20 Wonderful Outdoor Water Features
See how fountains, lily ponds, reflecting pools and other architectural water features can add tranquillity to your yard
A water feature can bring a sense of tranquillity to an outdoor space. The soothing sound of water flowing in a fountain, the charming chirps and tweets coming from a birdbath and the serenity of a reflecting pool all can inspire relaxation. Check out these 20 wonderful outdoor water features, then let us know which ones you find most alluring.
While many of these water features may use recirculated water or rain water, it’s important to be aware of your region’s water usage restrictions and drought requirements.
While many of these water features may use recirculated water or rain water, it’s important to be aware of your region’s water usage restrictions and drought requirements.
2. Water running down a set of tiered walls made of stacked stoned creates a stunning waterfall effect in this Boston yard by Michael D’Angelo Landscape Architecture. Lights set into the stair risers provide a warm glow to the left of the water feature.
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Shop for outdoor lights on Houzz
3. A cedar privacy wall with hanging planters features a trio of cascading fountains that pour into a reflecting pool in this Minneapolis yard by Mom’s Design Build.
Have Your Garden Fountain and Be Water Wise Too
Have Your Garden Fountain and Be Water Wise Too
4. A stone birdbath at the center of an octagon within an octagon provides a serene spot in this Seattle front yard by Greenbank Gardens. A hedge and other plantings add a sense of privacy.
5. A custom bamboo spout brings water to this natural pool in Los Angeles. The Asian-inspired water feature was designed by Studio Bracket and pairs well with the home’s midcentury architecture.
6. A small fountain tucked into a planting bed in the front yard of this New York home by Christine McGovern Homes provides a pleasing sound for people sitting in the rocking chairs on the front porch.
7. This contemporary Chicago home by Handman Associates has a stunning central courtyard with chairs, potted plants and a water feature with three lighted spouts. The ledge of the fountain can also serve as bench seating.
8. This lush Massachusetts garden by Andrew Grossman Landscape Design includes a rectangular lily pond surrounded by azaleas, tree peonies, perennials and flowering shrubs.
9. Stacked-stone steps wrap around one side of a circular water feature made of Cor-Ten steel in this London yard designed by Bartholomew Landscaping. The still water creates a reflecting-pool effect.
10. Rectangular slabs of stone create a stunning pathway across a reflecting pool that separates one patio area from another at this New York property by Workshop/APD.
11. RH Factor Landscape Design selected a curved granite birdbath for the corner of this Houston yard because it mirrors the shape of the nearby Angel’s Trumpet.
12. This basement courtyard in London by Clare Heffernan Architecture & Design includes tiled walls, a built-in bench and a cascading fountain with two spouts that pour into a trough. Hanging plants and lanterns add to the enchanting vibe.
13. A trio of stainless steel spouts overhanging a concrete slab creates a modern oasis in this desert-inspired Northern California yard by Envision Landscape Studio.
14. Surrounded by rose bushes and lush lawn, this fountain area on a New York property by Wadia Associates has a secret-garden feel. The statuesque fountain is centered in an octagonal pool.
10 Ways to Create a Secret Garden
10 Ways to Create a Secret Garden
15. The sound of water burbling from the two inground fountains provides background noise for moviegoers taking in a flick on the projector wall at this Barbados property by OWAL Architects.
16. This custom limestone fountain in Santa Barbara, California, offers the allure of fire and water all in one. The patio, by Giffin & Crane General Contractors, includes lots of outdoor furniture to take in the sights and sounds.
17. Scott Byron & Co. added a fountain with a large glass sphere in the middle that adds a contemporary touch to this traditionally manicured yard in Chicago.
18. On this Seattle patio designed by 4D Architects, water from a pair of cascading fountains built into a stacked-stone wall pools in a trough behind a planter bed edged with Cor-Ten steel.
19. This gorgeous English garden by Paul Richards Garden Design includes two water features: a white plaster fountain that pops against the back wall and a reflecting pool with six concrete slabs that appear to float atop the water.
20. A large black fountain runs the length of the entry courtyard at this Phoenix property by Tate Studio Architects. The bold fountain adds architectural drama and balances the row of sculptural cactus lining the other side.
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