Water Ambience in Your Backyard

A water feature can add a vivid aspect to the mood of your backyard. Ponds, fountains and waterfalls are all examples of water elements that can create a harmonious feeling to your personal outdoor space. They can also be a fun home improvement project for the whole family.

The local hardware store or garden center is a useful place to begin your project. You may be able to get a kit or locate the supplies to create one from scratch. Be sure to construct your water feature in an area where there is an accessible water source. Stagnant water can be a breeding ground for health threats like mosquitoes and germs. If you don't already have your landscaping planted, be sure to install the pipe work for the project before you put in grass or gravel.

There are two different ways to go about creating a pond, depending on the purpose you have in mind for it. If you want to keep fish in your pond, you'll need to dig a hole at least six feet deep and as wide as possible. Remember that a larger surface area means more oxygen exchange and hence bigger, healthier fish. You'll then need to line it either with a specially made pond liner or with heavy duty plastic. Weigh down the upper edges of this with stones. Once it's full, you can plant reeds among them to create a natural look. Take your time about filling the pond and keep inspecting the water with a pond or aquarium test kit, which is offered at your local pet store, to make sure it's safe for fish.

If you're not interested in keeping fish in your pond, creating one is much more simple, but it will still need to be at least two-and-a-half feet deep to avoid damage caused by evaporation and frost. If you line it with rocks or porous plastic, it will gradually leach out water into the surrounding soil, helping to support your plants, but it may also become contaminated by chemicals in the dirt, making it hazardous to wildlife. Test it regularly if you aim to supply a safe watering hole for local animals.

Some fountains call for a pond, but the easiest to install are free-standing fountains, which usually come with a pump already built in. They're offered in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and materials, so you can find one to satisfy your imagination and match your style. Take care when choosing your material though. If you live in an area which gets frosty, some faux stones can crack, and this is difficult to repair. If you don't have space for a regular fountain, consider installing a wall-mounted one, which can be attached to any wall or fence and will still give your yard character as well as creating the pleasant sound of bubbling water.

Some waterfalls come as complete units that really only require an electrical outlet. These are generally labeled as table fountains and can be enjoyed both in and out of doors. Creating your own custom fountain can be only as limited as your imagination and budget. Many people are surprised at the ease and simplicity of constructing handmade natural looking fountains for their backyards. Adding this small element can do wonders for creating a personalized and private oasis.

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