Adding a garden water feature to your yard is a great way to improve curb appeal. Even the simplest of water features can transform your outdoor space into a tranquil getaway — even if you just need to get away from the hullabaloo happening inside of your home.
But that is not the only reason you should install a water feature. There are many benefits.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the main types of water features you can add to your water garden, how to choose the right water, maintenance tips, and more.
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Below are 31 garden water feature ideas. We have included water features for small areas, large yards, and even patios. There are DIY projects as well as premade products.
20 Garden Water Feature Products
Sometimes, we do not have the time or energy to build our own DIY garden water features. Below are 20 garden water features that are ready to be set up and enjoyed.
1. Gardeon Solar Fountain Outdoor Water Feature
Place this 3-tier bird bath solar water feature in your garden to add a touch of sculptured art. It comes with an LED light in each bowl. The lights can be set to turn on automatically. The overall size is 35 cm x 34 cm x 60 cm.
2. Gardeon 3 Tier Solar Power Fountain Water Feature
Beautifully made of polyresin, this 3-tier garden water feature will add charm to your garden, patio, living room, and so on. It was powered by a waterproof polycrystalline solar panel with a rechargeable lithium battery. Included are 4 LED lights that can turn on automatically. The overall size is 70 cm x 40 cm x 40 cm.
3. PROTEGE Solar Water Fountain Feature Outdoor Garden LED Lights
Add a piece of artwork to your landscape with this Protege cascading solar garden water feature. It has a lightweight yet sturdy design. When fully charged, the battery will provide up to 8 hours of power. The fountain measures 39 cm x 41 cm x 71 cm.
Find the Garden Water Feature on eBay
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4. PROTEGE Solar Powered Outdoor Water Feature
The Protege 4 bowl solar garden water feature is a stylish and simple way to enhance your outdoor space. The sound of the trickling water will create a calming ambience. This wonderful water fountain is made from weatherproof, non-corrosive polyresin. It measures 29 cm x 39 cm x 72 cm.
5. 4 Tiered Bowl Floor Waterfall Fountain
The Teamson fountain Features 4 tiered bowls and a look of stacked stone. It would make a wonderful addition to a porch or lawn. The waterfall fountain is constructed from resin which makes it weatherproof, rust-resistant, and resilient. It measures 39.4 cm x 38.7 cm x 84.5 cm.
6. Solar Powered Water Fountain Garden Feature
Manufactured from ultra-durable environmental protection materials, the garden water feature will be able to stand up to every season. It features built-in LED lights that create a magical display. The fountain stands 41.5 cm x 39.5 cm x 83.8 cm.
Find the Garden Water Feature Here
7. Lambu Solar Water Fountain
While sitting on your patio, you will be able to hear the gentle splash of water coming from this garden water feature. Birds will love it on hot summer days when they need to cool down. The fountain is available in both solar and electric options. It is made from grey polyresin and measures 38 cm x 28 cm x 57 cm.
8. Aquascape Man in Barrell Spitter Fountain
This cute spitter fountain enhances the beauty of your pond or water feature. It is a 3 piece set that includes the spitter head and two hands. They are lightweight, easy to install, and resistant to UV and heat.
9. Teamson Home Floor Water Fountain
This garden water feature has a multi-tiered red glazed pot design with a dazzling gradient finish. It is constructed from durable polyresin, and is weatherproof, rust-resistant, and resilient. There are built-in LED lights in each tier. It measures 40.5 cm x 50.8 cm.
10. Ewaterfeatures Summit Waterfall Patio
The Ewaterfeatures Summit Waterfall Patio is an eye-catching garden water feature. Not only is it beautiful, but it was also built to last. It is able to withstand sunlight and frost. It stands 92 cm high x 16.14 wide x 10.63 cm deep.
11. Gardeon Solar Fountain Water Features Pump Kit
Add drama to your garden or patio with this classic 3-tier Bird Bath garden water feature. The Fountain is rendered with a weathered antique finish. This lightweight fountain can be used outdoors or indoors as long as it receives enough sunlight. It measures 58 cm x 58 cm x 93 cm.
12. PROTEGE Solar Water Fountain Feature with LED Lights
Place this contemporary garden water feature in your garden to create a calming, Zen atmosphere. This gorgeous solar water feature is constructed of premium polyresin. This bold, freestanding fountain is easily assembled, without tools, in less than 5 minutes. The water feature measures 35 cm x 35 cm x 82 cm.
13. Gardeon Peacock Solar Fountain Outdoor Water Feature
This solar water feature features a classic 3-tiered design and a peacock. The fountain is perfectly sculptured with elegant details. Its overall dimensions are 41 cm x 41 cm x 106 cm.
