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Backyard water gardens are a wonderful way to add a touch of tranquility and beauty to your outdoor space.
Backyard water garden ideas range from small ponds with waterfalls to elaborate koi ponds with bridges. They can be elevated in raised beds or even fit into containers for smaller spaces. Solar-powered waterfalls and rainwater harvesting systems offer sustainable options. These water gardens not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space but also provide benefits like stress relief and improved air quality.
They come in many different shapes and sizes and can be designed to suit any style or taste.
We will be sharing some of the most spectacular backyard water garden ideas that will help you create a peaceful and serene oasis and create a fresh look in your own backyard.
From small ponds with waterfalls to large ponds with floating islands, there is an idea for everyone.
So, whether you’re looking to add a small water feature or a large pond to your garden or are starting from scratch, you’re sure to find a lot of things to give you inspiration here.
10 Exciting Badass Backyard Water Garden Ideas
Welcome to our guide on backyard water garden ideas! Backyard water gardens are a beautiful and serene addition to any outdoor space.
Not only do they add aesthetic value to your garden, but they also offer many benefits.
The Benefits Of Backyard Water Gardens:
Backyard water gardens are not only beautiful to look at, but they also offer a range of benefits.
They provide a peaceful and serene atmosphere, which can be a great stress reliever adding soothing sounds to your outdoor living space.
They also attract a variety of wildlife, such as birds and butterflies, which can make your backyard even more enjoyable.
Furthermore, water gardens can also help to improve the overall air quality in your outdoor space.
They act as natural humidifiers, adding moisture to the air which can be especially beneficial during the hot summer months.
Overview of the different types of backyard water garden ideas that will be discussed in the post:
In this guide, we will be sharing a variety of DIY water garden ideas that will suit any style or taste.
From small ponds with waterfalls to large ponds with floating islands, we will cover different types of water gardens that can be created in any backyard.
We will also provide step-by-step instructions and tips for creating and maintaining each one.
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, you’re sure to find an idea that will inspire you to create your own backyard water garden.
Keeping Fish
We have not talked about adding fish to these water gardens but while koi are harder to keep goldfish are relatively easy to keep even in a small pond. Both will eat mosquito larvae and keep bugs at bay.
Let’s get a look at some badass water garden ideas for your DIY water garden project:
Idea #1: Small pond with a waterfall
This idea is perfect for those who want a small and simple waterfall feature and a peaceful pond in their backyard.
The design includes a small pond in the center, with a small waterfall cascading down one side.
Materials and tools needed:
To create this water garden, you will need a pond liner, a pump, a waterfall spillway, a hose, and various rocks and plants.
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Measure and mark out the area where you want your pond to be.
2. Dig out the area to the appropriate depth, making sure to slope the sides to prevent erosion.
3. Line the pond with a pond liner and fill it with water.
4. Install the water pump and attach the hose to the spillway.
5. Arrange the rocks around the pond and waterfall to create a natural look.
6. Plant a variety of aquatic plants around the edges of the pond.
Tips and tricks for maintaining the pond and waterfall:
Keep the water level consistent by topping it off with a hose when necessary.
• Use a pond skimmer or net to remove debris from the surface of the water.
• Check the pump regularly to make sure it’s working properly.
• Trim any overgrown plants around the pond to keep the area looking neat.
Idea #2: Koi pond with a bridge
This idea is for those who want a more elaborate water garden in their backyard.
This water garden design includes a larger pond that can accommodate koi fish, with a small bridge spanning the pond.
This can be incorporated into a larger garden or even makes a great way to add a focal point in a backyard.
To create this water garden, you will need a pond liner, a pump, a garden bridge, a hose, and various rocks and plants like water lilies. 
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Measure and mark out the area where you want your pond to be.
2. Dig out the area to the appropriate depth, making sure to slope the sides to prevent erosion.
3. Line the pond with a pond liner and fill it with water.
4. Install the pump and attach the hose to the spillway.
5. Arrange the rocks around the pond and bridge and add plant life to create a natural look and blend into the surrounding landscape.
6. Plant a variety of water-loving plants around the edges of the pond.
Tips and tricks for maintaining the pond and bridge:
• Keep the water level consistent by topping it off with a hose when necessary.
• Use a pond skimmer or net to remove debris from the surface of the water.
• Check the pump regularly to make sure it’s working properly.
• Trim any overgrown plants around the pond to keep the area looking neat.
Idea #3: Raised water garden bed
This idea is for those who want a water garden that is elevated off the ground.
The design includes a raised bed that is filled with water and planted with a variety of water plants.
This can be incorporated into a small or large garden in any outdoor area and can be used as a focal point or as a backdrop for other plants.
You could surround it with a flower garden if you want to hide the sides.
Materials and tools needed:
To create this water garden, you will need a raised bed frame, a pond liner, a hose, and various rocks and plants.
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Measure and mark out the area where you want your raised bed to be.
