The best garden water bowl features offer simple curves and a mirror-perfect surface, making them the garden water feature of choice this year. These curved containers, filled to the brim with still water, have long been spotted in show gardens but it seems that our collective wish for calm amid the chaos means they’re now quietly transforming our very own outside spaces. And we don’t know why it’s taken so long for us to cotton on to their loveliness!
These small water features can be installed in seconds, take up little space, are mesmerising and, because they mirror their surroundings, they fit in effortlessly with the style of any modern garden, big or small. These shallow, pared-back bowls can be used pretty much anywhere outside. Position one so it mirrors the blue sky and scudding clouds overhead or surrounds it with spilling stems for up-close reflections.
Best garden water bowl features at a glance:
• Best extra large steel water bowl: Round Wood 120cm Curved Corten Steel Water Bowl – View on Amazon UK
• Best budget water bowl: Adezz Corten Steel Water Bowl – View on Flora Select
• Best glass-reinforced garden water bowl: Cascading Bowl Water Feature – View on Cox & Cox
Place one next to your favourite cocoon chair so you can absorb its calming charm whenever you have a cuppa outside – watching the reflections. Or position a serene pool of still water mid-border where garden birds will quickly make it a favourite drinking spot. A garden water bowl feature can also be useful for injecting light and life into dull and shaded areas, where the surface will bounce light around and illuminate foliage.
Even on an overcast day, grey skies and racing clouds will create a fascinating reflection and, when viewed by moonlight, the garden water bowl can take on a truly magical charm. Any watertight container can make a reflective feature when filled to the brim but on-trend designs are wide and low with gently curving sides. It's refreshing to see affordable water features. Available in different finishes, choosing a product is a matter of personal choice.
Best garden water bowls to grace your space
Best extra large steel garden water bowl
Round Wood/AmazonThis large Corten steel water bowl sits on a circular foot welded to the base to make it perfectly sturdy. The unique steel weathers to develop its own protective rust finish, to bring depth to your garden and can be at any point throughout the weathering process when received. This has a 120cm diameter and stands at 21cm high. It's also available in a slightly smaller 100cm size.
Pros
- Develops its own protective rust as it weathers
- Has a welded base that makes it even more sturdy
Cons
- This has a large footprint so not ideal for smaller gardens
| Size | D120 x H21 cm, 4cm Lip |
| Material | Corten Steel |
| Weight | 30kg |
- Weathers to develop its own protective rust finish
- Any surface marks/scratches will disappear as the steel weathers
- Sits on circular foot welded to the base
Best steel garden water bowl
Adezz/FloraSelectwww.floraselect.net
While some genuine Corten steel water bowls are pricey, this Adezz version from Flora Select is at the more affordable end of the market. You can showcase its rich, rusted finish with pale gravel and a tapestry of sun-loving plants. This bowl is available in stock as a 60cm by 14cm option, but larger sizes, from 80cm to 150cm in diameter, are available to pre-order.
Pros
- Various sizes available to suit your outdoor space
- Can be converted into a water fountain by adding a pump
Cons
- Run-off can cause stains on other features
| Size | D60-200cm, 3mm Lip |
| Material | Corten Steel |
| Weight | Unspecified |
- Self-Protecting Rust Finish Over Time
- 3mm Thick Material
- Made From High-Quality Corten Steel
Best glass-reinforced garden water bowl
Cox and Cox www.coxandcox.co.uk
The effortless outline of the wide granite look bowl will appeal in both contemporary and traditional outdoor spaces. The graphite-toned piece will strike a beautiful contrast against brick, stone, or grass. The water bubbles elegantly from a brass-coloured spout providing a relaxing aural backdrop to peaceful days in the garden.
Pros
- A modern, contemporary design
- Elegant feature with relaxing water flow
Cons
- Some self assembly required to activate the water
| Size | H33 x D57 cm |
| Material | Glass reinforced concrete |
| Weight | Unspecified. |
- Water feature made of glass-reinforced concrete.
- Some self-assembly is required.
- IP 44 is rated suitable for outdoor use but the plug and transformer must be located indoors at all times.
Best natural stone garden water bowl
eBaywww.ebay.co.uk
This attractive "Tranquillity" water bowl is a great alternative to the steel versions, ideal for anyone who enjoys more natural textures in their outside space. It's crafted from sandstone which has a warm and inviting look and feel. This is solar-powered so just needs you to add water. Once you've done that, you can enjoy the babbling effect. This boasts integrated LED lights for even more interest.
Pros
- Built-in illumination with integrated LED lights
- Solar-powered so requires no batteries or electricity
Cons
- This feature is only available in one size
| Size: | 8x45x45cm |
| Material: | Natural sandstone |
| Weight: | Heavy! Not known |
- Boasts a natural stone finish
- Doesn't need mains water or power
- Has a soothing babbling effect
Best medium size steel garden water bowl
Floraselectwww.floraselect.net
Bring life to your flower bed by framing your water bowl naturally with floating water lettuce and overhanging sedge to compliment this bowl's rich rust colouring. Available in various sizes, from 60m in diameter to 200cm, the smaller bowl size offers a great hack if you don't have space for a full-sized pond or bigger water feature. This style of bowl can be converted into a fountain or even used as a firepit.
Pros
- Various different sizes available to suit your needs
- Can be used as a fountain or firepit
Cons
- Can rust irregularly if not maintained properly
| Size | From 60-14cm |
| Material | Corten Steel |
| Weight | Unspecified |
- Available in two sizes
- This will naturally weather and further develop its "rust-like" finish
- After the initial reactive period Corten Steel will cure and self-seal with little to no carbon run off
Best deep garden water bowl
Floraselectwww.floraselect.net
This is a minimalist option, with the crisp, white finish only enhancing its modern looks. This is made from powder-coated steel that's been treated inside and out, making for a practical scratch-resistant finish. This bowl is deeper than others we're featuring and is available in three sizes to suit your space; 80 by 41cm, 100 by 51cm, and 120 by 61cm.