14. Aquascape Adjustable Pouring Fountain Bamboo Water Feature
Create a focal point on your patio or in your garden with this pouring bamboo fountain. You can add this piece to a container water garden or patio pond. It is made from high-quality poly-resin that emulates the texture and shape of real bamboo. It extends from 47.72 cm to 76.2 cm to fit about any size container garden.
15. Bird Bath Feeder Cut Out
This wrought iron sculpture has a gorgeous Japanese inspired design. You can use it as a bird feeder or a bird bath. It measures 70 cm high, and the bowl is 42 cm x 42 cm.
16. Peaktop Handpainted Mosaic Flower Fusion Glass
Fill the multi-coloured resilient glass bowl with water or bird seed. The stand would look great on a patio. And when not in use, it folds up for easy storage. The bowl measures 45.72 cm x 45.72 cm. The birdbath is 53.85 cm tall.
17. Gardeon Solar Water Fountain Features
You do not have to worry about deep or stagnant water with this fountain bird bath. It is a beautiful piece of artwork that would look great in any yard. At night, the LED lights turn on automatically.
The fountain is made of durable, lightweight, maintenance-free polyresin. It has a weathered stone finish. You do not have to plug it in since it is solar powered. The fountain measures 35 cm wide x 35 cm deep x 85 cm high.
18. Antique Brown Bird Feeder
The wrought iron bird feeder is beautifully designed. It is made from wrought iron that has been powder coated to help prevent rust. It measures 80 cm high. The tray is 33 cm in diameter and 3 cm deep. There are 3 removable feet on the base.
19. Submersible Solar Fountain Pump for Patio, Garden and Pond
If you have an existing pond or bird bath, you can turn it into a fountain. Simply place the pump in the water and position the solar panel, so it will get plenty of sunlight.
20. 4 Tiers Solar Fountain Water Feature
Made of high-quality polyresin, this fountain is UV-resistant and durable. It has a 4-layer, sculptural design. The solar water feature includes multiple LED lights that are ideal for creating a wonderful visual effect at night. The overall size is 26.5 cm x 23 cm x 39 cm.
11 DIY Garden Water Features
1. DIY Water Wall
Source: interiorfrugalista.com
Stun everyone who visits your garden with this amazing DIY water wall garden feature. You can use the wall to add a little privacy or to add to the ambience.
2. DIY Ceramic Pot Indoor Water Feature
Source: hgtv.com
You can make a beautiful garden water feature using ceramic pots. You can find these posts in a wide variety of colours to match your decor.
3. Stacked Stone Waterfall Garden Feature
Source: instructables.com
This stacked stone waterfall will make people look twice. Instead of having the stones sitting in a pond, they are sitting over a hidden, buried water basin.
4. Pondless Garden Water Feature
Source: prettypurpledoor.com
You can have an in-ground fountain without having a pond. This pondless water feature is great for people that do not have the time to deal with a pond. And the trickling water on the rocks is great for birds.
5. Glass Table Water Wall
Source: centraltexasgardener.org
This stunning garden water feature is easier to make than it looks. If you have an old glass tabletop lying around, why not put it to use?
6. DIY Container Water Garden Feature
Source: whatsurhomestory.com
Not all garden water features have to be flashy. You can also create small water gardens for aquatic plants. These gardens are ideal for small patios.
7. Terra Cotta Fountain Outdoor Water Feature
Source: instructables.com
Terra cotta pots come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. You can use this free DIY garden water feature tutorial to make a small fountain or a large fountain.
8. Concrete Leaf Ornament or Water Feature
Source: home-dzine.co.za
Make a decorative bird bath with a large leaf and cement. You can also use the finished piece as a garden ornament or bird feeder.
9. Watering Can Fountain
Source: dawnmarie100.blogspot.com
Gather up a couple of old watering cans and a large tub to make this imaginative water feature.
10. Rustic Fountain Outdoor Water Feature
Source: rustic-refined.com
Is your home decorated in farmhouse decor? Then this would make the ideal garden water feature.
11. Slate Tile Water Wall
Source: hgtv.com
There is quite a bit of work involved in this DIY garden water feature, but it is well worth it. Once you are done, you are going to fall in love with it.
Benefits of a Garden Water Feature
Are you considering adding a garden water feature to your landscaping? There are so many good reasons to treat your garden to a water feature! There are many benefits you will receive, including:
- Masks noise – The gentle burbling of a water feature creates a calming backdrop that blocks out a good amount of background noise from traffic, kids, and suburban life.