2. Assemble the raised bed frame and line it with a pond liner. This could be a plastic storage tote or a homemade wooden box. It can be any size you want to make it.
3. Fill the bed with water with your garden hose. You can add a small solar-powered fountain if you wish.
4. Arrange the rocks around the raised bed to create a natural look.
5. Plant a variety of water-loving plants in the bed.
Tips and tricks for maintaining the raised water garden bed:
• Keep the water level consistent by topping it off with a hose when necessary.
• Use a pond skimmer or net to remove debris from the surface of the water.
• Check the pump regularly to make sure it’s working properly.
• Trim any overgrown plants around the raised bed to keep the area looking neat.
Idea #4: Small water garden with a fountain
This idea is for those who want a water garden that features a fountain.
The design includes a small pond with a fountain in the center. This can be incorporated into a small or large garden and can be used as a focal point or as a backdrop for other plants.
Materials and tools needed:
To create this water garden, you will need a pond liner, a pump, a fountain, a hose, and various rocks and plants.
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Measure and mark out the area where you want your pond to be.
2. Dig out the area to the appropriate depth, making sure to slope the sides to prevent erosion.
3. Line the pond with a pond liner and fill it with water.
4. Install the pump and fountain and attach the hose to the fountain.
5. Arrange the rocks around the pond and fountain to create a natural look.
6. Plant a variety of water-loving plants around the edges of the pond.
Tips and tricks for maintaining the fountain:
• Keep the water level consistent by topping it off with a hose when necessary.
• Use a pond skimmer or net to remove debris from the surface of the water.
• Check the pump and fountain regularly to make sure they are working properly.
• Trim any overgrown plants around the pond to keep the area looking neat.
Idea #5: Large pond with a floating island
This idea is for those who want a large and elaborate water garden landscape design in their backyard.
The design includes a large pond with a floating island in the center, which can be planted with a variety of water-loving plants.
This can be incorporated into a large garden and can be used as a focal point.
Here is a video that shows 2 ways to build a floating island for your pond:
Materials and tools needed:
You can build a floating island with PVC pipe, some hardware cloth, and zip ties and we have included a video to show you how.
Hardware stores should have everything you need for building your floating island
Once you build it is low maintenance but it’s a great idea to attach a rope to it if you want to bring it back to shore.
Add water-loving plants to the top of your island. Water lettuce is an easy plant that spreads easily.
Idea #6: Natural-looking water garden with a stream
This idea is for those who want a water garden that looks like a natural stream.
The design includes a stream that winds through the garden and a small pond at the end.
This can be incorporated into a large garden and can be used as a focal point or as a backdrop for other plants.
Materials and tools needed:
To create this water garden, you will need a pond liner, a pump, a stream bed liner, a hose, and various rocks and plants.
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Measure and mark out the area where you want your stream to be.
2. Dig out the area for the stream bed and line it with a stream bed liner. The stream bed liner is just an EPDM liner in 5 or 6-foot widths but you can cut your own from a larger piece of liner.
3. Create a small pond at the end of the stream using a pond liner.
You will need a hidden length of PVC pipe to bring water from the pump in the pond to the head of your stream.
Make sure your pump has enough volume and lift to move the water up to the top of your stream.
4. Fill the stream and pond with water and install the pump.
5. Arrange the rocks around the stream and pond to create a natural look.
6. Plant a variety of water-loving pond plants in the water garden and include bog plants and edge plants along the sides of the stream and pond.
Tips and tricks for maintaining the stream:
• Keep the water level consistent by topping it off with a hose when necessary.
• Use a pond skimmer or net to remove debris from the surface of the water.
• Check the pump regularly to make sure it’s working properly.
• Trim any overgrown plants around the stream to keep the area looking neat.
Idea #7: Container water garden
This idea is for those who want a water garden but have limited space.
The design includes a mini water garden in a container that can be placed on a balcony, patio, small garden, or other small spaces.
Your mini pond can be placed where it is easy to see and care for and many can even be used indoors.
Materials and tools needed:
To create this water garden, you will need a container, a pump, a hose, and various rocks and plants.
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Choose a container that is the appropriate size for your mini water garden.
2. Fill the container with water and install the pump.
3. Arrange the rocks inside and around the edges of the container.
4. Plant a variety of water-loving plants in the container. Give water hyacinth a try for pretty blue or purple blooms.
Tips and tricks for maintaining the mini water garden:
• Keep the water level consistent by topping it off with a hose when necessary.
• Check the pump regularly to make sure it’s working properly.
• Trim any overgrown plants in the container to keep the area looking neat.
Idea #8: Solar-powered waterfall garden
This idea is for those who want a water garden that is powered by solar energy.
The design may include a small pond with a waterfall that is powered by a solar panel.
This can be incorporated into a small or large garden and can be used as a focal point or as a backdrop for other plants.
Most solar-powered waterfalls are smaller and are actually pondless waterfalls. You can also find solar-powered bird baths and fountains. 
