Lately, it seems like outdoor living is all the rage. There’s a good chance you enjoy going to cookouts, pool parties, or even just sitting on the patio to watch the sun go down. You might even know someone with a pool or garden, if you dont have one yourself. If you’re looking for ways to improve your outdoor space this year, adding a small water feature could be a good idea.
A small water feature can be many things — a fountain, waterfall, rock pond or birdbath. It can take many forms and use flowing or standing water to enhance an outdoor area.
Adding small water features to your space is an easy way to make it look better without spending a lot of money. These additions are not only lovely, but they will also give you and your guests a nice, quiet, and relaxing place to be outside.
Read on for more ideas for small water features that you can build right in your backyard.
The soothing sound of running water instantly creates tranquility. Small ponds and water features bring that sense of calm into outdoor spaces of any size. Miniature aquatic gardens and fountains can transform even the tiniest yard or patio into an oasis Read on to discover inspiring design ideas and key considerations for crafting memorable small ponds and water features
Benefits of Small-Scale Water Features
Small water elements pack big benefits into petite packages by:
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Maximizing space – Fit ponds and fountains into compact areas like courtyards and balconies.
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Adding ambiance – The pleasant sounds of splashing water and burbling fountains pacify and relax,
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Attracting wildlife – Birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects visit to drink and bathe.
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Requiring less maintenance – Smaller water volumes need fewer water treatments and plants.
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Offering flexibility – Portable ponds and fountains can move with you to future homes
With mindful design, tiny yards and patios can overflow with the joy of water features.
Key Design Considerations
Careful planning optimizes small water features. Factor in:
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Purpose – Decide on a basic pond or fountain, or a multifunctional ecosystem pond.
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Placement – Site it near seating areas for enjoyment but avoid high traffic zones.
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Size – Select scale and depth appropriate for the space. Custom liners fit tight areas.
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Landscaping – Surround with lush, low-maintenance plants suitable for wet soils.
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Wildlife – Include elements like rocks, gravel, and native plants to attract beneficial critters.
Thoughtful designs tailored to the space bring big gratification.
Ideal Small Pond and Fountain Types
These scaled-down features work wonderfully:
Tabletop Fountains
Self-contained tabletop fountains under 3 feet wide can perch on patios, decks, and balconies. Choose solar-powered models for portability.
Urn Fountains
Decorative urns that spout arcing streams of water range from 1 to 3 feet tall. Situate them on the ground or atop pedestals.
Patio Ponds
Mini wildlife ponds around 5 feet wide attract colorful dragonflies and other helpful critters. Check local codes for depth restrictions.
Container Ponds
Half whiskey barrels, galvanized steel tubs, and ceramic pots make novel miniature ponds. Be sure containers are watertight.
Pondless Waterfalls
These recycled waterfalls skip the pond and instead channel water from a reservoir back to a hidden pump. They’re low maintenance.
Inspiring Design Concepts for Small Ponds and Fountains
These creative ideas maximize charm on any scale:
Courtyard Oasis
Tuck a gurgling urn fountain, tiny pond, and water-loving potted plants into a cozy courtyard to create an urban oasis. Add a bistro table for an intimate retreat.
Porch Paradise
Let the soothing sounds of a recirculating pondless waterfall ease stress as you relax after work on the porch. Surround it with containers overflowing with annuals for pops of color.
Zen Retreat
Construct a miniature gravel and stone zen garden in a shallow basin with natural stone accent rocks and a small recirculating waterfall feature for a serene focal point.
Tropical Getaway
Ring an in-ground lily pond with bamboo, elephant ears, crotons, and other lush tropical greenery. The sound of tumbling water coupled with heat-loving foliage whisks you away on a mental vacation.
Woodland Spot
Build your own moss-covered mini waterfall tumbling over natural rocks shaded by Japanese maples, hostas, hellebores, and astilbe for an enchanting woodland vignette.
Thoughtful concepts turn petite exterior spaces into personal backyard paradises.
Expert Tips for Constructing Stunning Small Water Features
Follow these professional pointers for success:
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Choose ponds and fountains with sizes and depths that comply with local codes for backyard water features.
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Pick portable, flexible pond and fountain setups if renting. Consider investing more on permanent designs in owned homes.
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Select durable, weather-resistant materials like reinforced concrete, fiberglass, and non-porous natural stone that withstand the elements.
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In cooler climates, choose pumps with adjustable flow rates to accommodate lower water volumes in winter months.
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Sloping pond edges planted with marginal water plants deter nuisance wildlife from entering ponds.
