- 25 November 2023
DIY water feature ideas for garden
Elevate your garden's appeal with our diverse range of DIY water feature ideas. Ideal for gardening enthusiasts, our collection spans from soothing pot water features to lively, captivating outdoor installations. Each design is crafted to add a sense of serenity, allure, and personal flair to your outdoor space. Explore our guide and discover the perfect water feature to transform your garden into a restful and picturesque retreat.
Popular DIY Garden Water Feature Ideas
Explore a variety of garden water feature ideas perfect for DIY enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a tranquil corner or a striking outdoor statement, these designs cater to every style:
- Natural Rock Cascade: Create a captivating focal point with a cascading rock water feature. This design involves arranging natural stones in a tiered formation to mimic a miniature waterfall. It's perfect for adding a rustic, nature-inspired element to your garden.
- Rustic Barrel Fountain: Utilise an old barrel to craft a rustic fountain. This charming and easy-to-create feature adds a vintage touch to your garden. By installing a simple pump system, you can transform the barrel into a delightful, bubbling fountain.
- Bubbling Urn Feature: A bubbling urn is both elegant and simple to set up. Choose an attractive urn and fit it with a pump to create a gentle bubbling effect. This feature works well in small gardens or as a tranquil addition to patios.
- Pot Water Feature: Ideal for compact spaces, pot water features are both stylish and easy to create. Use a watertight pot, add a small pump, and choose aquatic plants to create a mini oasis. This feature is versatile and can be customised to suit any garden style.
- Contemporary Water Wall: For a sleek, modern look, consider building a water wall. This feature uses a flat panel through which water smoothly flows down, creating a serene and visually striking effect. Ideal for contemporary gardens or as a backdrop in outdoor seating areas.
DIY Pot Water Feature for the Garden
Transform your garden with a charming pot water feature. This project is a perfect weekend activity and a great way to add a touch of tranquillity to your outdoor space.
Give an old pot new life by transforming it into a beautiful water garden. Along with making sure your pot is watertight, you’ll also need to consider choosing aquatic plants that don’t need much regular maintenance. Otherwise, let your creativity go wild.
And it’s not all that hard when you get the right gear from your local Mighty Helpful Mitre 10.
Materials list
Step 1: Prepare your pot
If using an old garden pot or fountain, you’ll need to give it a good clean to ensure it’s in optimal condition for your water feature. Empty it of all soil and debris and clean it with CLR cleaning product. When you’re done, wash it out properly before filling it with water and plants to get rid of any chemicals that could harm the vegetation.
Step 2: Choose your location
The location you choose should be flat, level ground that allows for ample morning sun. The positioning will affect the plants you’ve chosen. We recommend finding a north-facing spot in your garden that won’t impede access. It should also be in proximity to an outdoor power point.
Step 3: Prepare your plants
Low-maintenance aquatic plants are the best bet to a successful container water feature. We recommend waterlilies, rushes and papyrus. Repot them using a clay-soil mix. This soil is dense and will ensure your plants receive optimal nutrients and support while submerged. Cover the soil with layers of sand and gravel to keep it in place while the plants are underwater.
Step 4: Fill your pot and place the plants
Fill your pot with water and place your plants inside. When adding your plants, the growing pot should be positioned so the lip is just below the surface of the water, about 3cm. Water lilies should be placed down to about ⅓ of the total depth of the water. Depending on the height of your pot, you may need to prop up your plants with bricks or some kind of platform.
Step 5: Install a pond pump and fountain kit
In order to keep the water clean and free of mosquitoes and algae, and the plants thriving, your pond will require a pond pump and fountain kit. Place your pond pump and fountain kit inside the water feature, plug it into an external power point and turn it on.
Creating a DIY water feature, especially a pot water feature, is a rewarding project that adds a unique charm to your garden. Explore more DIY project ideas and expert advice from Mitre10.