You can also find a solar-powered pond pump and build your water garden from scratch.
Here is a pump that is suitable for a small pond waterfall. 
Materials and tools needed:
To create this water garden, you will need a pond liner, a solar panel, a solar-powered waterfall pump, a hose, and various rocks and plants.
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Measure and mark out the area where you want your pond to be.
2. Dig out the area to the appropriate depth, making sure to slope the sides to prevent erosion.
3. Line the pond with a pond liner and fill it with water.
4. Install the solar panel and attach the solar-powered waterfall pump.
You will need to build a waterfall at the end of the pond. This can be a container the water goes into with an opening on top.
You will use rocks to hide it and create a stepped rock wall that will become the waterfall itself.
As the container fills with water it will flow down the front. You can use rocks and pebbles to adjust the path and flow of the waterfall itself.
5. Arrange the rocks around the pond and waterfall to create a natural look.
6. Plant a variety of water-loving plants around the edges of the pond.
Tips and tricks for maintaining the solar-powered waterfall:
• Keep the water level consistent by topping it off with a hose when necessary.
• Use a pond skimmer or net to remove debris from the surface of the water.
• Check the solar panel and waterfall kit regularly to make sure they are working properly.
• Trim any overgrown plants around the pond to keep the area looking neat.
Idea #9: Water garden with a rainwater harvesting system
This idea is for those who want a water garden that is sustainable and eco-friendly.
The design includes a small pond or water feature that is fed by a rainwater harvesting system.
This can be incorporated into a small or large garden and can be used as a focal point or as a backdrop for other plants.
Materials and tools needed:
To create this water garden, you will need a pond liner, a rain barrel or rainwater harvesting system, and various rocks and plants.
You can run a hose from the rain barrel to your pond and it is possible to add a float at the end of the hose to automatically add water when the water level in the pond falls.
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Measure and mark out the area where you want your pond or water feature to be.
2. Dig out the area to the appropriate depth, making sure to slope the sides to prevent erosion.
3. Line the pond or water feature with a pond liner and fill it with water.
4. Install the rainwater harvesting system and connect it to the pond or water feature.
This can be made using 55-gallon plastic drums connected to a roof drain with a spigot installed near the bottom.
5. Arrange the rocks around the pond or water feature to create a natural look.
6. Plant a variety of water-loving plants around the edges of the pond or water feature.
Tips and tricks for maintaining the rainwater harvesting system:
• Keep the water level consistent by topping it off with a hose when necessary.
• Use a pond skimmer or net to remove debris from the surface of the pond.
• Check the rainwater harvesting system regularly to make sure it’s working properly.
FAQs
Water gardens can transform your backyard into a tranquil oasis, but they also come with their own set of questions and challenges.
Whether you’re wondering about the types of plants that are best suited for your water garden, how to maintain the water quality, or what kind of fish you can include, we’ve got you covered.
Below are some frequently asked questions about backyard water gardens.
Q. What types of plants are best for a water garden?
A: Aquatic plants like water lilies, lotus, and water hyacinths are ideal for water gardens. They not only add beauty but also help in maintaining water quality.
Q. How do I maintain water quality in my water garden?
A: Regular cleaning and removal of debris are essential. You can also install a filtration system and use water treatments specifically designed for ponds to maintain water quality.
Q. Can I include fish in my water garden?
A: Yes, fish like koi and goldfish can be included. They add life to the water garden and also help in controlling mosquito larvae. However, they do require a well-maintained environment.
Q. Is it difficult to install a waterfall in a water garden?
A: Installing a waterfall is not overly complicated but does require some planning. You’ll need a water pump, a spillway, and some rocks to create the waterfall. It’s also important to consider the water flow and how it integrates with the rest of the garden.
Final Thoughts
In this post, we have discussed 9 different backyard water garden ideas that can be incorporated into a small or large garden.
These ideas include a small pond with a waterfall, a koi pond with a bridge, a raised water garden bed, a small water garden with a fountain, a large pond with a floating island, a natural-looking water garden with a stream, a mini water garden in a container, a water garden with a solar-powered waterfall, and a water garden with a rainwater harvesting system.
Tips for creating and maintaining a backyard water garden:
• Choosing the right location for your water garden is important. Make sure the area is level, has good drainage, and gets enough sunlight.
• Consider the size and scale of your water garden in relation to the size of your backyard.
• Think about the style and design of your water garden in relation to the overall style and design of your backyard.
• Make sure to choose plants that are appropriate for the water depth and growing conditions of your water garden.
• Proper maintenance is key to keeping your water garden looking good. This includes regular cleaning of the water and removing debris, trimming and pruning plants, and checking and maintaining pumps and other equipment.
• Be mindful of the environmental impact of your water garden and consider incorporating sustainable practices such as using a rainwater harvesting system.
By following these tips and ideas, you can create a beautiful and functional backyard water garden that you and your family can enjoy for years to come. Here’s more information on water gardening for beginners.
