Modern waterfall in a small garden
Plants around a garden pond

Incorporating Water Into a Small Garden Design

Incorporating water features into a small garden design can add a sense of tranquility, visual interest, and a refreshing element to the space. They are multi-sensory. They can create beautiful vistas of shimmering reflections, dancing light, tranquil sounds and exploratory paths. They can also help attract diverse wildlife to your garden. Here are a few types of water features and some ideas on how to effectively incorporate water into a small space:

small water features in a garden
Plants around a garden pond
Garden pond with plants

WHAT TO CONSIDER when incorporating Water Features Into a Small Garden Design

Fountains or Water Walls

A small fountain or a water wall can serve as a focal point in your garden. These features add the soothing sound of running water and can be mounted on a wall or placed on a pedestal to save space.

Container Water Gardens

Opt for small-scale water features like a container pond or a water bowl. These are compact, easy to maintain, and can be placed on a patio, balcony, or any small outdoor area.

Reflecting Pools

Reflecting pools or shallow water bodies create a sense of spaciousness and serenity in a small garden. They can mirror the surrounding plants and sky, giving the illusion of a larger space.

Pond-less Waterfalls

If space is limited, consider installing a pond-less waterfall. This feature consists of a reservoir underground with a recirculating pump that creates a cascading waterfall without the need for a large pond.

Rock or Pebble Water Feature

Incorporating rocks or pebbles into a water feature adds a natural aesthetic to your garden. You can create a small stream or a layered rock fountain that fits well in a small garden setting.

Vertical Water Features

Utilise vertical space by installing a wall-mounted water feature or a water cascade that flows down a wall. This adds a unique visual element and maximises space in a small garden.

Water Plants

Integrate aquatic plants like water lilies, lotus, or water irises into your water feature to enhance its beauty and create a more natural ecosystem within your garden. Natural ponds are a great way to encourage a vast range of biodiversity into your garden.

Lighting

As always, lighting can play a crucial role in highlighting garden features. Illuminate your water feature with underwater lights or spotlights to create an enchanting ambiance in the evening and highlight the movement of water.

When incorporating water into a small garden, it’s essential to consider the scale, maintenance requirements, and overall design cohesion with the rest of your outdoor space. Start by assessing your available space, budget, and desired aesthetic to choose the right water feature that complements your garden design.

modern water feature in a garden
a lit pebble water feature