Many people dream of having a relaxing backyard escape surrounded by nature. Imagine the possibilities of the soothing sounds of natural running water and views of an eye-catching water feature in your outdoor space.
Studies have shown mental health benefits for people who regularly access blue space, including natural or artificial water features in their area.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss why you should consider integrating a water feature into your backyard, all the unique options available, and how to create a beautiful and serene escape. Let’s dive in!
The Benefits of Adding a Water Feature to Your Backyard
An Attractive Addition to Your Backyard
First, water features are attractive additions to your backyard, providing a stunning focal point. With endless customizations available, there’s always something exciting to look at!
Enjoy the Soothing Sounds and Serene Environment
Next, water features provide a soothing backyard experience, encouraging mindfulness by creating a serene environment. With your own backyard water feature, step into your outdoor space and be surrounded by serenity.
Support Local Wildlife
Also, birds, butterflies, and other animals need water too! Installing a water feature supports local wildlife by providing a safe place for them to drink or cool off.
Other Benefits
Finally, the types of water features available are practically limitless, thanks to all the customizations you can make to the type, size, and configuration. For example, consider the endless possibilities for entertainment with a natural swimming pond in your yard!
Types of Water Features to Consider for Your Space
Decorative Features and Fountains
Decorative pieces are some of the simplest water feature options to consider adding to your space. Design options include basalt columns, bubbling rocks, fountains, spillway bowls, and more. Decorative features can be more affordable than larger water features while providing a beautiful ambiance that makes your backyard feel like a secret escape.
Ponds
A carefully designed pond can add natural appeal and beauty to your outdoor space. A well-planned pond design will blend into the natural look of your space, making it appear just as nature would’ve intended. Add extra features to your pond, like waterfalls, driftwood, or fish, for the ultimate natural hideaway.
Waterfalls
Like ponds, a waterfall adds unique appeal to your property and provides a serene atmosphere. Watch the water continuously travel over the rocks and experience relaxation in your own backyard.
Streams & Pondless Waterfalls
If you’re looking for the serenity of a pond or waterfall that takes up less space in your yard, consider a stream or pondless waterfall. These waterfalls or streams offer picturesque views without needing a large basin or pond at the bottom.
How to Create a Unique Water Feature Design That Compliments Your Space
Next, let’s discuss some elements to consider when designing and integrating a water feature into your outdoor space.
Overall Landscape Design
Assess the atmosphere of your space and determine where you can integrate a water feature. Thanks to the variety of available water features, you can find something that fits your backyard space and budget.
Size and Scale
After considering where you’d like to add a water feature, consider its overall scale. The size and scale you choose when integrating a water feature will depend on your goals. Typically, you want the feature to be eye-catching without overpowering your space. If you want to fully transform your backyard with a water feature being the primary element, consider a larger one.
Plant Selection
To create a cohesive, natural look in your yard, consider the plants surrounding your water feature. Previously, we discussed on the blog how to choose plants that will thrive in your yard based on their unique requirements. The landscaping surrounding your water feature can truly enhance its appearance and integration. Create an attractive backyard with a detailed garden planting plan that accounts for each plant’s sun, shade, and soil requirements.
Lighting
Finally, to tie your water feature together with the rest of your backyard, consider how you can use lighting to draw attention. In a previous blog post, we discussed different landscape and water feature lighting types that can highlight your space. Adding landscape lighting to your water feature extends the beauty of your backyard into the nighttime, allowing you to enjoy it any time of day.
Other Things to Consider Before Installing a Water Feature
Professional or DIY install
When adding a water feature to your yard, consider if you want to complete the project yourself or work with a professional. This will likely depend on the complexity of the water feature you want to install. For larger projects like ponds and waterfalls, you’ll likely want to consider hiring a professional or at least getting a professional consultation before starting.
The Raymar team has years of experience designing and building stunning water features. Our team has been trained by and is a Certified Contractor of Aquascape, a leading manufacturer of pond products. Our experienced landscapers can seamlessly integrate a water feature into your space, creating a serene backyard escape. Raymar’s team of experts will carefully weave all the elements of your space together, such as plants, water features and landscape lighting.
Maintenance
Depending on the type of water feature you choose, some maintenance will be required during the year. Smaller features like bubbling rocks or columns require less maintenance than larger features like ponds or waterfalls. Regular maintenance of larger water features is essential to ensure they remain beautiful and functional for years to come.
To help homeowners spend more time enjoying their ponds and waterfalls and less time completing maintenance, we offer three water feature maintenance options: Basic, Premium, and Deluxe. Benefit from our years of experience and enjoy a worry-free backyard year-round.
Summary
Here are our best tips to remember when integrating a water feature into your backyard:
- Select a water feature that fits with your space and makes you happy!
- Assess how the water feature will fit into your overall landscape design.
- Include unique additions like plants or lighting to take your water feature display to the next level.
- Decide if you want to do the project yourself or get a professional to design and build it.
- Enjoy! Relax in your own custom oasis, thanks to your new water feature. Don’t forget to schedule maintenance to keep everything looking fresh and functional!
Overall, water features of all types and sizes can be a fantastic addition to any backyard. With so many options available, you can create a customized experience that provides serenity and tranquility to your space.
If you have questions about our services or would like to book a consultation, please contact us.