There’s nothing more calming than the sound of a babbling brook or seeing the diversity of the wildlife and plants that live around a pond. The soothing beauty of these natural elements are the reasons why we go on outdoor adventures.
For many homeowners, creating the perfect backyard oasis is their way of bringing nature right to their back door with both the sights and sounds of it. In addition, rippling water and soft sprays will help make your backyard feel cooler during the hottest days of summer. Whether you want to add a zen waterfall or simply attract more birds and bees to your landscape, read on for inspiration on how to add a water feature to make your backyard space more bouyant.
1. Ponds
A pond is a reservoir of still water contained in either a depression in the ground or within a raised embankment. A well-designed and maintained pond can appear as real and diverse as those encountered in nature.
Pros: Ponds provide a beautiful, natural look with endless design possibilities and can often provide a suitable habitat for plants, fish, and amphibians.
Cons: Some ponds require costly excavations and their liners can become easily damaged and leak. A filter and regular maintenance may be required. Local regulations may also restrict size and depth.
Tip: Capture any summertime amphibious residents each fall and return them to the nearest large body of water so they can hibernate for the winter.
2. Waterfalls
Waterfalls can be incorporated with just about any pond or stream feature, and require a water pump system to draw water from the pond up to the waterfall’s apex.
Pros: Waterfalls add entrancing beauty and a unique ambiance to any yard with plenty of design possibilities. They provide stunning focal points, both visually and in conversation!
Cons: Children should be monitored closely around these water features. Maintenance can be costly and the moving water may attract potential pests (like raccoons and frogs).
3. Pondless waterfalls
A pondless waterfall provides all the ambiance and visual appeal of a waterfall, but uses a circulation system that pulls water from an underground reservoir.
Pros: Pondless waterfalls are ideal for smaller spaces, pose less of a drowning risk to small children, and are easy to maintain.
Cons: These systems require expensive equipment and installation and can greatly impact your electricity bill when running the pump 24/7.
4. Streams
A stream is a circulatory water system running along an extended area, and may start or terminate at a pond, or use an underground reservoir similar to that used by pondless waterfalls.
Pros: Streams are an excellent way to expand on existing water features and are ideal for larger yards with less need for vertical lifting by pumps. Their gentle sounds are quite pleasing and relaxing.
Cons: Their design and installation are both cost
and labour intensive, requiring extensive excavation to accommodate the plumbing system. Be prepared for time-consuming maintenance and winterizing procedures.
5. Rain curtains
A rain curtain (or water curtain) is a standing arch-like structure made from iron, wood, stone or concrete which pumps water through a row of small holes to create the effect of falling rain in a controlled area.
Pros: Rain curtains are visually appealing and produce a relaxing white noise — a benefit if you live near a busy street. They can be made and purchased in a wide range of looks requiring little to no maintenance.
Cons: Rain curtains are not advisable if you have small children, and it’s important to choose the right location. Some neighbours may not appreciate the sound; check in with them as part of your planning process.
6. Fountains
A fountain is a structure or device through which water is pumped from spouts into the air and is usually part of a pool or pond installation.
Pros: Fountains are diverse features offering nearly unlimited design flexibility and can be used with just about every other type of water feature. They bring a timeless element to any landscaping project. You can purchase a basic fountain that’s ready to install right out of the box — all you have to do is add water and plug it in.
Cons: More complex fountains are expensive and most are maintenance intensive.
Tip: Fountains in natural ponds help discourage mosquitoes from laying their eggs because of the constantly moving water surface.
7. Water gardens
Aquatic gardens open your outdoor space to a whole new scope of planting options. Simply put, a large water garden is a pond (although a pond doesn’t necessarily include water plants). A smaller water garden could be used as an elegant tabletop water feature. Water plants that bloom — like water lilies, arrowheads or water hyacinths — will add a sweet scent to your garden.
Pros: Easy to start. Get a tub, fill it with water, add your water plants and you’re done.
Cons: Requires gardeners looking for a new challenge because you’re using entirely different types of plants. May not be suitable depending on the size of it if you have small children or pets.
8. Birdbaths
If you’re just looking for something simple to entice our feathered friends to your yard, then a birdbath is just the thing. A birdbath is any shallow vessel made to hold water for birds to drink and bathe in.
Pros: Birdbaths are the most affordable water feature, easy to maintain, and attracts many bird species. They also provide a water source for both bees and wasps.
Cons: Birdbaths need to be refilled each day and
require weekly cleaning to prevent bacteria build-up.
Tip: Replace the water each day with fresh water to control mosquitoes by removing their chance to lay eggs.
Whether you’re intent on making your yard the talk of the neighbourhood, or creating a private oasis to accompany your outdoor fireplace, there’s so much you can do with water features. But whatever improvements you choose to make will always reap benefits when it comes time to sell your home. Remember, a REALTOR® is always available and ready to help you along the way.
— REALTOR.ca