- Attracts wildlife – During dry weather, a water feature is a benefit to your local ecosystem, creating a cool space for birds, lizards, and beneficial insects to rest and rehydrate. Here are other ways to attract wildlife to your garden.
- Creates a focal point – Whether they’re small and simple or large and dramatic, water features create an eye-catching focal point for your garden design. They are very effective when used to create a space with tropical native plants or to contrast against hard landscaping.
- Calms and cools – Water features act as natural air conditioners, helping to cool and humidify the air around them. This helps create a soothing, relaxing space to enjoy even in the heat of summer.
- Improves mental health and Reduces Stress
Considerations When Adding a Garden Water Feature
When adding a garden water feature to your landscaping, there are a few things you will want to think about.
Type of Garden Water Feature
There are many types of garden water features. You can choose between a pond, a stream, water fountains, and bird baths. Decide which one will work best in your space.
Think about the location and the size of the space. If the area you are working with is very small, there probably isn’t room for a large pond with a waterfall. On the other hand, if the area is extremely large, you do not want a tiny fountain you will not even be able to see.
Style of Your Home
Take into consideration the style and design of your home and landscaping. You will want a garden water feature that will complement the style. It needs to fit in seamlessly and look as though it belongs there. You do not want it to look out of place and stick out like a sore thumb.
Location
If at all possible, you will want to choose a location that gets morning or evening sunlight. If it gets sunlight during the heat of the day, the water can overheat and promote algae growth.
If the garden water feature uses solar energy, make sure, the solar panel will get enough sunlight.
Placing a garden water feature next to trees and shrubs may look good, but you will always be picking out leaves or needles. Decide how much time you can dedicate to cleaning the pond.
Wildlife
Garden water features will attract wildlife. You may notice more birds, amphibians, butterflies, etc. If you are not comfortable drawing wildlife close to your home, install the garden water feature farther out.
Water Needs to Move
Even if you do not want a fountain, your garden water feature needs to have a pump. The water needs to move constantly. Stagnant water breeds mosquitoes, so having flowing water to reduce mosquitoes in your garden.
So, take into consideration the power source for the pump. You can find both electric and solar water pumps.
Maintenance
Garden water features require maintenance. Debris should be removed immediately. And the water needs to be treated and cleaned to prevent algae growth.
You want to ensure the filters are changed regularly, and the pump is free from debris. It is recommended that you perform a deep cleaning every spring and fall.
Weather
If you live in an area where it gets cold enough to freeze, the garden water feature needs to be winterised. Small items such as fountains and bird baths can be cleaned and taken inside. Large ponds can be covered, and the pump removed to prevent damage to the motor and hose.
Types of Garden Water Features
When looking for the perfect water feature for your garden, it’s a good idea to get to know the most popular options available, along with their pros and cons.
1. Backyard Ponds
There’s more to a backyard water feature than the soothing sound it makes. A pond can be just as serene in its stillness, and, like the above water feature, you can make it just as big or small as you want it.
The steps are easy, too. After outlining the shape you envision for your pond, dig it out and lay out the liner. Once it’s situated, place rocks around the edges to keep the liner in place.
Fill it with water and voila, you are all set. Just make sure you don't forget to keep your pond aerated.
Here are things to consider when setting up the pond's plumbing system.
2. Bamboo Basins
Even the smallest of terraces or patios will be no match for this bamboo basin — in fact, it’s designed with city dwellers in mind. Find a bowl or pot that will fit on your space.
Then, find a cup large enough to hide your pump and tubing. This cup will sit on top of two or three pieces of bamboo, which you can simply tie together with twine or string that you already have laying around.
Line the bottom with rocks, add water, and turn it on. The traffic and street noise will be muted by the soothing sounds of trickling water.
3. Indoor Water Features
Who says you need a garden to enjoy the sound and feel of nature? Indoor water features are a beautiful way to introduce moment, humidity, and relaxation into your space.
These water features tend to be small and decorative, more like indoor art than a natural pool or waterfall, and the designs can range from traditional clay pots and buddha water features to minimalist modern tabletop water features that create an eye-catching centrepiece.
Just be sure to get a good quality indoor water feature, as the last thing you want is to get a leak!
4. Outdoor Water Features
Outdoor water features are the more traditional option, coming in a wide range of materials, designs, and sizes. Although they tend to be a bit bigger than indoor options, you can find compact designs to place in a flowerbed or by your window.
Typically, these run using larger, more powerful pumps and need a bit more maintenance than indoor models, but they also have the advantage of attracting birds, butterflies, and pollinators!
5. In-Ground Fountain
An in-ground fountain uses a basin buried underground to keep water circulating over the different levels. These water features are easier to blend in with your greenery, and all you need to do is bury the basin, install the water feature, cover the basin with mulch or stones, and you’re good to go.
