11 Types of Water Features to Enhance and Refresh Your Outdoor Space

Garden Pond

Bring nature back into your backyard. A small stand-alone pond on a patio or deck or in a garden niche can be an interesting water feature. With ready-to-assemble kits and the wide availability of water plants, a garden pond of any size can be simple to install and maintain. In-ground ponds can subtly integrate with other water features.

Best for: Gardeners who are true nature lovers. Ponds become their own ecosystems bursting with life.

Statue Fountain

Add a striking focal point by nestling a statue fountain between groups of colorful flowers or lively foliage. These types of water features are an easy way to create an instant atmosphere in your backyard. From humorous and whimsical to elegant and calming, the choice is yours.

Best for: Gardeners looking for a water feature that adds an artistic, sculptural element to their landscape.

Waterfall Addition

A waterfall could be a natural fit if you have an uneven or sloped backyard. Because water wants to flow downhill anyway, pools, streams, and waterfalls are ideal for changing a hillside from a problem to a pleasure. Get creative and DIY your waterfall out of found materials, or stick to a classic natural-looking waterfall.

Best for: Those who want to enjoy the tranquil sight and sound of running water simultaneously. A small waterfall does not need to include water plants; it can be surrounded by species that thrive in constantly wet soil.

Stream

Even a short, narrow stream can create a peaceful effect as the water trickles and gurgles along. Plus, the moving water is sure to attract fascinating birds and other wildlife. If you already have a backyard fountain or waterfall, a stream is an easy way to extend either type of water feature. Use a longer stream to guide visitors to secret niches and resting spots.

Best for: Gardeners who want to give their landscape a naturalistic feel and enjoy the calming sounds of water.

Water Garden

Aquatic gardens open your outdoor space to a new world of plants. Essentially, a large water garden is a pond (although a pond doesn’t necessarily include water plants). A smaller water garden could be used as a tabletop water feature. Blooming water plants such as water lilies, arrowheads, or water hyacinths will add a sweet scent to your garden.

Best for: Gardeners looking for a new challenge. Diving into a water garden means entirely different types of plants.

Bubbling Fountain

Fountains come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, but no matter how big or small, these types of water features give any yard a sense of grandeur. From ready-made to DIY options, a fountain can be used as an elaborate focal point or a simple sculptural element. Keep an eye out for solar-powered fountains, an energy-efficient option with low upkeep.

Best for: Those who want to enjoy the trickling sounds of water while adding an artistic element to the landscape.

Wall Fountain

Wall fountains make a bold statement in any outdoor space while remaining subtle and elegant. A wall-mounted fountain can help dress up an existing blank wall in your landscape. Or create a wall fountain as both a retaining wall and focal point.

Best for: Gardeners looking to use vertical space or who want to add an architectural element to their landscape.

Bird Bath

A bird bath can serve as a simple, low-maintenance type of water feature for your backyard or garden. Bird baths with a fountain can even offer an element of moving water.

Birds are attracted to just about any water source, but most appreciate a shallow basin for bathing. Complement your bird bath with plants that provide food sources for wildlife throughout the year.

Best for: Gardeners who are wildlife and nature lovers and would like to attract more birds to their yard.

Tabletop Water Feature

Sure, backyard water features can be big and bold, but they can also be sized to match your available space and gardening time. A tabletop water garden can fit into a busy schedule or small area. Move the mini water feature to wherever you need a fun focal point. Because they don’t need a pump or power, these small water features are ideal for balconies, small decks, and other intimate dining or sitting areas. Like a birdbath, you’ll need to empty and refresh the water regularly.

Best for: Beginning backyard fountain gardeners looking for tabletop accents and a touch of nature.

Natural Swimming Pool

Make a statement with this eco-conscious variation of a swimming pool. Completely chemical-free, a natural swimming pool uses plants and a filtration system to maintain itself. Your backyard refuge will get all the perks of a pool with the charming look of a pond.

Best for: Those who want a type of water feature that can double as a swimming pool.

Well Water Feature

Timeless, traditional, and tasteful, wells have been around for centuries. While you probably don’t need to pump your own water, a faux well still makes a rustic addition to your garden. Since most wells in a garden setting aren’t functional, creativity is needed. This outdoor ornament can become a water feature by incorporating a fountain or water garden nearby.

Best for: Gardeners who love the cottage garden look and enjoy a classic garden accessory.