Water features for private home growing in popularity

They are new and improved and one of the fastest growing items for home porches, yards and in landscaping today. The water feature has come to private homeowners, not just model homes and movie stars. 

They add a “resort feel” or as some say, a “staycation” to any home, anywhere, any price range. The trend to update and increase home living space by improving the outdoor portion of our homes is so popular, there are cable television shows built around this topic. 

Water features can be readily found, from big-box stores to plant nurseries.  There are even specialty water garden stores, but most of those are in larger cities or their products may be purchased online. 

I mentioned that they are new and improved because they are much easier to get set up, easier to keep clean and they come in such a variety of styles that most people can find a match for their home’s decor and budget.   

There are so many new ways to feature water. It’s not just the “dig a hole, line it, fill it up, and try to keep it clean and running” like you’ve seen in the past. Nowadays, you can buy a completely assembled, plain or colorful water feature that can fit any empty space. For some, you simply add water and plug it in, while others come with solar power capabilities. Some will have hidden reservoirs that recirculate the water. 

Water features now come in all shapes, sizes and designs, from modern to throw-back water wheels. You can put them in your yard, on a deck, in a flower bed, or on your porch. Some even hang on a wall or fence. They will bubble, flow, splash, trickle, squirt, light up, and even have the water playfully dance.

Why consider water features? For one, watching and listening to water promotes relaxation. If you already have a water feature, you know just what I mean.

There’s nothing like sitting near moving water. The sound is calming, mesmerizing, inviting, and can drown out annoying background noises such as roadway traffic and neighborhood commotion. Water features can help you, and your guests, nestle in and feel right at home. 

Most water features are very affordable, but you’ll want to shop around to find the best deal. And watch closely, because the prices vary from place to place. Buying out of season also is a great option to consider. Many stores put them on sale toward the end of summer or when the weather gets cooler, making room for upcoming holiday inventory. So if you are interested, start looking now for good deals or wait until this fall to see if the prices go down. 

Also, make sure you know where you’re planning to put your water feature, that you have a power source available, if needed, that the size of the one you purchase fits that space, and it is in a place where you and others congregate so it may be enjoyed.

You may want to start out with something small and easy to start up.  But a quick warning: You’ll get hooked on water features and before you know it, you’ll be looking for a place to put another one.  As with most things, there will be a need for periodic cleaning as well as checking the water levels and adding water to compensate for evaporation. Also, depending on where you place it, your water feature may need to be cleaned from falling debris, leaves, grass clippings, etc.

But you will find it will be well worth your time and the minimal effort required.

Darla Horner Menking is a Texas Master Gardener and Master Naturalist. Contact her at darla.menking@gmail.com