Although these units can cost a bit more, you’ll often find more creative designs that you don’t get with other models. Maintenance may be a bit harder as well due to the basin being buried, but the only time you’ll really need to access it is to drain it for winter (if needed).
6. Above-Ground Fountains
Above ground fountains give you ease of use and portability. Changing the water or performing maintenance on the pump becomes a simple task, and you can always pick it up and move it (provided it’s not too heavy) if you want to rearrange things.
Of course, you’ll need to make sure you have enough open ground in your garden for it to sit, which can be difficult if it’s already packed with plant life. You don’t want to be crushing any plants or flowers with the base of your fountain!
7. Electric and Solar Water Features
Electric or solar power water feature, which one should you pick? Both have their good points, so it can be a tough choice. With electric water features, you know your fountain will always be running.
These fountains also tend to offer more variety in design, as they don’t have to depend on a solar panel in them to supply power. However, solar fountains have really taken off in popularity lately as green technology becomes more popular and more affordable.
Since they use the sun’s power, both environmentally friendly and won’t increase your electricity costs. They also don’t need a power cord or outlet, so you have more freedom in where you can place it.
Choosing the Water Feature's Material
The material your water feature is made of is the other big thing to consider. Something like resin or fiberglass is nice because it’s lightweight, easy to move, and available in tons of finishes.
However, it can crack in extreme cold, so it’s best for warmer climates, such as the more temperate or tropical areas in Australia. If you don’t experience regular snow in winter, you should be fine.
Stone is always a popular option, as it has a natural, rugged, and beautiful look unmatched by any other material. Of course, it’s going to be quite heavy, so plan on keeping it in one spot once you have it set up.
Another popular option that’s great when you want to add a splash of colour to your garden is ceramic. Fountains made from ceramic tend to have bright, bold colours and a glazed finish that gives them a glossy look, making them really stand out anywhere you place them.
Ceramic is more fragile than other materials, but it’s great when you want something decorative.
Water Feature DIY vs Professional Installation
Today, most water features are easily installed by yourself, as they come as a complete kit. You may need a little extra help placing heavier parts, but it’s nothing that you can’t usually get a friend or neighbour to help with.
Of course, if you can’t lift the heavier items and have little DIY experience, a handyman or local gardening service can take care of it all for you quite affordably.
If you are very experienced at DIY, then it’s up to you how advanced your water feature will be. Some people prefer buying the complete kits, others like adding handcrafted elements, and others still enjoy building their own water feature entirely from scratch!
How to Maintain Your Garden Water Features
Here’s a basic guide on maintaining your water feature.
- Cleaning – Once a week, clean your water feature out either by hand or using a skimming net, and clear out the debris basket. It’s also a good idea to do this after a storm or after you’ve done garden maintenance, as leaves, grass, and sticks can easily get into the water feature.
- Pump – Follow the user instructions on how to clean the pump, making sure that the filters are properly washed out. When these get blocked up, they will slow the flow of water and can cause the pump to burn out.
- Water level – Regularly refill the water feature to keep it at the correct level (usually around 1cm from the lip), making sure to fill it well through heatwaves. If you notice that the later level is dropping dramatically without explanation, you may have to check for a leak.
- Emptying – It’s a good idea to give your water feature a good cleaning once a year or if you notice significant algae or pond scum build-up. Fully drain the basin and scrub it clean using a brush. We don’t recommend using a chemical cleaner as this can impact the natural ecosystem and damage plants.
- Mosquitoes – In warm seasons, mosquitoes may move into your water feature. To get rid of these mosquitos, try to keep the water moving as much as possible, as they only like still water. You can also introduce fish, and garden frogs that will feed off the larvae.
Another eco-friendly solution is to clean your water feature more regularly in the spring and summer, or use bacillus thuringiensis which will kill off the larvae but be harmless to pets, beneficial adult insects, and plants.
Get Ready to Relax with the Best Garden Water Features of 2024
If you’ve been trying to find that perfect finishing touch for your garden, then you need a water feature. It’s sure to be a welcome addition, creating a tranquil atmosphere for all to enjoy – even the birds and bees.
When buying a water feature, remember to consider how much DIY you want to do, whether you need access to an outlet or not, and how you can best maintain it. We hope you are enjoying the best water feature for your garden soon this summer!
Garden water features have been proven to improve mood and reduce stress. If you enjoy sitting outside and enjoying nature, you can benefit from a garden water feature.
Published on December 13, 2023 by Gary Clarke
Last Updated on October 9, 2024