Pros
- Contemporary design with minimalist looks
- Boasts an inner coating that is scratch-resistant
Cons
- This is only available in white
| Size: | From 80-41cm |
| Material: | Powder-coated steel |
| Weight: | Varies |
- This bowl is available in three sizes
- Scratch-resistant for practicality
- This boasts roughed steel walls
Best birdbath garden water bowl
AmazonThis beautiful and affordable water bowl and small birdbath will leave puddles of light and provide water for the wildlife. Made from a material called "Polyboo", this is crafted from a combination of recycled plastic with natural bamboo fibres. This durable material means you can leave this outdoors in all weather - it even comes with a frost-proof guarantee.
Pros
- Made from recycled materials and natural bamboo
- Perfect for birds and small mammals
Cons
- Only 30cm in diameter
| Size | D30cm |
| Material | Recycled Plastic, Bamboo Fibres |
| Weight | Unspecified |
- Made from recycled plastic with natural bamboo fibres
Best shallow trug for a water bowl
AmazonIf your budget doesn't stretch to the likes of Corten steel, then why not get creative? If you dig this into the ground and surround this shallow trug with plants, and you won't notice it's made of recycled plastic. Its smooth black inner makes for great reflections. This affordable tub has a 35-litre capacity and measures in at 58.42 by 58.42 by 16.51cm.
Pros
- Very affordable alternative to standalone garden water bowls
- At under 17cm tall, this can easily be dug into the ground
Cons
- Not as attractive as other solutions
| Size | 58 x 17 cm; 35l Capacity |
| Material | Recycled Plastic |
| Weight | 1.36kg |
- Made from recycled plastic.
How we chose the best garden water bowls
All of these garden water bowls have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered the design, functionality, and capacity in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching garden water bowls to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.
FAQs
What are the different types of garden water bowl features?
Corton steel garden water bowls
The hottest look right now though is Corten steel. With its rusted look and industrial feel, it makes a bold statement that works beautifully alongside smooth, pale paving, gravel, and loose, airy planting (think grasses and tall meadow-style flowers).
Arriving with a dull, grey finish, the beauty of this material is that the surface weathers and changes over a period of four to nine months, developing a rich palette of red and brown tones peppered with unique marks and lines.
After this time, the metal will self-seal and preserve its textured surface without weakening the steel. Do be careful where you position a Corten steel bowl as it can stain pale and porous surfaces during the first nine months.
Powder-coated steel garden water bowls
Powder-coated steel bowls are an eye-catching alternative and their durable, sealed surface promises clear reflections. Many companies will coat water bowls in a RAL colour of your choice, giving you the option to tailor a container to suit your space.
RAL is a colour-matching system used in Europe to define colours for paint, coatings and plastics – have a look at the colour range at Ral Colours. The darker the hue, the better the reflection, so if you’re after a mirror surface, opt for a deep shade for maximum effect.
Glass-reinforced garden water bowls
Glass-reinforced concrete adds solidity and weight to bowls with sturdy forms and wide rims. They come in a variety of finishes from bare concrete and natural stone to verdigris, the interiors coated with a sealant to ensure they're watertight.
Raising up a water bowl can change the reflection and look of the feature. Some designs that double as fire bowls and planters have tripod legs, and this added height makes them perfect for bloom-filled borders. It’s easy to raise a standard water bowl too – a sawn log, timber sleeper, or stone block all make stylish plinths.
What size garden water bowl should I buy?
Water bowls come in many different widths from 60cm diameter up to a whopping 180cm, while custom-made designs can be made even larger. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you need to match the size of the bowl to the size of your garden. A generous one will make a big impact in a compact space and the reflections will make the area feel bigger and more open.
In a larger garden, you can use the surprise factor of a smaller design, tucking one into a border or hiding it around a corner, waiting to be discovered. Nestled into low-growing plants such as hardy geraniums or bugles, they take on a different dimension where the foliage hides the container’s sides and only a still, perfect circle of water is revealed.
While a single bowl has the wow factor, there’s nothing to stop you from going for a trio placed in a row or a more relaxed, triangle arrangement.
How to install a garden water bowl
Regardless of material or size, these simple water features are easy to install. Most bowls have a flat central base and are designed to sit straight on a level surface. Those with a curved back can be bedded into a layer of soft sand and levelled up. The key is to remember that water will always level itself so it may be necessary to tweak the bowl once it’s part-filled to avoid an irritating tilt and a sloping waterline.
There’s much debate about whether it’s best to fill a water bowl using a garden hose or with rainwater. In some hard-water areas, the excess lime can leave a white, chalky tideline on dark containers, but it’s seldom noticeable.
Algae can be a problem but there are a few simple steps to avoid it. Keep the water topped up to the brim – we get enough rain to ensure this happens naturally for most of the year but you’ll need to give it a helping hand in summer. Don’t position your water bowl under trees or shrubs, as fallen leaves and debris will soon build up and can cause water to become stagnant. Regularly skimming the water’s surface with a net is also a good idea and, at least once a year, empty the bowl out, wiping away any mould and algae, and rinsing it clean.
If you do still find algae is a problem, then adding a wildlife-friendly anti-algae solution can help keep the water clear and stop bacteria from building up, while non-toxic pond dyes can reduce photosynthesis and algae and weed growth.
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Jill Morgan writes regularly for Modern Gardens, and loves everything to do with gardens, plants and outdoor living. Her long thin, town garden is the setting for many family and creative projects from bird feeding and veggie growing to den building and mini-pond dipping.