Backyard Water Garden Design Ideas

The two basic styles of a backyard water garden are formal and informal. When you are planning a backyard water garden, you will want to consider size, shape and location to choose the perfect design for you.

Backyard Water Garden Design Ideas - The Formal Water Garden

A formal water garden is often built at ground level but it can be raised or sunken if you prefer. A formal approach is advisable if your backyard water garden is close to a building or within a paved area. A geometric shape for your pond, such as a square or rectangle, will link the water garden pond with any hard lines of landscaping that are nearby.

A formal pond should be placed where it can reflect objects nearby such as trees, statues or even just the beautiful blue sky. Think of the pond as a reflecting pool in your formal backyard water garden.

A small fountain and/or underwater lighting will give your formal backyard water garden added effect. This effect will be enjoyed especially in the evenings.

When going with a more formal design, it is recommended that you avoid marginal plants. These types of plants may obscure the outline of the formal pond. Instead of marginal plants inside the pond, try placing container plants on the outside and around the edge of the pond.

Backyard Water Garden Design Ideas - The Informal Water Garden

An informal water garden design moves us away from strict landscaping for a more natural feel. An informal water garden design encourages an irregular pond shape that isn't so clearly defined. This can encourage wildlife to visit because it looks much more natural than a formal water garden.

Construction and maintenance of an informal backyard water garden will take more effort than a formal backyard water garden. Keep this in mind when trying to decide between formal and informal for your backyard water garden.

When constructing an informal backyard water garden pond, try using a molded liner. This will give you a predetermined shape to work with. You can also use a flexible liner if you want to be more creative with the shape of your backyard water garden. Whichever you use, keep the design simple and the end result will look much more natural.

Don't allow grass to grow up the edge of your pond or mowing will be much more difficult and you'll have to remove the grass clippings from your informal pond after you mow. Try building a rock garden along the edges of the backyard water garden to remedy this problem.

Whichever design you choose, be creative and safe. You'll have a beautiful backyard water garden in no time.