Transforming your garden into a serene oasis often involves incorporating the soothing sights and sounds of a water feature. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape or aiming to enhance the ambiance of your outdoor space, water features offer an array of possibilities to elevate your garden retreat.
From elegant fountains to meandering streams, below we have gathered together a collection of amazing water feature ideas to inspire tranquility in your garden sanctuary. Underneath each of the images, you will find further resource details and links to those who designed each of the water features.
Tell Us: Which one of these water feature ideas do you find most inspiring? Let us know in the Comments below, we enjoy reading your feedback!
1. Bubbling Urn.
Add a touch of elegance to your garden with a trio of bubbling urn fountains. The urns are situated on a bed of small pebbles and are surrounded by lush greenery, including grasses, flowering plants, and various shrubs. Large rocks are placed around the urns, enhancing the natural aesthetic of the setting. In the background, a tranquil pond with water lilies.(via Magic Garden Dreams)
2. Earth, Water & Fire.
The Fire Bowl and Water Feature are by Wells Concrete Works. The tall grassy plants are Carex praegracilis, a California and West Coast native. It’s a walkable meadow-style grass that is hardy to around 10 degrees. The palm tree next to the fence is called ‘Pony Tail Palm’. The botanical name is Beaucarnea. Very drought tolerant and gets a substantially fat succulent trunk with a large elephant-like ‘foot’ at the base. (via Gardens by Gabriel)
3. Zen Garden Stream.
Inspired by travels to Asia, the owners of this DC property wanted to mimic this aesthetic. The water feature helps to mask adjacent traffic noise and maintains a small footprint. The water is part of a recirculating system. The upper pool you see spills into the rill in the photo which then deposits water in a basin. From there it is filtered and recirculated back to the upper pool. The black stone used on the face of the water feature is a series of veneer stone panels from Charles Luck Stone called Stillwater. (via Horn & Co)
4. Walkway Water Feature.
This custom-built water feature was constructed with block and facing stone (natural ledge stone) and pumps and spillways with an underground basin. The dimensions of this water feature are 5′ tall by 4′ wide. The material used around the planted area is plank tile, 12″ x 24″ sizing. A shredded ground cover mulch and the planted material is a mix of grasses (blue fescue) and succulents.(via Belle Terre Landscapes)
5. Fire Fountain.
This Aquascape fire and water fountain can be an incredible add-on to any new or pre-existing water feature. A large stone bowl serves as the fountain, with a fire burning atop dark stones at its center. Water cascades over the bowl’s edge into a small, rock-lined stream below. (via Magic Garden Dreams)
6. Jar Fountains.
The jars are from Italy and are available from AquaBella Designs. They do not need to be waterproofed on the inside. The background evergreen trees are Thuja occidentalis “Emerald” Emerald Arborvitae. (via R.P.Rauso Landscape Architects)
7. Bubbling Urns In A Pond.
This serene garden water feature features a trio of black stone urn fountains cascading water into a tranquil pond, surrounded by natural stone rocks and vibrant greenery. Colorful plants, including purple flowers, and a rustic wooden bench and pathway enhance the natural charm and inviting ambiance of the setting. (via AquaLife Ponds)
8. Rock Garden Oasis.
This charming front yard water feature has three vertical stone columns, each gently trickling water, surrounded by a variety of rocks, small plants, and flowers. (Good Earth Water Gardens)
9. Modern Rock Water Feature.
A modern garden features a sleek, low-profile stone water feature with water gently spilling into a small pond, surrounded by lush greenery and meticulously maintained grass. Two contemporary mesh chairs and a small table are positioned on a stepping stone path, creating a peaceful seating area against the backdrop of a wooden house exterior. (via Island Gardens Company)
10. Rock Waterfall.
Incorporate a rock waterfall feature with accent lighting into your garden design for a natural and picturesque water feature. The rock used on the water feature is Ruby Moss Rock and Granite Boulders. (via Landscape Connection)
11. Fire and Water Feature.
A Rochester, New York front yard landscape was brought to life with the installation of this stunning custom-designed water feature which consists of bubbling urns, waterfalls, LED lighting, and beautiful aquatic plants. The sound of water running softly through this lovely water feature provides a relaxing sound that inspires relaxation which makes you want to sit down, relax, and enjoy all the beauty and tranquility it brings. (via Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls)
12. Koi Pond.
Create a serene focal point with a koi pond, complete with colorful fish and aquatic plants. The pond is roughly about 18″ deep. The pond is poured concrete. Use zypex or some other waterproofing made specifically for concrete applications. The rocks in the pond are river rocks. The fish can be obtained at a typical pet shop, be sure to install a pump system to circulate the water and add aeration for the fish. FYI: The sliding doors into the bedroom are Weiland Sliding Doors by Andersen. (via Rossington Architecture)
13. Doggie Water Bowl.
This unique recirculating water feature was created for the two resident dogs as a doggie drinking bowl. It’s made from a bespoke carved granite bowl and a length of 2” copper pipe with a reservoir beneath. Its simplicity is part of its charm. (via Urban Oasis Landscape Design)