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Add a pond skimmer and BioFalls filter to keep water clear in small ponds. Maintain water quality with regular partial water changes.
By picking the right pond or fountain for the space and sticking to sound construction methods, small water features make a big visual impact.
Enjoy the Advantages of Petite Ponds and Fountains
Compact water features offer:
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Relaxing ambiance from the tranquil sounds of splashing water.
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Soothing scenery with the shimmer of water and lush plantings.
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Wildlife habitat that brings charming creatures like songbirds, butterflies, and dragonflies to your yard.
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Customization with diverse fountain and pond designs personalized to your taste.
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Low maintenance thanks to their smaller size and water volume.
Don’t overlook the power of petite ponds and fountains to transform even the tiniest outdoor spaces into peaceful, wildlife-friendly hideaways.
Helpful Resources for Designing Small Water Features
Get more inspiration from these useful links:
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Container Water Gardens – Mini pond ideas using pots and tubs.
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Decorative Water Features – Lovely small fountain and pond options.
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Backyard Pond Designs – Basics of constructing miniature ponds.
Let the tranquility of water burble into even the most compact outdoor living area this season with a custom small pond or fountain feature!
9: Miniature Ponds
The first decision to make when choosing a miniature pond concerns its location. Assess the weather patterns around the area to make sure that the pond wont get too much sun or shade. Ideally, the pond should get 4 to 6 hours of sunlight during the day to ensure that the water stays clean and clear of algae. This is also important if you want to have fish or tropical plants in your pond. Too much sun or shade is lethal to these additions, so the key is finding a good balance. Also, choose a location that wont subject the pond to runoff rainwater, where foreign debris may interrupt the ponds ecosystem [source: Gardening Know How].
Next, you must decide on the size of your pond. The pond should be at least 2 feet deep and 3 feet wide (61 centimeters deep and 91 centimeters wide), but you can make it wider if you want to or if you have enough room.
Before you start digging your pond, you might want to make a shelf along the edge where you can plant your plants. Next, line the area with heavy-duty waterproof plastic. Then, just fill it with water. You may choose to sink large tubs or containers into the ground to house your pond. Instead of digging a hole, this is easier. Just make sure you properly coat the inside of the container. You also may want to aerate your watering hole to stave off bugs.
Lilies, pickerelweed and zebra rush are a few great plant options for your pond. Do some research to find out which plants will flourish the best. If you want to add goldfish to your pond, you can get them from your local pet store.
5: Bubbling Containers
Perhaps the most compact backyard water feature is a bubbling container. You can choose almost any size pot, add a pump and fountain, and BAM! You have the relaxing sounds of water bubbling. If possible, the decorative container you choose should have a hole in the bottom that you can use to hide the pump cord. If not, you can drill a hole yourself or leave the cord sticking out the back and cover it up with plants.
If you’re going to put your container somewhere, it’s best to do it near an outlet. You will need to use an extension cord if you don’t do this. Extension cords are easy to unplug. Plus, youll have to hide more cord. There are mosquitoes in that area, so you might want to put two or three goldfish in the pot. The fish will eat the larvae.
Its easy to let your imagination run wild when youre working with bubbling containers. Buy three pots of varying heights, for example, and set them in a decorative cluster. Or, put your container(s) all the way down into the ground to make it look like water is bubbling up from a spring underground.
How to Build a Garden Pond (w/ Monica from The Weekender)
FAQ
What is the best shape for a small pond?
Is a small pond worth it?
What to put in a small garden water feature?
What makes a pond a desirable feature?
The combination of straight lines and curves is a desirable feature in modern gardens. This small pond goes to show that even a rectangular hollow can be turned into a desirable feature. The main brick path appears to be a bridge over the two narrow strips of water.
What is a small pond with a waterfall?
A small pond with a waterfall is a top option for adding a water feature to your yard or landscape. Ponds with waterfalls bring a multi-sensory experience to your outdoor space by creating reflections, movement, and sound. They are an ideal solution for smaller properties that don’t have space for a pool.
What are some small pond ideas?
Jump right in and explore our collection of small pond ideas below: Customize With Koi Level Up Using Tiers Go Big With Granite Boulders Lovely LEDs to Light Up the Night Dual Waterfalls for Double the Impact Wrapping Up Customize With Koi
Do Ponds need to be large?
Ponds need not be large to be wholly beneficial. Even a modest strip of water or a small pool can be turned into a statement focal point in the garden or home. Below are some creative pond ideas to help you create your own personal oasis. Aquascape 78325 AquaGarden Pond and Waterfall Kit Container Water Garden, Measures 23. 5-inch in