27 Soothing Water Features for the Yard

Looking for ways to bring peace and serenity to an outdoor living space? Add soothing sounds with these 27 ideas for water features that will accommodate any space or budget.

In the past, we’ve chatted about backyard ideas to create an outdoor living space you’ll never want to leave.

And today, I’m sharing 27 water feature ideas to foster that ambiance because if you don’t have one…trust me, you need one.

In our former home, we did not have a water feature at all.

But now that we moved, we are blessed with two ponds to enjoy. I can’t tell you how relaxing it is to listen to the sounds of babbling water in those ponds!

Especially in the zen garden.

And now that we have them?

I regret not adding some sort of water feature in those outdoor living spaces because we very easily could have done something somewhere.

The truth is, we always wanted a water feature but never quite got around to doing anything about it. A pond garden was high on the priority list, but we were pretty built out there and could not afford the space for it.

So we hemmed and hawed about what to do and then never did anything. It was debilitating.

Does that happen to you to?

Now that we have ponds, I can tell you we were missing out on the soothing sounds of running water.

If you don’t have room for a pond, a water fountain is an easy way to add that feature.

And although we have two ponds here, I’m considering adding one in the formal garden and a small fountain in the potager garden.

Because listening to the sounds of the water makes a huge difference in the outdoor atmosphere, doesn’t it?

It is not necessary to live by the water to enjoy the ambiance because you can easily add a water feature that will fit any space and budget.

Wait until you see some of these water feature ideas for the backyard!

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The Benefits of Having Water Feature

A water feature, such as a fountain, pond, or waterfall, can be a beautiful and tranquil addition to any yard.

Not only does it add aesthetic appeal, but it also offers a variety of benefits to homeowners. Here are some of the benefits of having a water feature in your yard.

Aesthetics

A water feature can enhance the beauty of your yard and add an element of interest. It can create a focal point for your landscaping and add visual appeal to your outdoor living space.

A well-designed feature can also be an impressive and unique addition to your home.

Relaxation and Stress Reduction

Create a peaceful and serene atmosphere that has a calming effect on the body and mind with the soothing sounds of running water.

Plus, the sounds of moving water can help drown out other noises and create a tranquil oasis in your own backyard.

This is a great solution for outdoor living spaces that are in close proximity to busy roads or downtown areas.

Attracts Wildlife

Water features can attract various types of wildlife, such as birds, butterflies, and frogs, which are always fun to watch.

You can also create a habitat for fish and other aquatic animals in a pond or fountain.

Keep in mind that while it attracts wildlife you want, it may also bring other wildlife you don’t want. We’ll chat about that more later.

Increases Property Value

A well-designed water feature can increase the value of your property. It can make your home more attractive to potential buyers, especially if it’s an impressive and unique feature that adds a lot of curb appeal.

Cost-effective Cooling

A water feature can help keep your yard cool during the hot summer months. The evaporation of water can help lower the temperature in the surrounding area, providing a natural and cost-effective way to keep your outdoor living space comfortable.

Are Water Features a Good Idea?

Yes, they are a great idea for many reasons.

Adding a water feature to your yard can enhance the beauty of your outdoor living space and provide a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere that you’ll never want to leave.

It can also attract wildlife, improve air quality, increase property value, and provide cost-effective cooling during the hot summer months.

Whether you choose a pond, fountain, or waterfall, a water feature can be a great investment in your home and your overall well-being.

However, keep in mind that water features require regular maintenance and upkeep to keep them clean and functioning properly.

So, if you’re willing to commit to the care and maintenance involved, they can be a fantastic addition to your yard.

What Can I Use for a Water Feature?

There are many options for creating a water feature, and the choice will depend on your personal style, budget, and available space.

Here are some popular options.

• Fountain
• Pond
• Waterfall
• Stream
• Wall fountain

No matter which option you choose, it’s important to consider the size and scale of your yard, as well as your budget and maintenance capabilities.

Should a Water Feature Be in Sun or Shade?

The location of a water feature in your yard can depend on the type of water feature you have and your personal preferences.

Here are some things to keep in mind when planning where to put one.

Sun or Shade?

The amount of sunlight your water feature receives can affect the temperature of the water, as well as the growth of any plants or algae in the water.

