Transform Your Outdoor Space with These Waterscaping Ideas

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 11 min read

Imagine transforming your backyard into a tranquil oasis filled with the soothing sounds of water. This dream could be a reality with the magic of waterscaping. Waterscaping is the art of creating stunning water features, from simple birdbaths to elaborate fish ponds, that create a sense of calm, add visual interest, and bring you closer to nature. Whether you have a sprawling lawn or a compact balcony, you can use waterscaping to create your own personal sanctuary.

1. Get Acquainted with Waterscaping

If you've ever admired a beautifully designed pond or waterfall, you've seen waterscaping in action. It's the art and science of weaving water features into a landscape to create an appealing and harmonious environment. Let's dive deeper into this fascinating world.

What is Waterscaping?

Waterscaping is the practice of incorporating water elements—such as ponds, waterfalls, fountains, and streams—into landscaping. It's about more than just aesthetics; it's also about creating a balanced ecosystem that promotes the well-being of plants and wildlife. Here's what makes it so interesting:

Art meets nature: Waterscaping combines design principles with an understanding of natural water systems to create visually striking and environmentally friendly landscapes.
Endless possibilities: From a simple reflecting pool to a complex river system, the possibilities for waterscaping are virtually limitless.
Works in any space: Whether you have a large garden or a small balcony, waterscaping can help you make the most of your outdoor area.

Benefits of Waterscaping

Waterscaping is more than just a trend—it offers numerous benefits for both you and the environment. Here are some reasons to consider waterscaping:

Relaxation: The sound of flowing water has a calming effect, making your outdoor space a perfect place to unwind.
Biodiversity: Water features attract a variety of wildlife, from birds to butterflies, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden.
Water conservation: When done right, waterscaping can help conserve water by creating a closed-loop system that recycles water.

Types of Waterscapes

Waterscaping offers a range of options to suit every taste and budget. Here are some popular choices:

Ponds: From small patio ponds to large fish ponds, these can serve as a focal point in your garden.
Waterfalls: These create a dramatic effect and produce soothing sounds, making them a popular choice for many homeowners.
Fountains: These are versatile and easy to install, making them a good option for beginners to waterscaping.

Now that you're familiar with the basics of waterscaping, let's explore some specific projects you can undertake to transform your outdoor space.

2. Start with a Water Garden

Want to dip your toes into the waterscaping world without diving in head first? Starting with a water garden is a perfect option. A water garden typically involves a container filled with water and water-friendly plants. It's a simple, low-cost way to introduce a waterscape into your outdoor space.

Choosing Plants for Your Water Garden

Plant selection is key when setting up your water garden. You want to choose plants not only for their beauty but also for their ability to thrive in a water environment. Here are a few options:

Water Lilies: Known for their beautiful, floating flowers, water lilies can add a pop of color to your water garden.
Lotus: Another gorgeous flower, the lotus also has large leaves that provide shade for fish and help maintain water temperature.
Cattails: These tall, reed-like plants can add a touch of natural wildness to your water garden.

Remember, the size of your water garden will dictate the number and type of plants you can include. So, plan accordingly.

Maintaining Your Water Garden

Maintaining a water garden is relatively easy, but it does require regular attention. Here's what you need to know:

Water Quality: Regularly check the water for clarity and cleanliness. Algae blooms can occur if the water gets too warm or if there's too much sunlight.
Plant Health: Keep an eye on your plants. If they look unhealthy, they may not be getting the nutrients they need.
Prevent Overcrowding: Plants can grow quickly in a water garden, so trim them back as needed to prevent overcrowding.

With careful plant selection and regular maintenance, your water garden can thrive, providing a beautiful and serene addition to your outdoor space.

3. Create a Fish Pond

So you've mastered the water garden and ready for a fresh challenge? A fish pond could be the perfect next step in your waterscaping journey. Creating a home for finned friends in your backyard not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also brings a lively, dynamic element to your outdoor space.

Selecting Fish for Your Pond

Choosing the right fish for your pond is no small task. You want to select types that can coexist peacefully and thrive in your specific climate. Here are a few popular choices:

Koi: Renowned for their vibrant colors and patterns, Koi are a popular choice for decorative ponds.
Goldfish: Don't be fooled by the stereotype—goldfish are hardy creatures that can grow impressively large in a pond environment.
Shubunkins: With their multi-colored scales and flowing fins, Shubunkins are a visually pleasing addition to any pond.

Remember, it's not just about choosing the most attractive or exotic fish. You need to consider their needs and your ability to provide for them.

