Garden Design IdeasGarden Ideas, Photos and Tips for Gardening at Home
picture by : Natalia Bratslavsky / Shutterstock
body of water is one of the most all-important element , with all animation pendent on it for survival . Humans are drawn to spending time near body of water , whether it ’s the roar of ocean undulation along a coastal beach , the unagitated lapping of water on a lake shore as the sun is setting , or the haste of a fast - moving stream in a verdant forest .
Adding a H2O feature to your yard is a way to bestow this canonical element into your landscape . The soothing sound of moving water drown out urban noise , helping to create a calming haven where you could unwind after a long day .
A water feature can be as elaborate as a great pool or as simple as a tabletop fountain . It can be the principal backyard water feature film , a focal point that draws the eye through the landscape painting , or a background element . Even if you only have a deck or flat balcony , you’re able to still delight a low water feature article . Explore what type of water feature is correct for you and how to total one to your thou .
TYPES OF WATER FEATURES
There are many types and sizes of pee feature of speech made from a range of materials . Here are the main type :
Photo by : Proven achiever
POOL
A pool is a manmade structure made of concrete , fiberglass or vinyl that is typically used for swim , with littler choice include a dip pocket billiards , lap pool , or spa . It can also be exclusively decorative , as a reflective or cooling component in a garden .
picture by : Morty Bachar and Patty storm
POND
A pool is a natural or manmade trunk of standing water that can be used as a natural swim pool or a decorative feature . pond are typically more instinctive looking than pools and support aquatic plants and wildlife such as fowl , frogs , dragonflies , koi , and other fish .
interpret - style swimming pond .
( See more of this garden . )
WATERFALL OR STREAM
A waterfall or stream adds drama and the speech sound of running weewee to your landscape . There is a reach of sizes and materials to tally intimately any landscape or budget .
FOUNTAIN
There are many type of water fountains , from Hellenic multi - tiered fountains to small tabletop model desirable for a patio or apartment balcony . They can be complimentary - standing or part of a pee wall . A garden outpouring can be power by electrical energy or solar ; debate the pros and cons of each .
Photo by : Bobkeenan Photography
BUBBLER
A bubbler is a sprinkler straits that mildly percolates . It can be incorporated into a fountain , ceramic corporation , or in - ground installation .
pic by : Susan Teare
RILL
A rill is a narrow channel made from stone , concrete or metallic element , with still or flowing water .
Photo by : Gerald DeBoer / Shutterstock
BIRD BATH
Water is all important to wildlife , peculiarly during warmer summer month . One of the upright shipway to attract songbirds , hummingbirds , skeeter hawk , and other wildlife to your yard is to admit a bird bath or other water origin in your one thousand .
Photo by : Janet Loughrey
CONTAINER
append a bowl or container is one of the prosperous option . A bowl can be ceramic , stone , wood , or metal , while container can include livestock troughs , wooden tubs , or whiskey barrels .
RAIN GARDEN
A rain garden is a shallow depression in the landscape that catches and holds runoff from rains . This eco - favorable resolution allow water supply to sink in into the soil where it is uncommitted to plants .
scan more on rain gardens .
picture by : Gardens by Design / Shutterstock
COMBINATION
More than one water feature of speech can be meld , such as a waterfall and pool or streamlet and pool .
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT WATER FEATURE FOR YOUR YARD
Photo by : Anita Warren - Hampson / Shutterstock
When deciding what kind of urine feature to tote up , consider the followers :
Scale:
How big is your yard ? Do you need piss to be the predominant theme , or a secondary constituent ? If you have a wide belongings , you ’ll have elbow room for a big pond or pool . For smaller yards , you might still have way for a pond or pocket billiards , but it will have to be scale down . Choose a water feature that is in scale of measurement with the landscape so it does n’t whelm or get lost in the design .
Function:
Do you prefer the immensity of a pond , the play of a falls , or the tranquility of a small fountain ? What do you want to utilize your water feature for ? Swimming , attracting wildlife , as a cosmetic element , or to total the sound of water ?
Budget:
Research the cost of intention , materials , and installation . Include the price of extras such as walkways , structures , decorative Boulder , rocks , statuary , seating , plants , and maintenance .
Installation:
The case of water feature of speech you choose will mold the complexity of the installation . A pool , pond , waterfall , or current will need a ticker , bathymetry , filtration scheme , and access to a power and body of water source . grievous equipment is necessary to dig the hole for a pond or pool , put down a liner , grade a hillside for a falls , and to move grime , boulder , and rocks .
