Your outdoor space doesn’t have to look plain and uncared for. You can add beauty to your small garden by incorporating a water feature like a small waterfall pond.
Waterfalls play more than just an aesthetic role in garden design – it’s a place to relax in tranquility and enjoy nature’s majesty.
Building a Backyard Pond: 9 Tips and Tricks
Waterfalls bring a soothing presence to your garden. Additionally, they facilitate crucial aeration to maintain your pond’s ecosystem.
Whether you use a professional aquascape installer or settle for DIY projects, you have the chance to transform your own backyard.
We have compiled some trendy backyard pond ideas and waterfall ideas specially designed to create the waterfall you’ve always dreamt of.
1. Check Out What Nature Has to Offer
Studying natural waterfalls and ponds will give you inspiration for your design.
That’s how the most accomplished water garden specialists in the world get their inspiration.
You can replicate ideas from the natural ecosystem into your backyard waterfall for the best results.
2. Superb Rock Placement Works Wonders
Making your rock waterfall look as natural as possible is an art by itself. Your waterfall is undoubtedly the focal point of your backyard garden pond, so be creative with rock placement.
To achieve that, frame the waterfall with two large rocks. Next, pick a rock with a flat surface and put it between the two frame rocks. When the water falls, it’ll land on the bigger rocks and flow through the space between, mimicking the running water effect in nature.
You can set other rocks along the edge of the pond and fill any small spaces with gravel or pebbles.
3. Introduce Aquatic Plants
No backyard pond is ever complete without aquatic plants. These plants add texture and a myriad of colors to your small pond and significantly enhance the curb appeal of your property. Most importantly, the plants eliminate algae and provide various birds with perching spots.
To make your work easier, here are a few aquatic plants that are all the rage with backyard pond enthusiasts:
- Water Lily
- Yellow Snowflake
- Lotus
- Water Lettuce
- Powdery Thalia
- Giant Mediterranean Reed
- Cardinal Flower
- Taro Pond Plants
- Blue Iris
- Mosaic Plant
4. Introduce Koi Fish in Your Pond
Now that you have your koi pond or water garden introducing koi fish is next. The fish in your pond will reduce maintenance since they feed on string algae and bottom feed.
You can also introduce other types of fish, say goldfish.
5. Lighting Ideas for Your Waterfall Pond
You can take a water feature landscape design to the next level by adding lighting. Pond lighting offers superb nighttime viewing that’s guaranteed to keep your family outdoors late into the night.
Fish are a great addition to your pond, but it’s underwater lighting that completes the look. Now, you can effortlessly view schools of fish darting around the pond.
Additionally, landscape lighting like garden path lights will accentuate the plants around the pond.
For added effect, placing lights at various strategic spots will act as focal points and highlight the beauty and depth of your waterfall.
6. Incorporate Twists and Turns
If you have ample outdoor space, you have the liberty of a longer waterfall. In such a case, incorporating twists and turns ensures that you have a magnificent garden waterfall that’s a cut above the rest.
It will also guarantee that you experience stunning facets and views at every turn. Take your time on this part of landscape design, and the results will speak for themselves.
7. Ensure an All-round View
What’s a pond waterfall without the accompanying view? Regardless of how stunning your backyard pond with a waterfall is, if you cannot enjoy it from various vantage points on your property, then all the effort is wasted.
Ensure that both the waterfall and pond are visible from the patio door, frequently used windows, rooftop, or wherever your family loves to gather regularly. All it takes is a little creativity, and you can enjoy your outdoors, either from near or far.
8. Pond Pump
For your pond to have an effective circulation system, it’s necessary to install pond pumps. Pumps will keep the water flowing and ensure sufficient oxygen for healthy fish and aquatic plants.
9. Skimmer
If your pond will have fish, then proper filtration is non-negotiable. This is where a skimmer or mechanical filter comes into play.
The skimmer acts as your pond’s initial line of defense. It skims debris like twigs and leaves accumulated on the pond surface and prevents the build-up of organic matter on the pond bed.
If left unchecked, the organic matter will decay, and your fish could end up poisoned.