14. Secret Garden.
Stone walls encircle a secret garden with stone benches, container plants, and a beautiful water feature at the center of this outdoor oasis. (via Cording Landscape Design)
15. Mediterranean-Style Fountain.
The terracotta urn has been sealed to hold up to water use, purchased from Rogers Gardens in Newport Beach. The pot is sitting on a poured-in-place colored concrete wall cap. The cap has received a light sandblast finish. The spout is aged metal. You can make this yourself out of copper. The spout was purchased online and the backplate was salvaged from an architectural salvage yard. The scupper and the swirling trim piece are from Fountains Unique. The pot is not completely filled with water rather it is filled with a solid foam about halfway and the rock the rest of the way. (via DSLA Design)
16. Sculptural Fountain.
Make a statement with a sculptural fountain that doubles as a work of art in your garden. Here, the backyard of a home in Washington features a trio of rocks spilling into a large glazed clay pot, which in turn spills over into river rocks. (via Waterfall Pond Supply)
17. Natural Waterfall.
If traditional fountains don’t appeal to you, embrace a more natural aesthetic in your backyard. This waterfall, crafted from large stones, mimics those found in the wild. Enhance the natural look by surrounding this rugged water feature with native plants and lily pads. (via Curti’s Landscaping)
18. Water Fountain Spitter.
Incorporate a spitting water featureinto your garden design, offering a unique and artistic focal point. (via Brian J Mahoney Landscape Architecture)
19. Pondless Waterfall Feature.
Enjoy the beauty of a waterfall without the maintenance of a pond by incorporating a pondless waterfall into your landscape. Shelves of Moss rock boulders were constructed at precise elevations to create a tranquil sound of flowing water. The water feature was designed for safety for a family with small children to not have any depth of standing water. Lighting accentuates the surrounding landscape, water, and boulder to provide a fabulous evening ambiance, for relaxation and contemplation. (via Parker Landscape Design)
20. Wall-Mounted Fountain.
Opt for a wall-mounted fountain to maximize space while adding a serene ambiance to your garden retreat. This Spanish-style fountain in an entry forecourt was created from a mask and bowl found in an antique store. (via Simmonds & Associates)
21. Modern Zen Garden.
When envisioning a backyard water feature, one might typically conjure images of a bird bath or tiered fountain. However, you may wish to deviate from the norm by embracing distinctive shapes or water elements, such as this shallow, half-circle pond. Not only does it serve as a water source for wildlife, but it also delights with the tranquil sounds of splashing water. (via Studio H Landscape Architecture)
22. Natural Ecosystem Pond.
This backyard features a rubber-lined, natural ecosystem pond, stream, and waterfall. There are also a couple of different seating areas along with a pathway over the stream. Perennials and various other plants add visual interest all year long. (via Poseidon Ponds & Landscaping)
23. Beautiful Basalt Columns.
This water feature is made of solid Basalt columns. They can be purchased through Aquascape, Inc. The water feature is surrounded by river rocks, mulch, and lush greenery. (via Hartman Landscape)
24. Corten Steel Waterfall.
Westphalen Photography
The water feature collects rainwater and has Corten steel retaining walls with extensive stone walls. The design of this water feature was inspired by the house’s surroundings — the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Champlain. A series of waterfalls and pools are situated outside the owner’s bedroom, providing the soothing sounds of trickling water. (via Wagner Hodgson Landscape Architecture)
25. Illuminated Dish Fountain.
Uplighting on the dish fountain reflects onto the magnolias and brick wall of the adjoining property in Alexandria, Virginia. The lighting helps to create a magical nighttime atmosphere. (via Landscape Projects, Inc.)
26. Courtyard Garden.
A beautiful courtyard garden with brick pavers and a tranquil water feature in the center. Lush plantings add pops of color, creating a serene oasis that invites relaxation and enjoyment.
27. Add A Pop Of Color.
This vibrant blue fountain was sourced from a garden center. The plants on either side of the arbor are Fern Pines or Podocarpus Gracilior. The vine is Bougainvillea and the two little plants with purple flowers are Lavender. The trellis was custom-built on-site. (via Alan Dunn Landscape Design)
28. Small English Garden.
The spitting lion water feature serves as the focal point in this garden. Custom lattice screens were installed around it, encouraging neighboring vines to climb up and around the feature. (via Arbordale Landscaping)
29. Surrounded By Nature.
A copper rill and bowl water feature is surrounded by lush vegetation, creating a serene backyard oasis. (via Sam Butler Garden Design)
30. Linear Water Element.
This water feature is a recycled feed trough that is lined with rubber. The shallow vessel (at ground level) has a black or mirrored base, and if you add just a little bit of water to it, the actual depth of the vessel becomes obscured by the water’s reflection. In this way, it creates the illusion of greater depth. If the base was white, your eye would easily see beyond the surface reflection to the structure of the vessel below. (via Enroot Landscape Planning and Design)
