Perhaps, a bamboo water feature is exactly what you’ve been looking for. Of all the water features available to us, a bamboo water feature is by far the most unique - and coveted. Known in Japan as a Shishi-Odoshi, which translated to deer-frightened, they were conceived to frighten animals that pose a threat to agriculture. However, these water features are now part of the visual appeal of gardens. For the record, we love the tranquillity they offer...
An “oriental-style garden can be complemented with a simple bamboo ‘deer scarer’ feature,” says Garden Answers contributor, Geoff Hodges. They break the quietness of a garden with the sound of a bamboo rocker arm hitting a rock. If you’re looking to transform your space into a Japanese-style zen garden, a bamboo water feature is a good place to start – perfect for taking a spot by some cherry trees, pruned evergreens and raked gravel.
Best bamboo water feature at a glance
• Best overall: Bamboo Cascading Waterfall Feature - view on eBay
• Large bamboo water feature: Bamboo-Effect Tiered Cascade Water Feature - view on Amazon UK
• Solar bamboo water feature: Small Bamboo Cascading Waterfall Feature - view on eBay
Before you take the plunge, it’s best practice to get acquainted with these small water features, which can totally change up your garden. There isn’t much variation from product to product, with a few of our picks being very similar. Why mess with perfection? Geoff Hodges recommends opting for a tall water feature for dining areas. However, if you want something a little more understated – much like a garden water bowl, feel free to tuck your new fountain away into a peaceful spot.
Having said that, your Japanese-inspired water feature may need a little more installation than you initially expected. Many kits come with a spout and pump – which may take a little expertise to get connected to a water reservoir. For patio-bound features, we'd recommend fashioning your own basin from a large planter, decorated with rocks and some pond-friendly plants to save money. With that, we’ve found the best bamboo water features for a tranquil garden…
Best bamboo water features
Best overall bamboo feature
www.ebay.co.uk
Suitable for mains or solar-powered pumps, this charming Bamboo Cascading Waterfall Feature from Oasis is sure to touch of serenity to any outdoor space with its elegant appearance and simple functionality. Purely made from bamboo, this will provide a relaxing getaway in your garden. Watch as the water trickles down, creating a pleasant cascade - relaxing to see and hear. Supply with a low-rate water feature pump, and your new feature is ready to go.
Pros
- Suitable for mains or solar-powered pumps
- Limited assembly required and easy set-up
- Elegant, relaxing cascade design
Cons
- Requires a small water pump
Easy-to-install bamboo water feature
Build a minimalist, smooth-sounding oasis with this Bamboo Water Spout and Pump Kit from Bamboo Accents. Perfect for a balcony or patio, this Japanese-inspired feature is totally customisable and down to your tastes. Turn a bowl, planter or pot into a delightful fountain. Absorbing excess sounds, the bamboo itself is sturdy and durable. This kit comes with a pump, tubing and electric cord, which allows for an easy, five-minute set-up.
Customer review: "There really isn't anything that I can complain about with this product. It was easy to set up, it makes a great sound trickling water back into the water feature and is very stable on the edge of the planter that I selected. The only extra detail that I did during the set-up was to coat the bamboo with a water sealant since it is constantly exposed to the elements. I get a lot of compliments and am happy I finally bought it. Worth every penny!"
Pros
- Easy to set up and maintain
- Allows for customised oasis
- Style is ideal for small spaces
Cons
- Comes with a US plug - get an adaptor
Budget bamboo water feature
Make your own Zen water feature with this foci cozi Bamboo Water Fountain. The solid bamboo is coated with to prevent mould. Place in a water-filled container or pond and attach to a pump to create a recirculating water fountain.
Customer review: "It's great. It sits outside my back door and is holding up well. It is coated with some kind of water proofing so that helps to withstand the water and outside elements. To be clear, it is only the bamboo spigot and some tubing to connect it to a pump."
