There are many reasons why you may want to create your own natural water feature. For one thing, water features are great for creating a sense of peace and tranquillity in your garden. They are also really pleasing to look at, not to mention great for wildlife; birds can use them for a drink or a bath, which is especially helpful in periods of drought. You will also improve the biodiversity of your garden, which always has a positive impact on the environment.
Things to Consider
What size water feature do I want?
This is an important one, especially if you have a smaller garden or one that already has different garden features. The beauty of making your own water feature is that you can make it as small or as big as you like! If your budget is tight, it is also better to create a smaller, more manageable one.
Where shall I place my water feature?
This is equally as important as the size. You will want to place your water feature somewhere focal in the garden, where you can see it and enjoy it. You also might want to consider where you normally sit out to enjoy the garden; perhaps you have a paved garden patio and want it near there, so you can always hear the continuous stream of water.
On the other hand, we would recommend avoiding areas under a tree; the last thing you want is to create more upkeep in your garden with a new water feature, and falling leaves and twigs would certainly add to this, so try to place it somewhere clear of trees. If you are planning on this water feature providing for wildlife, you might not want it in direct sunlight, so the water does not get too hot. It might be best to place it in an area that gets some sunlight and some shade to keep the water cool.
There are two types of water features you could make: a small water fountain and a very natural-looking water feature. Today, we are going to give you a guide on how to create a smaller, easily manageable water feature that can also act as a water fountain.
What You Will Need:
- Solar-powered pump kit
- Water-tight pond liner
- Large plastic tub
- Hose pipe (depending on the pump type)
- Pond grate
- 40mm shingle
- Rockery pieces or boulders
- Other decorative stones
- Decorative stone water bowl
How to Create a Small Water Fountain
This is for those who have a smaller garden, or who want to create something small and beautiful to look at. It can be placed in most parts of your garden as well. If you are creating a Japanese style garden, this would be a great addition for you. Your decorative water container could be anything from an upcycled porcelain bowl to a large stone water bowl.
Step 1
Dig out a hole to contain your plastic tub; this will sit underneath your decorative stone bowl and act as your water overflow. You will need to ensure this hole is larger than the stone bowl base, and large enough for you to place your overflow container with the top of it at ground level. Place a layer of 40mm shingle at the base of the hole for good drainage of any water that escapes.
Step 2
Place your pump at the bottom of your ground-level container, with the hose pipe attached and coming out of the top, then proceed to fill with water. You can then cut your pond liner to size to place over the top of your overflow container, tucking the edges underneath the rim of the container.
Step 3
Add your grate over the top of this pond liner; to avoid cutting your grate down, ensure the size matches up with the size of your overflow water container. You can place your decorative stone bowl on top of the grate, if you are sure it is sturdy and level, and start adding some decorative rockery or boulders on top of the grate around the edges.
Step 4
Depending on the type of water pump you have purchased, you should now have the pump power source in the overflow container with the hose pipe coming out of the top. Some pumps will already have a fountain-like water dispenser and will already look the part. This is where you can start getting creative and decide how it will look. Maybe you want your hose to be hidden by garden stones, or maybe your pump will sit nicely on the edge of your decorative stone bowl.
Step 5
Place your decorative garden stones, such as slate or paddlestones, or maybe some sea-worn pebbles or cobbles, in the decorative stone bowl. This is what will really make your water feature, so make sure you choose the right stones! If you have used rockery or boulders, you can get matching decorative stones, which make the whole feature look really natural.
Step 6
Place your solar panel somewhere that gets the most sunlight; this is what will power your pump sitting at the bottom of the container. You should have a long enough wire for it to be placed somewhere high, like the top of a fence, or somewhere that cannot be seen so easily.
Step 7
Once you have placed your solar panel in a sunny spot, you should be able to stand back and watch your babbling brook take shape! Your water source at the bottom should be flowing through your hose pipe, which will be pointing into your stone bowl, creating an overflowing water feature where the water keeps being reused by the power of your solar panel. Very clever!
So there you have it: a super simple and easy guide for creating your own water feature or water fountain naturally, without spending hundreds on a manufactured one, and having the sense of pride that you created it economically and to your exact specifications!
However, if you still like the idea of buying a manufactured water feature, we have a range available too.