Keep in mind that if you have a pond or fountain with aquatic plants, they may require a certain amount of sunlight to thrive.

In general, a water feature that receives some shade during the day can help prevent the water from getting too warm, especially during the hot summer months.

Aesthetics

The location of your water feature can affect its visual impact on your yard.

If you have a water feature that you want to showcase as a focal point, it may be best to place it in a sunny area where it can catch the light and draw attention.

On the other hand, if you want your water feature to blend in with the rest of your landscaping or if you want to enjoy it without direct sun, a shaded area may be more appropriate.

Maintenance

Ideally, you want it in a location where it can be easily maintained. One that is close to items needed to clean or winterize it, as well as proximity to a water source.

What Are the Disadvantages of Having a Water Feature?

While water features can be a great addition to your yard, they do have some potential disadvantages that you should consider before installing one.

• Maintenance: Water features require regular maintenance to keep the water clean and healthy for any plants or animals living in it. This can involve tasks such as cleaning filters, removing debris, and checking water levels. If you don’t have the time or inclination for regular maintenance, a water feature may not be the best choice for you.
• Cost: Depending on the type of water feature you choose, it can be quite expensive to install and maintain. For example, a large pond or waterfall may require a significant investment of both time and money. Additionally, the cost of electricity to power pumps and filters can add up over time.
• Safety concerns: If you have young children or pets, a water feature can be a safety hazard. Even a small pond can pose a drowning risk, and some water features may have sharp edges or slippery surfaces that can cause injury.
• Mosquitoes: Standing water can attract mosquitoes, which can be a nuisance and carry diseases such as the West Nile virus. You can prevent mosquito breeding by adding a fountain or waterfall to keep the water moving, using mosquito dunks, or adding fish to eat mosquito larvae.
• Wildlife: While attracting wildlife such as birds and butterflies can be a benefit of a water feature, it can also attract unwanted pests such as snakes, raccoons or herons that may damage the feature or prey on any fish or other animals living in it.

While water features can be beautiful and soothing additions to your yard, they do require maintenance and can come with potential disadvantages such as cost, safety concerns, and pest problems.

It’s important to weigh these factors before deciding if a water feature is right for you.

What is the Easiest Water Feature to Maintain?

The easiest water feature to maintain depends on your specific preferences and needs, as well as the size and location of your yard.

Here are a few options for low-maintenance water features.

• Container water garden
• Pondless waterfall
• Self-contained fountain
• Rain chain

In general, smaller water features require less maintenance than larger features, as there is less water to clean and maintain.

Additionally, features that recirculate water tend to be easier to maintain than those that require a constant source of fresh water.

27 Soothing Water Feature Ideas Ideas

Even if you don’t have much space to add a water feature, there are so many different shapes and sizes to choose from.

You can add a fountain to a new garden and design plants around it. Or you can add one to an existing garden that needs a focal point.

If you lack garden space, consider one to a porch, deck, or patio area.

And if there isn’t a lot of room there? You can hang one on a wall.

It’s that easy to do.

Click here to shop water feature ideas for your backyard or outdoor living space.

More About Water Features

Do you have one in your yard yet? Are you thinking about adding one? I would love to know more about it n the comments below.

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Garden Supplies I Use

I’m often asked about the garden supplies and tools that I use most. From pruners to deer repellents, here are some of my favorites in no particular order.

• I like to use good-quality garden soil, compost, and perlite when planting.
• I have used this deer repellent with great success. But now, I’m all about this deer repellent that is systemic instead of topical. This means the plant takes it in as opposed to it just smelling bad.
• This is my favorite hand-weeding tool. You can use to get underneath roots, loosen soil, and it cuts down on the weeding time because you work much faster.
• But I also love this long, stand-up weeding tool to really get around roses from afar.
• I like to use THIS ORGANIC FERTILIZER for roses because the blooms are more prolific and it’s organic.
• Get a sharp set of pruners when working with plants and flowers. I buy a few so I can stash them around.
• Where pest and disease problems are concerned, I generally use this insecticidal soap or neem oil to help control infestations depending on the issue.
• This is my favorite set-and-forget slow-release fertilizer for houseplants, annuals, and container gardens.
• Whenever I stake my peonies or other plants, I generally use these grow through garden supports because they work really well and keep the blooms upright.

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