Adding a Small Water Feature to Your Backyard

Many gardeners might be intimidated by adding a full sized pond the their yard. Some people might like to add one, but simply don’t have the space. What if you don’t have a yard, just a balcony? With just a little imagination and the right items, anyone can enjoy a small water feature to enhance your own private oasis. Water features add not only colour and fragrance to an area, but also sound, which you don’t get from your average garden feature. With the addition of fish, water features become even more enjoyable.

What can be used as a water feature?

Virtually anything that is water tight can be used as a water feature.

• Half barrels with a plastic liner
• Buckets
• Wash tubs
• Stock tubs
• Plastic and ceramic planters

These are just a few of the items you could use. Many waterproofing materials exist (silicone, caulking and spray on products) that will allow one to use almost anything imaginable to hold water. Once you have decided on your water tight vessel, you need to think about a few more things.

Pump

Do you want to invest in a small pump? Moving water will not only make soothing sounds, it will deter mosquitoes and aerate the water if you decide to add fish. The cost of small pumps can start around 20-25 dollars and go up from there, depending on their size and strength. A small water feature will only require a small pump, as there is not much water to move in the first place! Pumps can run water through bubblers, fountains, spouts or even waterfalls. Make sure that your pump doesn’t create too many splashes though, as a small feature can be emptied of water very quickly by repeated water loss. Check water levels daily, and refill as needed.

Filtration

Filtration is not as important in a small water feature, as one can do partial water changes quite easily. If you have fish in your feature, they won’t like the temperature change or the chlorine in the water from your garden hose. Let the water sit for a day before adding it to your feature. Plants will also help keep the water clean by absorbing nitrates from fish waste/food and by blocking the suns rays. Placing your feature in the sun will encourage the best blooms on your plants, but the sun also encourages algae and will cause the water to warm up- which could be harmful to your fish. Only 4-6 hours of sun is sufficient for most pond plants. (Except lilies)

Seasonal Care

The water feature should be emptied in the fall, and placed in a safe spot. Ice will ruin pumps and most vessels would break if they were left full. Fish must be overwintered in the house, or given to friends with a larger outdoor pond. Plants should be composted or (in the case of perennials) be heeled into the garden for the off season. Some tropical pond plants make fair houseplants in they are kept moist and given enough light.

Popular Plants for Water Features

When adding plants to a water feature, use clay, gravel or an aquatic plant soil to anchor your plants. Soils with manure or perlite will contaminate the water. Here is a list of plants to consider using in your water feature:

Canna Lilies

Canna lilies are known for their striking foliage and vibrant, tropical-like flowers. Placing potted canna lilies around the edges of your water feature can add a touch of drama. They thrive in moist soil and can tolerate partial submersion. 

Water Lettuce / Water Hyacinth

Water hyacinth is a floating aquatic plant with attractive round leaves. It not only adds beauty but also helps control algae growth by shading the water.  

Arrowhead / Pickerel Rush

 Arrowhead plants are lovely choices for the shallow edges of your water feature. They have arrow-shaped leaves and produce delicate white or pink flowers. These plants are excellent at oxygenating the water and providing shelter for aquatic life. 

Papyrus / Taro

Papyrus is a dramatic, tall, grass-like aquatic plant that can add a touch of elegance to your water feature. Its feathery, umbrella-like tops create a unique visual impact. Papyrus thrives in moist soil or can be partially submerged in water. 

Transforming your backyard into a tranquil oasis doesn’t always require a major overhaul. Sometimes, all it takes is a small water feature adorned with aquatic plants to create a soothing and inviting atmosphere. Whether you have a sprawling garden or a cozy patio, incorporating aquatic plants can elevate your outdoor space to new heights of relaxation and beauty!