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
Best freestanding water feature
www.thompson-morgan.com
This self-contained cascading water feature and planter is a great option if you're limited for outdoor space. Equally, because it's free-standing, it makes an attractive centrepiece on a patio or decking. Plant it with herbs to benefit from a fragrant sensory experience. Additionally, the water is lit by LEDs, so you can enjoy the rippling effect of running water at night.
Pros
- Planter and water feature
- Space-saving
Cons
- Expensive
Best small water feature for attracting birdlife
This oriental-style cascading bowls water feature is a lovely way to attract birdlife and enjoy the serenity of trickling water. A remote solar panel powers the low-voltage solar pump that constantly recirculates water from the main bowl reservoir, pouring it into each bowl in turn. There's no mains wiring required, but it does need positioning in direct sunlight in order to work. To protect this water feature from frost damage, empty the water and store the whole unit inside.
Customer review: "Lovely feature that adds soothing water sounds to the garden and is a real pleasure. The only small concern is that the solar panel seems to require very strong direct sunlight to power the pump, which means that the water doesn't flow in anything other than perfect sunny weather. If this sells well in the UK I would advise a larger solar panel to compensate for our somewhat unsunny weather."
Pros
- No installation required
- Will attract birdlife
Cons
- Not suitable for winter use
- Reliant on direct sun to work
Best fixed wall water feature
www.coxandcox.co.uk
Curves and a gentle flow of water will promote a soothing tranquillity. This easy-to-install water feature is the perfect way to have the calming influence of running water in the smallest of outdoor spaces. The Tiled Water Feature has elegant concentric circles of mosaic tiles in soft white, adding texture and a Mediterranean feel to your garden.
Pros
- Space-saving
- Reuses the water in its compartment once filled
Cons
- Needs mains power
Best soothing small water feature
Bring tranquillity to your garden with this double-drop birdbath water feature. The fountain couldn't be easier to install, as the two wire-free integrated solar panels do all the work. Simply place the water feature in a sunny spot, fill it with water and away you go. Please bear in mind that it is solar-powered, so it will only work in bright weather or sunshine.
Customer review: "Very effective stable and sturdy pagoda. Lovely sound of the trickling water. Fountain only works when in direct sunlight which it tells you before purchasing. A very decorative feature in our oriental garden."
Pros
- Looks great
- No installation required
Cons
- Only works in bright weather
Best Zen garden small water feature
This sculpted Buddha radiates peace and tranquillity. If you're looking for a calming addition to your garden, this is it. With a natural stone effect and bronze finish, it looks expensive. But you benefit from it being lightweight, so you reposition it from time to time. We think it would make a great rockery decoration.
Customer review: "Minor assembly required but easy to follow instructions. Do not panic when you first turn it on. It can take two to five minutes for the pump to get up to speed and water pushed to the top of the fountain before you see it coming out. It has a nice flow to it and a very relaxing sound."
Pros
- Perfect for meditating
- Simple to set up
- Bronze finish
- Durable for outdoor use
Cons
- Short power cable
Best steel garden water bowl
Corten steel weathers to develop a rusty patina over time through oxidisation. This is a protective layer of rust that brings ruddy hues to your garden water bowl feature. Additionally, this water bowl has a base, so it is effortless to set up. Simply fill to the brim with water and watch the bird come and go.
Customer review: "Bought this as a water pool instead of going through the hassle of digging a pond. Easily installed on a small bed of gravel and great reflective surface."
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Quality Corton steel
Cons
- Heavy to manoeuvre
Best striking water feature
This fully self-contained water feature brings gentle movement and sound to a patio or quiet corner. A sphere frames a gently whirling vortex that is evocatively lit by changing LED lights. The whirlpool is illuminated day and night and will make for a talking point at summer garden parties.
Customer review: "Love it. Can't fault it… the LED lights look great at night and it's a real centre point in the garden, whilst also being very relaxing to listen to."
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Striking centrepiece
- A feature by day and at night
Cons
- Not suitable for use in winter
- Some customers have commented on the sphere arriving broken
Best decorative small water feature
The Blumfeldt Spiro garden fountain has a natural stone look and is shaped like an ammonite. The movement of the water is quite hypnotic in its unique spiral shape. With soft built-in LED lighting and soft bubbly water, this fountain will enchant your senses and create a serene experience for your mind and body.
Customer review: "Well packaged. Easy assembly. Good size. Great product. Gentle flow of water, nice light and subtle water flowing noise which is very calming."
Pros
- Quiet pump
- Water has a soothing sound
Cons
- Light cannot be turned off
Best affordable small pond
Nestled among low-growing plants, such as hardy geraniums or bugle (Ajuga reptans), a mini pond takes on a different dimension when foliage hides the container's sides. It becomes a secluded haven for wildlife, providing a habitat for frogs, insects, pondlife and birds. This pre-formed starter pond is the ideal choice for creating your first pond feature.
Customer review: "Easy way to get yourself a small wildlife pond, however, make sure they have a rock or something to allow insects and small mammals to escape as sides are slippy."
Pros
- Value for money
- Durable
Cons
- You will need to buy a pump and liner separately
Best complete small fish pond
A complete pond solution that's a much easier option than installing a fish pond. It's a wonderful way to introduce children to wildlife, as the porthole windows are the perfect height for little ones to see the fish and underwater greenery. LED lighting brings the water feature to life day and night.
Customer review: "Very happy with this freestanding pond, seemed a bit flimsy when putting together but once built and filled with water looks great and the two fish seem happy in it. The filter seems good water is always clear. Only negative is that the light is on 24/7, so removed it. Apart from that, a great addition to the garden."
Pros
- Complete patio pond kit
- Comes in a variety of shapes
- Plug and play
Cons
- Requires upkeep
- Some models do not come with a UV clarifier that keeps the water clear
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.
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Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in garden trends. When she's not flexing her mow-how, Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.