Building and Maintaining Your Fish Pond

Once you've selected your fish, the next step is to create a suitable habitat for them. This involves more than just digging a hole and filling it with water. Here are some things to consider:

Size and Depth: The pond needs to be large and deep enough to accommodate the fish you've chosen. As a rule of thumb, a larger pond is generally better as it offers more room for the fish and is easier to keep clean.
Filtration: A good filtration system is vital to keep the water clean and safe for your fish.
Shelter: Provide areas of shade and shelter in the pond to allow fish to hide from predators and get some respite from the sun.

Building a fish pond is a significant project, but with careful planning and maintenance, it can be a rewarding addition to your outdoor waterscaping efforts.

4. Build a Waterfall

Have you ever noticed the calming effect of the sound of flowing water? Adding a waterfall to your garden can create a peaceful retreat, as well as be a stunning focal point. Let's take a look at how to create this beautiful waterscaping feature.

Designing Your Waterfall

The design of your waterfall can be as simple or intricate as you like, but there are a few things to keep in mind to make it a success:

Location: Choose a spot that's visible, but ensure it doesn't overwhelm other elements in your garden. The waterfall should complement, not dominate, the landscape.
Size: The scale of your waterfall should be in proportion with the rest of your garden. It shouldn't look like Niagara Falls has been squeezed into a small backyard!
Style: Your waterfall design should blend with your overall garden aesthetic. Whether you prefer a modern minimalist stream or a rustic stone cascade, the style should be consistent with your outdoor space.

Designing your waterfall is like painting a picture — it's your opportunity to express your creativity and add a unique touch to your outdoor space.

Constructing Your Waterfall

Now that you have a design in mind, it's time to bring your waterfall to life. Here's a simple guide to get you started:

Mark the Area: Outline the area where your waterfall will be located. Think about where the water will start and where it will end up.
Excavate: Remove any grass, plants, or rocks in the way, then start digging according to your design.
Install the Liner: A pond liner will help retain water and create the right environment for your waterfall.
Add Rocks and Stones: Arrange rocks and stones in a way that guides the water and creates the desired visual effect.
Install the Pump: The pump will recirculate the water from the bottom of your waterfall back to the top.

Building a waterfall can be a fun and rewarding project. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can create a stunning waterscaping feature that transforms your garden into a tranquil oasis.

5. Install a Fountain

A garden fountain can bring a sense of elegance and serenity to your outdoor space. Not only do they look stunning, but the gentle sound of trickling water can also have a calming effect. But where do you start when it comes to installing a fountain as part of your waterscaping plan?

Choosing the Right Fountain

Choosing the right fountain can feel a bit overwhelming given the myriad options available. Here are some factors you might want to consider:

Size: The size of your fountain should be in harmony with the rest of your garden. You don't want it to be lost amidst the other elements, nor should it dwarf everything else.
Material: Fountains can be made from various materials, including stone, metal, or glass. Consider the weather in your area and the amount of maintenance each type requires.
Style: Whether you prefer a sleek, modern design or a more traditional, ornate look, make sure your fountain complements the overall style of your outdoor space.

Remember, the fountain should enhance your garden's aesthetic and not just become an add-on feature.

Setting Up Your Fountain

Once you've chosen your perfect fountain, it's time to set it up. Here's a basic step-by-step guide:

Prepare the Area: Clear the space where you plan to place the fountain. Make sure the ground is flat and stable.
Install the Fountain: Carefully place the fountain in the prepared area. Many fountains come in pieces, so follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly.
Fill With Water: Once installed, fill your fountain with water, ensuring it's at the recommended level.
Connect to Power: Most fountains use a pump to circulate water. Make sure this is plugged into a safe, outdoor-rated electrical outlet.

Voila! You've just added a charming, soothing element to your garden. With the right care, your fountain will be a beautiful focal point of your waterscaping for many years to come.

6. Explore Rainwater Harvesting

Want to take your waterscaping project to the next level? Why not consider incorporating rainwater harvesting into your design? It's a way of capturing and storing rainwater for later use, typically in your garden. It's a practical, eco-friendly addition that can bring significant benefits.

Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting

Aside from being a sustainable and eco-friendly practice, rainwater harvesting provides several other benefits:

Conserves Water: By using stored rainwater for watering plants or filling up your waterscape features, you can significantly reduce your fresh water consumption.
Improves Plant Health: Rainwater is naturally soft, free from chemicals and beneficial for plant health.
Reduces Runoff: Collecting rainwater also decreases stormwater runoff, which can cause erosion and flooding.

With these advantages in mind, it's clear that rainwater harvesting can be a great addition to your waterscaping plans.

