Best small water feature for limited space

Imagine the peaceful sound of trickling water and a mirror image of the sky, framed by soothing ferns and bamboo; the addition of a small water feature in your garden or a limited outdoor space can make it an environment that's tranquil and a space for solitude.

You can create a sense of wellbeing and a sanctuary in whatever outdoor space you have available. Budget and space constraints do not limit your ability to have a small water feature in your garden. From garden water bowls to plug-in-and-go fountains, there are affordable options for your patio, balcony, lawn or even wall. In this guide we'll take a look at some of the best small water features for attracting wildlife, including some solar-powered options.

The best small water features at a glance:

• Best freestanding water feature: Serenity Cascade water feature - view on Thompson & Morgan
• Best fixed wall water feature: Tiled Water Feature - view on Cox & Cox
• Best soothing water feature: Smart Garden Solar Pagoda - view on Amazon UK
• Best decorative small water feature: Blumfedt Spiro Garden Fountain - view on Amazon UK

Building a water feature - such as a wildlife pond - can stimulate your creativity and create a habitat for wildlife. It could be as simple as a reclaimed sink that's collected rainwater and attracted a resident frog. Conversely, you might have grand designs such as a pond with an overhanging deck.

There was never a shortage of wildlife in this leafy paradise when, Modern Gardens Magazine writer Vicki Greenslade, built a therapeutic garden from scratch. She wanted to welcome more with a sunken pond and surrounding bog garden. After digging a hole and sealing it with a liner, she added oxygenating plants to create a focal point in which indigenous pond life thrives. "Toads, frogs, newts, pond skaters and beetles are prolific in summer," said Vicki. "There's nothing better than sitting on the deck, listening to the ripples and croaks, and feeling the stress of work and everyday life evaporate."

Best small water feature

Which small water feature is best?

For an affordable water feature that's picturesque and peaceful, we love the Serenity Cascade Water Feature With Planters. This self-contained small water feature and planter can be endlessly reinvented throughout the seasons. Plant it with anything from ornamental grasses to spring flowers and herbs. Liven up a quiet corner by introducing light and the movement of water with this freestanding feature. Equally, it could be a patio centrepiece. In summary, the Serenity Cascade water feature is convenient, has good value and brings the joy of waterside flowers to space.

How do I maintain a water feature?

Modern Gardens Magazine writer Jules Barton-Breck offers some advice on keeping your water feature looking its best and in good working order.

The golden rule is to make sure that the water level is always above the pump. If it’s low, top it up so the pump is submersed.

Clean the water every couple of weeks by adding a specialist refresher such as Fountain Fresh. This will prevent algae growth, surface staining and the water from going green.

Some manufacturers recommend emptying the feature completely of water and storing it in the garage or shed in freezing conditions, to ensure the pump isn’t damaged. If yours is too big to move, simply drain the reservoir below ground or empty any bowls that are above ground. Next, remove the pump and store indoors, and protect the feature with a waterproof cover. The next-best step is to add Frost Stop, which is wildlife friendly and will help to protect the water from freezing and prevent the feature cracking.

Small garden ponds

Perhaps you want to attract more wildlife to your garden; even a small pond can be an ecosystem and a source of water for insects, aquatic animals, birds and creatures. The RHS advises that a pond should have at least one side with a shallow slope to create a damp area for certain insects and allow easy access for wildlife.

Steep-sided ponds should have large stones, a wooden ramp or a large log to allow wildlife access. Even a layer of gravel on a sloping side provides a habitat for insects. Also, it gives a grip for creatures such as hedgehogs and birds to drink without slipping into the pond.

Keep water circulating to prevent the build-up of algae by installing a pump. And scoop out fallen leaves with a fine mesh strainer. Also, if slime is persistently building up. there are water treatments available, such as Blagdon Algae Control.

Finally, water levels will naturally fluctuate so be sure to top up in hot weather when evaporation occurs the most.