You've got big plans for that scenic backyard of yours. But what to do with it? Water features are hands down the most popular backyard additions, and, as you'll see, there are plenty of looks and options available.
How popular are backyard water features? The American Nursery and Landscape Association found out that Americans spent over $11 billion in professional landscape services in 2002 (the most recent year of their survey), a 200 percent increase over the $3.6 billion spent five years earlier.
There are few sounds as soothing as that of burbling water. Whether it's a fountain, water garden, or waterfall, water features don't have to be as expansive as the huge, intricate setups that you see proudly displayed in the backyards of the wealthy in order to be effective. You can definitely pull off a smaller and more intimate presentation for just as much joy and comfort.
Fountains
Your fountain's theme can span a wide range, but the available ones are pretty much all outdoor-related. From a trough and barrel to a water pitcher and vintage pump, your imagination can run wild with what's out there.
In addition to all of its fountain themes, Build.com also has the pumps, nozzles, and hoses you need to help put your fountain together.
Water Garden
Also referred to as a pond, water gardens are an extremely popular addition to any backyard. Typically, homeowners install a water garden for any of three reasons: to appreciate the sound of a trickling waterfall, raise fish or enjoy aquatic plant life. The following on these three features comes from our Water Gardens article:
There's a landscaping rule of thumb: If your water garden has a waterfall, you should be able to hear it. So placing it in a location to maximize its benefits is key.
For fish, koi and goldfish are the two most popular choices. Keep in mind that koi eat certain kinds of plants, therefore limiting the amount of plant life you're able to add to the mix.
Speaking of aquatic plants, there are distinctions between those that are commonly used:
- Floating plants float freely on the water surface
- The leaves of surface plants float on the water's surface and their roots remain in the soil
- Leaves of submerged or oxygenating plants remain underwater
- Marginal or bog plants prefer their roots and lower parts submerged
To read our entire Water Gardens article, go here.
Waterfall
By just adding sound and movement to a normally static environment can dramatically change your backyard. From rocks to plants, water can basically run over anything (hey thanks, gravity!), so all it takes to calm your nerves and bring your tension down a few notches is the sound of a trickling waterfall and watching one of nature's elements in motion.
Other Features
Optional backyard pond supplies include rocks, plants, and other ornaments. These can be placed in and around the artificial pond to accent a motif or add pieces to your setup.
When you think about landscaping and garden design, water features can include fountains, pools, or waterfalls (or all three). Having these in your backyard where you can see and hear them stimulates both visual and audio senses.
So, when you're ready to put your water feature project into motion, Build.com has all of the necessary equipment you need to take it from conception to completion.
Until next time, Happy Home Improvement!