Setting Up a Rainwater Harvesting System

Setting up a rainwater harvesting system can be straightforward. Here's a simple guide to get you started:

Choose a Rain Barrel: Rain barrels come in different sizes and materials. Choose one that suits your needs and fits well with your garden's aesthetic.
Prepare the Location: Place your rain barrel on a flat, stable surface. It should be located near a downspout for efficient collection.
Install the Barrel: Connect the barrel to the downspout. You might need to cut the downspout to the appropriate length.
Check the System: After installation, check the system during a rainfall to ensure water is being correctly diverted into the barrel.

With your rainwater harvesting system in place, you're not only adding an eco-friendly feature to your garden but also maximizing the use of a natural resource. It's a win for your waterscaping project and the planet!

7. Try a Swimming Pond

If you're itching for a waterscaping project that combines aesthetics, functionality, and a whole lot of fun, then a swimming pond might be your perfect pick. A swimming pond is a natural body of water that you can swim in, and is designed to blend seamlessly into your garden's landscape. Let's dive into the benefits of creating a swimming pond and how you can get started on building one.

Benefits of a Swimming Pond

Swimming ponds offer a unique spin on the traditional backyard pool. Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider one for your waterscaping project:

Natural Aesthetics: Swimming ponds are designed to mimic natural bodies of water, providing a tranquil and scenic addition to your outdoor space.
Chemical-Free Swimming: Instead of chlorine, swimming ponds use plants and natural microorganisms to keep the water clear and clean.
Biodiversity Boost: Swimming ponds can attract a wide array of wildlife, such as birds and beneficial insects, enhancing your garden's biodiversity.

With these benefits, a swimming pond can be a delightful and eco-friendly addition to your waterscaping endeavors.

Building a Swimming Pond

Building a swimming pond may seem like a daunting task, but with careful planning, you can create your personal oasis. Here's a basic outline to help you get started:

Plan Your Design: Define the size, shape, and depth of your pond. Consider including a shallow area for plants that will help keep the water clean.
Prepare the Site: Clear the area of debris, ensuring that the ground is level and stable.
Dig the Pond: Excavate the area according to your design, remembering to dig a deeper section for swimming and a shallower zone for plants.
Install a Pond Liner: This will prevent water from seeping into the ground. Make sure it's durable and puncture-resistant.
Add Plants and Water: Introduce water-cleaning plants and fill the pond with water. It might take some time for the water to clear as the ecosystem establishes.

And there you have it! With some patience and effort, you'll have a beautiful swimming pond to enhance your outdoor space and cool off during those hot summer days. So why not dive into this exciting waterscaping project?

8. Experiment with Aquaponics

As we delve deeper into the world of waterscaping, let's explore a concept that marries water with agriculture in an ingenious way: aquaponics. If you're not familiar with it, aquaponics is a system that combines conventional aquaculture (raising aquatic animals such as fish, crayfish, or prawns in tanks) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water) in a symbiotic environment. Intrigued? Let's dive a bit deeper.

What is Aquaponics?

Aquaponics operates on a simple yet brilliant principle: fish produce waste that serves as organic food for plants. In turn, the plants purify the water, creating a beneficial cycle. This method of agriculture not only saves water but also produces two types of crops: fish and plants. It's an innovative approach to home gardening and a fun addition to your waterscaping project. Plus, it's an excellent conversation starter at your garden parties!

Setting Up an Aquaponics System

Setting up your own home aquaponics system might sound complex, but it's more straightforward than you think. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Choose a Location: Your aquaponics system needs a spot with plenty of sunlight and protection from harsh weather conditions. An outdoor shed, greenhouse, or a sunny part of your yard would be ideal.
Select Your Fish and Plants: Some popular choices for fish include tilapia and goldfish, while leafy greens, herbs, and peppers are great plant options. Remember, the fish you choose should be suitable for the climate in your area.
Set Up the Tanks: You'll need a tank for the fish and a grow bed for the plants. These should be connected with a pump to circulate the water.
Get Your System Running: Introduce the fish into the tank and the plants into the grow bed. Monitor the system closely for the first few weeks to ensure everything is working correctly.

And voila! You have your very own aquaponics system. This unique waterscaping idea not only adds an interesting element to your backyard but also yields fresh produce right at home. So, why not give it a try and make your waterscaping journey even more rewarding?

If you're inspired to transform your outdoor space with waterscaping ideas, why not explore the creative process behind landscape design by checking out the workshop 'Creating Landscapes on Cardboard: The Process' by Shazlin? This workshop will guide you through the unique approach of designing landscapes on cardboard, allowing you to visualize and plan your dream waterscape before bringing it to life.