Pros
- Adjustable
- Made from split-free bamboo
- Sleek and free-standing
Cons
- Customers comment that the hole that holds the vertical bamboo spout is too big
Large bamboo water feature
Striking, this Bamboo-Effect Cascade Water Feature is a long-lasting element from Primrose. It has been created from polyresin, making it weather-proof, perfect for a year-round garden feature. Not only that but this feature will create a peaceful scene in your garden, producing a relaxing sound, helping you unwind. Fully self-contained, this water feature requires no reservoir or a need for constant water. Simply, fill it up and it'll begin to work.
Customer review: "We bought this for our garden and it is truly lovely. The pump is strong and pumps the water to the topmost level and the water cascades into each of the four plastic/fibreglass bamboo levels before being pumped up again and gain. The sound of the flow is very soothing and pleasant, especially during the day and evenings when there is less traffic noise. The submersible pump is well-made and sealed. The adaptor is also well made and sealed so it should be waterproof too. Customer service is also excellent and we have no hesitation in recommending this lovely water feature to anyone."
Pros
- Polyresin is UV and frost resistant
- Self-contained - no reservoir required
- Stunning cascading effect
Cons
- Some customers have received no plug
- The pump may not be the best
Great for smaller spaces
www.etsy.com
Dr Sensei's Handmade Shishi-Odoshi Bamboo Fountain is ideal for a low-key water feature. Personalise and customise this fantastic Shishi-Odoshi fountain with pebbles and pond plants. Remember to place it in a pretty container. Designed and created in Thailand, this rocking bamboo feature makes a delightful sound. A terracotta pot for a plant is included. This fountain is perfect for bowls with diameters of 40cm or bigger.
Customer Review: "Wonderful work. The love and care put into its manufacture is appreciated. It was perfectly packaged and works perfectly. My apartment is small and the small fountain is a joy and a source of happiness. Thanks to Dr Sensei for his magnificent work."
Pros
- Comes with a small terracotta plant pot
- Ideal for indoors and balcony features
- Handmade, very beautiful and simple
Cons
- Low in stock
Solar bamboo water feature
www.ebay.co.uk
If you loved the cascading addition above - but thought it was a little big, why not consider the Small Bamboo Cascading Waterfall Feature? Arriving with a solar pump, this charming water feature from Oasis is sure to touch of serenity to any outdoor space with its elegant appearance and simple functionality. Purely made from bamboo, this will provide a relaxing getaway in your garden. With limited assembly, this water feature is a dream.
Pros
- Suitable for mains or solar-powered pumps
- Limited assembly required and easy set-up
- Elegant, relaxing cascade design
Cons
- No customer reviews
Best tabletop feature
www.etsy.com
Dr Sensei's Handmade Tabletop Bamboo Fountain is perfect for an indoor or balcony-bound treat. Personalise and customise this fantastic bamboo fountain with pebbles and potted plants. Remember to place it in a pretty container. Designed and created in Thailand, this rocking bamboo feature makes a delightful sound. This fountain is perfect for bowls with diameters of 30cm or bigger.
Customer review: "Works as described. Gorgeous when you add it to a fountain or something like it. The pinwheel part rooster-tails water behind it when it is spinning, so I'd recommend putting something behind it so it doesn't spill over."
Pros
- Ideal for indoors and balcony features
- Handmade, very beautiful design
- Perfect for customisation
Cons
- Low in stock
Indoor bamboo water feature
www.etsy.com
Dr Sensei's Handmade Indoor-Style Bamboo Fountain is perfect for a garden table or indoor feature. Compact, personalise and customise this cutesy bamboo fountain with pebbles. It doesn't even need to be in a container. Designed and created in Thailand, this cutesy bamboo feature makes a delightful trickle. We love it.
Customer review: "This fountain blew me away. The quality is unmatched. The images don’t do it justice. Shipping was quicker than expected and seller communication was amazing. This is worth double what they are asking. I wish I could give it more stars. Packed with care too. Love it."
Pros
- Ideal for indoors and balcony features
- Handmade, very beautiful design
- Fantastic quality and packed with care
Cons
- Low in stock
Verdict: Which is the best bamboo water feature?
For us, we love the striking versatility of the Cascading Waterfall Feature from Oasis. Purely made from bamboo, this will provide a relaxing getaway in your garden. Plus, you can choose between mains or solar power.
