Decorative Ideas for Garden Water Features

Having a water feature in your garden is a great way to add some serenity to the area, but it's also a great way to add the 'wow factor' to your outdoor space. However, gardeners and outdoor landscaping enthusiasts need to keep in mind that there is more to having a water feature than just having a standard plastic pond. Here are a few different types of water features that can help add a decorative touch to your garden.

Decorative Garden Ideas: The Basic Preformed Pond

Basic, preformed plastic ponds are a great way to add an instant water feature to your garden without much work. Plus, they tend to be cheaper and they're much less work than constructing your own pond using a flexible liner; though you can choose to go that route if you'd prefer more of a challenge.

However, a basic pond is simply that: basic. Fortunately, there are several different options for adding a more decorative touch to your prefab pond. For example, you can add a waterfall or a water fountain, choose to grow flowering (or non-flowering) aquatic plants or you can add koi fish and turn your basic pond into a koi pond. Plus, the koi will feed off mosquito larvae and eliminate that issue before it becomes a problem with the standing water pond.

Just remember that if you plan to have koi fish or you plan to have plants, to place your pond in an area that will accommodate their lifestyle; as the plants will require more sunlight, but koi fish will require less sunlight (after all, you don't want to steam your fish under the hot sun!)

Decorative Garden Ideas: Water Wall

A water wall is a great idea for those who are looking for that soothing, trickling water sound. Plus, water walls can go anywhere: in a garden, on a patio or even on an apartment balcony (as long as you can get your landlord to allow it, of course). Water walls are versatile and can be made to accommodate any size or space, they can be 10 inches high or 10 feet high and they're great for adding that much-wanted 'wow' factor.

However, if water walls may be more difficult to build or install for a beginner and you may be better off hiring a contractor or purchasing a simple self-assemble kit.

Garden Water Features: The Waterfall

Waterfalls, much like any garden feature, come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some companies even sell preformed waterfalls that can simply be plugged in, filled with water and turned on; creating a zen-like space in less than an hour. Of course, for those who are looking for a more realistic-looking or expansive waterfall; building your own is always an option. Plus, with thousands upon thousands of options available in terms of waterfalls, it's easy to find the waterfall that makes the right decorative statement for your garden.

Garden Water Feature Ideas: Vanishing Edge Pond

If you've been saving up or you've got the cash for a more elaborate water feature, then go for it. Today, many people are choosing to install vanishing edge ponds and pools because they give the look and feel of an endless expanse of water. However, keep in mind that building one of these water features can be extremely costly.

Additional Information:

Home Water Ponds

Build a Garden Pond: Koi Ponds in Sun and Shade

DIY Life: Building a Soothing Water Wall or Fountain