Six Water Features: Which one is right for you?

Springtime is almost upon us.  This is the season when most of us are able to get outdoors without freezing.  We look over our backyard and begin to imagine relaxing on the patio, planting a beautiful garden and just simply enjoying nature.  One of the most popular items for today’s backyard is a water feature.  It can be as simple as a garden fountain or a full-fledged backyard pond and waterfalls. Hearing the sounds of water gently splashing into a pond or rushing over the rocks in a waterfall has a soothing and relaxing effect on our senses.

There are many types of outdoor water features which you can create yourself.  Below is a list of six do-it-yourself water features from easiest to more complicated.

Bubbling Rock

A bubbling rock is usually a faux rock so you can have a large size without the weight of a real one.  It is set on a basin which captures the water and is then recirculated through a small pump to the opening in the rock.  It looks natural and sounds wonderful.

Large Urn

If you love beautiful pots and urns you can use one to create a water feature.  The urn must first be drilled in the bottom to accept the plumbing parts.  You need to place the urn on a basin which catches the overflowing water.  The basin can be placed above ground and concealed with rocks, plants or a combination of the two.  You can also dig a hole and place the basin in it.  This way your urn would be sitting level with the ground.  Either way it is a fairly simple water feature which will provide the soothing sounds of water.

Free Standing Fountain

Outdoor free standing fountains come in all shapes and sizes, from simple to elaborate.  Choose a spot in your backyard to place the fountain.  Then decide what look you want to achieve.  Styles are available from vintage to contemporary.  Once you have the fountain set up, be sure to landscape around it so it blends in with the surroundings.

Free Standing Waterfall

A waterfall can be free standing.  It can be placed in a retaining wall or a rock fence.  The basin which the water spills into can be above ground or below.  There is even a waterfall where the water is lit from behind the water (very dramatic). 

Pondless Waterfall

Pondless waterfalls have become very popular recently.  They usually look like a naturally occurring waterfall but the water actually runs into an underground basin instead of into a pond (thus Pondless).  Some of the advantages of the pondless waterfall are no standing water and more energy efficient.  The pondless waterfall can be turned off when you are not around to enjoy it, thus saving on those electric bills.  Always bring your landscaping into your water feature so it looks like its natural surroundings. See video on how to build a pondless waterfall.

Garden Pond with Waterfall

Last but not least is a full fledged backyard pond and waterfall.  It can be done by the ambitious do-it-yourselfer.  The most important first step is to site your pond.  Where would it look best as you look out your window or from your deck.  Secondly, decide how small or large it should be.   Use a garden hose to lay out the shape and size you envision.  Look at this layout from all angles before you make your final decision.  Pond kits are available in many sizes.  They are packaged with everything you will need except the rocks and water!

Whatever water feature you choose it will bring many years of relaxation and enjoyment for you and your whole family.