Shishi-Odoshi buyer’s guide
To take your Japanese-style garden to new heights, we've written a short guide to finding the perfect Shishi-Odoshi-inspired water feature for your garden, perfectly primed for flow and tranquillity…
Rhythmic elegance: Look for a Shishi-Odoshi with a well-balanced rocking motion. The bamboo arm should strike the stone with a gentle and soothing rhythm. Just, lie back and listen…
Quality material: Choose bamboo enhanced with UV and weather resistance. Ensure the basin is also sturdy and able to withstand outdoor conditions. Bamboo doesn’t last forever, though.
Proper size: Consider the available space in your garden or patio. A Shishi-Odoshi should complement the area without overwhelming it. It should be a small element in a wide space.
Easy setup: Choose a water feature that is simple to assemble and set up. Clear instructions and minimal components will save you time and frustration. For this, opt for a kit with all the trimmings.
Adjustable flow: Some models allow you to control the flow of water, enabling you to fine-tune the sound and rhythm to your liking. After all, you don’t want the sound to become grating.
Aesthetic appeal: Select a design that resonates with your personal taste and complements your overall outdoor aesthetic. There are a few different styles to choose from in our round-up.
Low maintenance: Prioritise models that are easy to clean and maintain. A self-circulating system can help minimize water-related hassles. Plus, a solar-powered element may keep down bills.
Budget consideration: Set a budget that aligns with your preferences. Quality Shishi-Odoshi water features are available in a range of price points. We’d opt to go for something on the higher end.
FAQs
What are the benefits of a bamboo water fountain?
A bamboo water fountain, a deer-carer, has a few benefits, encompassing both aesthetic charm and relaxation in your picturesque spot. It makes a serene addition to any space – indoor or outdoor – by producing rhythmic water sounds through the gentle striking of bamboo against stone. Soothing…
Rooted in traditional Japanese garden design, these water features foster a profound connection to nature. Aside from flowering cherry trees and small rocky islands, a bamboo water feature utilises natural elements and the fluid movement of water to create a sense of harmony and engaging focal point. Water is a vital part of any Japanese garden, representing the continual flow of life.
As well as aesthetics, bamboo fountains can fit with most décor and garden styles, versatile enough to take on any patio or lawn. Plus, maintenance isn’t much of a hassle once you get it going, due to the self-contained water circulation systems. Minimal upkeep, minimal stress. How does that sound? Remember to keep on top of the debris and look out for the bamboo's condition.
By incorporating a Shishi-Odoshi into your landscape, you honour the heritage and philosophy of Japanese gardens, embracing the cultural significance of water. They cater to diverse spaces, as they’re available in a range of sizes, with options for all spaces. These features handle your wellbeing with care: no more unwanted noise, and only relaxation through a serene sound of flowing water.
A bamboo water feature simply elevates your outdoor design. It knits visual and auditory elements together in a harmonious blend, making time in the garden all the more appealing.
What are the downsides to bamboo fountains?
While bamboo garden elements can bring beauty and serenity, there are a few downsides to this sustainable wood.
Bamboo's organic nature may bring some trouble to your peaceful spot. As it is susceptible to weathering and deterioration over time, your feature may require some maintenance to prevent rot and breakage. Water circulation systems, in general, may require occasional cleaning to prevent any clogs. But, your feature should be fine.
The rhythmic sound, although relaxing to some, could be bothersome in quiet environments. So, make sure you actually like the style of these features before you buy. Another warning: initial setup and installation may require effort, and certain models might not have the durability you're looking for. For longevity, keep an eye on it.
How to make a Japanese bamboo water feature
If you're looking for a challenge, why not DIY your next garden feature? Primrose has written a fantastic guide on how to make a Shishi-Odoshi (or sōzu) at home. For the bamboo water feature that goes 'donk', we recommend checking out their easy-to-follow method.
Though there are a few styles, the basic principles are all the same. As Primrose says: "Place for water to sit, place for water to run, big hollow for water to gather, hollow can pivot, thing the hollow hits when empty. Actually, they've made it sound very easy. Why not give it a go?
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Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Modern Gardens Magazine, an all-rounder. When she’s not writing about houseplants, she’s tending to her own growing collection…