Water Gardens Add a Touch of Magic to Your Yard—Here’s How to Create One

Any garden brings a refreshing energy and connects you with nature, but a water garden offers something uniquely tranquil. Whether it’s a peaceful pond or a flowing fountain, water gardens effortlessly merge vibrant plants with aquatic creatures, fostering a calming atmosphere for you and local wildlife alike.

“When I think of a water garden, I think of peace,” shares gardener Madeline Hooper, the host of PBS’s GardenFit. “It’s a soothing experience for the senses and incredibly visually pleasing.” We’ll guide you on how to create a water garden in your own backyard, with tips on the best flowers to choose, how to add decorative features, and advice on keeping it pristine.

What Are Water Gardens?

Water gardens are landscaping features that incorporate water elements like ponds, streams, or fountains. These gardens are often paired with plants that thrive in aquatic environments and can provide a sanctuary for wildlife, including ducks, fish, and pollinators. Not only do water gardens offer visual appeal with their vibrant colors and textures, but they also bring a peaceful ambiance with the soothing sound of flowing water.

How to Create a Water Garden?

Interested in crafting your own water garden? Follow this step-by-step guide to get started.

Step 1: Plan Your Design

Start by deciding if you want to include an above-ground element like a fountain or a small pond, or if you'd prefer to dig your own underground setup. The former is simpler, but the latter is entirely achievable. From there, choose a spot that accommodates the size of the water garden you envision. Ideally, the location should be flat and receive ample sunlight, with access to electricity.

If you plan to excavate, ensure that the area is clear of any underground utilities. Contact your service provider to have them mark any lines. After that, begin digging the pond or stream to your desired depth and shape.

Step 2: Install a Flexible Pond Liner

When excavating, lay a flexible pond liner over the dug area, making sure it covers both the bottom and sides with some extra material to prevent the liner from slipping into the water. Smooth out any wrinkles and secure the edges. A simple way to secure the liner is by creating an anchor trench that follows the shape of the pond or stream.

Step 3: Set Up a Filtration System

Above-ground water features usually come with built-in filtration systems. DIY setups, however, won't include this, so you’ll need to buy and install a filtration system separately.

“Water gardens require effective filtration to maintain cleanliness, prevent algae growth, and stop mosquitoes from breeding,” explains Hooper. “A continuous-cleaning filter system is the ideal choice.” This helps keep the water clear and free from unpleasant odors.

Step 4: Add Rocks and Gravel for Decoration

Place rocks and gravel around the edges of the pond to create a more rugged, natural appearance. Additionally, these elements can help secure the pond liner and prevent erosion. Plus, they provide cozy hiding spots for small aquatic creatures.

Step 5: Introduce Water-Loving Plants

Now for the exciting part: plants! Teri Valenzuela, the natural science manager at Sunday, explains that "Moisture-loving plants" can serve as both habitats and sources of nourishment for local wildlife.

She further suggests, "Depending on where you are, look for species such as sedges, ferns, lilies, irises, horsetails, hibiscus, and milkweeds." Other plants worth considering include papyrus, lotus, horsetail rush, and alocasias.

Step 6: Add Some Cool Features

You can also introduce some drama to your water garden. Hooper recommends adding features like bridges, which he describes as "truly inviting" and allow you to gaze into larger bodies of water to observe the plants and wildlife.

Additional features might include a small waterfall, a birdbath, or even koi fish. However, Valenzuela emphasizes that some of the best additions are the ones you can't install—local wildlife like ducks, birds, bees, and butterflies that naturally frequent the water. "The sound of moving water is an encouraging signal for local wildlife to come by," she notes.

Step 7: Keep It Maintained

Proper sanitation and regular maintenance are essential to prevent issues like mold or mildew, according to Valenzuela. It's important to monitor water quality, clean the filters, remove any debris, and trim plants when necessary.