Have you ever wondered if adding a water feature to your outdoor living space will increase your enjoyment of your garden?

The simple answer is yes.

A water feature can add a lot of value, both aesthetic and functional, to a garden. Here’s what it will contribute to your garden experience.

Aesthetic appeal

Every garden, whether front or back, whether big or small, needs to have visual focal points.

Focal points are necessary to draw your attention to a particular area of the garden. It might be a place where your eyes go while you inside doing dishes at a window.

A focal point may be placed close to a sitting area where you can appreciate the details up close. A pond, fountain or stream becomes a centrepiece, drawing the eye and adding interest.

Another aesthetic appeal of a water feature is its sheer natural beauty.

Reflective water surfaces, movement and the way light plays on water all enhance the overall atmosphere. There is always something special about sitting out in the garden in the evening, watching the glittering lights on the surface of the water.

Water features also pair well with surrounding plants, especially moisture-loving varieties like ferns, hostas, or Siberian irises.

Cascading or weeping plants are also great combinations with water features as they mimic the movement of the water.

Plants such as weeping Japanese maple, weeping white pine, weeping blue atlas cedar are all great companions to any water feature.

Sound and atmosphere

Trickling or bubbling water can mask unwanted noise (like traffic) and create a calm, meditative ambiance.

The sound and sight of water can reduce stress levels and increase feelings of relaxation and well-being. This has become even more important in recent years with the busyness that surround us.

Wildlife attraction

Water features support biodiversity. Birds, frogs, insects, and even small mammals are drawn to water, especially if you use native plants or keep it chemical-free.

Water features are also very important when it comes to attracting pollinators, which has become a focus of gardening.

The presence of water can attract bees and butterflies and small birds if designed with shallow or still water access.

Microclimate and cooling

Moving water can help to regulate temperatures. Water can help cool the immediate area around it, which can be a relief in hot summers.

It will also boost humidity levels, which can benefit plants and people alike in drier climates.

Personal expression

Whether you have s a formal fountain, a Zen-inspired pond or a rustic stream, a water feature expresses personal style and taste.

You can customize your water feature by going more modern, natural, minimalist or maximalist. There is always a feature to match any garden theme.

Here are some low-maintenance and eco-friendly water feature ideas for your garden, depending on the size, budget and style you’re aiming for:

1. Mini solar fountain bowl (tabletop or ground-level)

Low-maintenance: just keep it filled with water.

Eco-friendly: powered by a small solar panel.

Bonus: attracts birds and pollinators.

Ideal for: patios, balconies, or small gardens.

2. Wildlife pond (without a pump)

Low-maintenance: no filtration needed if you include native aquatic plants.

Eco-friendly: supports frogs, insects, birds; chemical-free.

Tips: use oxygenating plants (like hornwort), a sloping edge for animals to enter/exit, and avoid fish to keep it balanced.

3. Bubbling rock fountain

Low-maintenance: recirculating water system with a hidden reservoir.

Eco-friendly: closed-loop system uses minimal water and can be solar-powered.

Style: natural, blends into rock gardens or modern minimalist landscapes.

4. Rain chain into a gravel basin

Low-maintenance: no moving parts; just requires occasional debris clearing.

Eco-friendly: redirects rainwater from your roof into the garden.

Bonus: looks beautiful and makes a gentle water sound in the rain.

5. Birdbath with pollinator perch

Low-maintenance: clean and refill weekly.

Eco-friendly: simple water dish with stones for bees and butterflies to land on safely.

Pro tip: choose a shallow dish (two to three inches deep max.) or place some smooth beach stone in bottom of bowl.

Where can you place a water feature in your yard?

Joanne Young is a Niagara-on-the-Lake garden expert and coach. See her website at joanneyoung.ca

The Niagara-on-the-Lake Horticultural Society is pleased to be hosting a series of Saturday morning gardening classes, available to the public. They will be facilitated by Joanne Young on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m., and they will run from Sept. 6 to Sept. 27 at the NOTL Community Centre.  

Saturday, Sept. 13 — Starting From The Ground Up

Saturday, Sept. 20 — The World of Bulbs

Saturday, Sept. 27 — Putting Your Garden To Bed