Water features for your yard include small streams, containers of gently bubbling water, and actual ponds with gravel and rock. There are few things in the garden that produce as much tranquility as the soothing effects as water. No matter how much space you may have in your garden there is always room for a water feature. There are water features that sit on tables beside your chair or grand fountains that are measured by the square foot.

One of the easiest water features to make is cut plastic barrel in half. Line with heavy pond plastic, fill with water and add water plants, a few fish and a small pump for aeration and you have an instant pond in your garden. Place natural grasses and rocks around your container for a more natural look. Think about how big you would like your water feature.

One thing I realized right away is that even though I enlarged the little pond area before building it is still not big enough. Plan what you think will be enough then double the size. Water features bring natural beauty into your living space in a way that plants alone cannot do. To create a beautiful restful area layout and design are essential. Japanese gardens long ago perfected water features. Many of the designs we use and emulate are taken from their inspirations.

Their designs and craftsmanship are famous throughout the world. Anything that can hold water can be made into a water feature. Large planter pots, old tubs, buckets, large bowls, whiskey barrels or making your own container out of concrete all are excellent instant ponds. Providing water in your garden will add months of delightful viewing of dragonflies and butterflies. Frogs and small fish will charm you with their antics. For preformed garden ponds go to your nearest lawn and garden store. The possibilities are endless.

Water features bring sound color and wildlife into your garden. Talk to a garden specialist and plan your garden to incorporate this soothing sound in your garden. Plants that do well in a pond include many kinds of lilies. Pink, red, white, yellow hardy lilies thrive in shallow slow moving water. Their lovely blooms become garden features in and of themselves. If you can control the water temperature and the climate there are several tropical night blooming lilies for evening gardens. The water temperature must stay about 70 degrees for the plants to survive. Your choices are endless as well as with variety and colors.