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Wanting to add a water garden to your backyard might be for visual appeal, but you’ll find the benefits go far beyond aesthetics. From creating a sense of tranquility to drawing a new crowd of wildlife to your yard, features like garden ponds, birdbaths, and even fountains can have a transformational effect on your outdoor space.
To create a backyard escape that feels like a true retreat, don’t stop at a single water element but, instead, find ways to build them into your landscape. Water-loving plants, natural elements, and garden designs built around these features are all ways to highlight and emphasize their beauty.
Whether you opt for a small bird bath or an expansive, in-ground pond, these water garden ideas are bound to make a splash in your yard.
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01
of 10Make Your Fountain a Focal Point
As with any room (whether indoors or out) it helps to have a focal point that can naturally lead revelers to the main destination. Here, an impressive fountain anchors the manicured space. A surround of succulents in various colors and varieties provides a textural foundation.
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02
of 10Let the Sounds Soothe You
One of the benefits of a water feature is the sounds that come along with it. Garden pouring jugs, soothing waterfalls, or babbling creeks can all add to the oasis experience. Here a series of tubes gently release water from above providing an aquatic symphony.
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03
of 10Go Big
A little pond is nice, but the appeal of a larger pond can’t be denied. Depending on the size of your in-ground water feature, you can stock it with fish, install a fountain, or plant an abundance of native, water-loving plants to create an oasis that feels like it has always been there.
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04
of 10Install a Waterfall (or Two)
The possibilities for a backyard waterfall are endless. Modern takes like this one can provide a crisp and contemporary feel to your yard, while a more natural-looking application that calls on native elements like mossy stones can become a charming feature that seamlessly blends with the garden’s aesthetic.
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05
of 10Just Add Flowers
Water features and water gardens shouldn’t be devoid of flowers. There are plenty of flowers that can thrive when planted beside a water feature—even varieties like cosmos that require little water once established.
Select the best blooms for your water feature based on your climate, soil, sun exposure, and moisture levels. A bevy of blooms will take your water feature to the next level.
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06
of 10Create an Outdoor Spa
While a pool is certainly the ultimate water feature, you can make the most of your recreation area by incorporating waterfalls that lend a more spa-like effect. Lush greenery and landscape lighting drive the whole look home.
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07
of 10Install a Raised Pond
A small raised pond might be all you need to take your yard, or even a tucked away corner, into the outdoor oasis of your dreams. Consider adding elements like river rocks and water-loving plants to give the raised pond a more natural feel.
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08
of 10Plant Some Water Lilies
Not only are water lilies pretty to look at and a beautiful way to set a serene, natural scene in your backyard pond, but they also provide a landing spot for wildlife. Whether frogs, birds, or dragonflies, a little resting spot for tiny garden visitors is never a bad idea.
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09
of 10Incorporate Charming Water Features
A little zen-filled garden gets a charming addition with a serene waterfall. The gentle sound of lapping water creates an enveloping effect, cocooning the space in tranquility.
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10
of 10Consider a Birdbath
Birdbaths need not be a large concrete obstruction that requires a crane to place. Even a petite little elevated dish can provide the perfect landing spot for small birds, butterflies, and other winged garden revelers.
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How do you make a simple water garden?
You can make a simple water garden by selecting a water-tight container and potting it with aquatic plants. To keep it portable, select a small container that can easily be transported once planted. Select a variety of water-loving plants or stick to a single variety like a miniature water lily.
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What do you put in a water garden?
You can use a variety of plants in a water garden—ranging from those that like to float atop water to those that simply like to keep their feet wet. Select aquatic plants that are readily available at your garden center and suited for your sun exposure and climate. Lotus, water lily, sweet flag, and canna.
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What is the best container for a water garden?
As long as your vessel is water-tight, it can make a good container for a water garden. Galvanized tubs, planter bowls or even a non-water-tight container fitted with a water planting tub can make ideal choices. Consider your needs and whether you prefer to be able to move your water garden before committing to a size. Don’t underestimate how heavy it will be once fully planted.
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