Maintenance:
A water lineament can develop harmful algae , attract mosquitos and demand steady cleaning and care . Before you decide on a water feature , research how to keep it maintain . How much time and disbursement are you uncoerced to devote ? Consider the good methods of cleanup and pest mastery , whether it’smosquito dunks , good bacteria tablet , or other intersection .
Hire a professional:
For more complex projects , consult a garden excogitation master who is experience with installing H2O features .
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Photo by : Dayna Springfield
There are many divisor when adding a water feature to your outdoor space . Here are some thing to consider :
Location:
Where do you want to place your water feature of speech ? Though the backyard is most common , you’re able to site a water feature article in the front or side yard , too . Consider how it looks from inside your family and the reflective tone from the surrounding tree and sky . turn up your water feature in an open area away from heavy deciduous Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , as fallen leaves and other debris can stimulate algae work up - up , congest the ticker , or cause harm to fish . ply some shade , as high-pitched body of water temperature can further alga growth and evaporation .
Access:
ensure you may easily access your weewee feature of speech for maintenance or repairs . bestow pathways and keep the surrounding area free from detritus or overgrown plantings .
Style:
There are many unlike styles of weewee feature , from modern to classic . take a style that complements your home base and landscape . Include element that add visual interest and appeal such as a gazebo , decorative rocks , statuary , and plants .
Sound:
Decide what noise grade is right for you and your pace . Water flowing from a stream or falls can be dramatic and enliven , while the trickle of a fountain can be soothing and ruminative . A bird bathroom or minuscule pot with stand up water wo n’t have any noise at all .
Safety:
Make indisputable larger body of water features such as pond or pools are dependable for youngster . Install a certificate fencing if necessary . utilise materials that wo n’t be slippy to take the air on . Provide lighting at night . When including fish such as koi , make certain there are billet for them to scat predators .
Plants:
Aquatic plants can help to keep the water unobjectionable , draw in and support wildlife . vulgar aquatic plants let in water lilies , mosaic works ( Ludwigia sedoides ) , water jacinth ( Pontederia crassipes ) , umbrella supergrass ( Cyperus involucratus ) and Egyptian papyrus ( Cyperus papyrus ) . admit moisture - lie with plants alongside a pond , stream or rain garden such as gargantuan rhubarb ( Gunnera ) , elephant spike ( Colocasia ) , marsh marigold ( Caltha palustris ) , ferns , and iris .
WATER FEATURE IDEAS
This attractive entryway is adorned with a falls and diminished pond , making a dramatic first picture . Designer : Phil Thornburg , Winterbloom . Photo : Janet Loughrey .
The cardinal feature of this present-day stone patio is a round water lily pool . Bud Dietrich garden . decorator : Michael Schultz . pic : Janet Loughrey .
A lighted water feature contributes to the evening ambience of this outdoor garden room . Linda Ernst garden . intriguer : Laura Crockett . Photo : Janet Loughrey .
A serene water bowlful is beleaguer by lush planting . Joanne Fuller garden . Photo : Janet Loughrey .
An ask over waterfall and pond is sit next to the dwelling ’s deck where it can be enjoy up close . Designers and homeowners : Anne Marsh and Gary Fear . Photo : Janet Loughrey .
The flowing flow along this pathway looks natural rather than manmade . Lush plantings augment the calming serenity of this Asian - inhale refinement garden . exposure : Janet Loughrey .
vivacious colors of orange and blue spotlight a cosmetic pool in this present-day garden . Craig Quirk and Larry Neill garden . Designer : Laura Crockett . Photo : Janet Loughrey .
Punctuated by riotous planting , a classic judiciary offer a place for quiet reflexion along this instinctive stylus pool . decorator and homeowners : Bruce Wakefield and Jerry Grossnickle . pic : Janet Loughrey .
Built into a definitive - style brick wall , a trickling wall fountain highlights this colorful patio . photograph : Proven Winners .
hone for reading and relaxing , a quiet seating area was sited next to a backyard pool . Photo : Proven Winners .
Even something as simple as a birdbath can play the element of water into your yard . Photo : Proven Winners .
This home was build up around a lifelike - style , manmade pond designed to attract and corroborate wildlife . Photo : Morty Bachar and Patty Storms.(See more of this garden )
A livestock trough pee garden is adorned with a variety of plants for a compelling presentation . nurseryman and intriguer : Loree Bohl . Photo : Janet Loughrey .
