature contributes to the evening ambiance of this outdoor garden room. Linda Ernst garden. Designer: Laura Crockett. Photo: Janet Loughrey.
A serene water bowl is surrounded by lush plantings. Joanne Fuller garden. Photo: Janet Loughrey.
An inviting waterfall and pond is sited adjacent to the home’s deck where it can be enjoyed up close. Designers and homeowners: Anne Marsh and Gary Fear. Photo: Janet Loughrey.
The flowing stream along this pathway looks natural rather than manmade. Lush plantings augment the calming serenity of this Asian-inspired shade garden. Photo: Janet Loughrey.
Vibrant colors of orange and blue highlight a decorative pool in this contemporary garden. Craig Quirk and Larry Neill garden. Designer: Laura Crockett. Photo: Janet Loughrey.
Punctuated by lush plantings, a classic bench offers a place for quiet contemplation along this natural style pond. Designers and homeowners: Bruce Wakefield and Jerry Grossnickle. Photo: Janet Loughrey.
Built into a classic-style brick wall, a trickling wall fountain highlights this colorful patio. Photo: Proven Winners.
Perfect for reading and relaxing, a quiet seating area was sited next to a backyard pond. Photo: Proven Winners.
Even something as simple as a birdbath can bring the element of water into your yard. Photo: Proven Winners.
This home was built around a natural-style, manmade pond designed to attract and support wildlife. Photo: Morty Bachar and Patty Storms.
(See more of this garden)
A livestock trough water garden is adorned with a variety of plants for a compelling display. Gardener and designer: Loree Bohl. Photo: Janet Loughrey.
