Northern Virginia Handyman

Are you ready to take the next step in turning your yard into your own personal oasis? With their eye-catching design and soothing sounds, water features are a perfect way to add serenity to your backyard. Water features are available to fit all types and sizes of yards, so it’s easy to find an option that will work for your home. Top water feature options include:

Fountains are an elegant and versatile way to add a water feature to your yard. Small statues and bubbling fountains can be added to your existing landscape, while natural stone wall fountains or in-ground fountains can be incorporated into your hardscape. Typically, larger fountains tap into the home’s water supply to provide a steady flow of water, while smaller fountains that don’t need a continuous flow of water can be filled with a hose.

Small ponds are a unique ecosystem that can be added to any landscape. Ponds can be scaled to the size of your yard and require little maintenance. Whether you add fish to your pond or enjoy the bubbling view (an aerator is needed to prevent bacteria from growing), ponds provide natural tranquility for your yard.

More than just a pond, water gardens utilize aquatic plants to create a new type of landscape in your backyard. Contained by water-resistant materials like stone or concrete, water gardens include aquatic plants like water lilies, lotus, cattails, or water lettuce. In addition to providing a beautiful view, water gardens provide a natural habitat that will attract birds, frogs, and other wildlife to your home.

You don’t have to live near a body of water to have a stream in your backyard; you can build an artificial stream. Installed much like a fountain, artificial streams utilize water from the home to create a cascade down a predetermined path. These streams are often built with rocks and large stones, adding a unique touch to your landscape.

If you have a pool in your backyard, a waterfall is an excellent water feature option. Waterfalls are very versatile and can be built to match any outdoor aesthetic. They can be made of rocks to look like nature, or they can be incorporated into contemporary patio designs. You can choose a fast-flowing waterfall or one that is more of a trickle; the options are endless.

Water features are a unique element that can turn your backyard into a peaceful retreat.

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