Three Popular Rock Garden Water Features

One of the best ways to improve the appearance of your home is to add a rock garden that includes water features.  By water features, I'm referring to things like ponds, fountains, and waterfalls.  So why add water features to a rock garden in the first place?

Well first of all, adding water features to a rock garden can give it more of a "nature" feeling.  It also gives you the opportunity to add a variety of plants or flowers along the edge of the water.  A rock garden with water and plants can serve as a great source of relaxation.

Water Feature #1 - Ponds

One of the most common ways to add water to a rock garden is to create a small pond.  With a pond, you can add fish (typically Koi) as well as plants that specifically grow in water.  For shallow ponds, you can grow taro, umbrella palms, crushed ice, and lizard's tail.  For deeper ponds, you can focus on adding a variety of beautiful lilies.

Water Feature #2 - Bubbling Rock

If you don't have room for a pond or waterfall, consider adding a bubbling rock to your garden.  This is basically a setup where you have one large rock, a base that holds water, and a pump to send the water gurgling through the rock itself.

The base of the bubbling rock is either a hole or a small reservoir that is lined to prevent water from seeping into the ground.  The basin itself doesn't have to be visible to people, as you can purchase one that can be buried underground.  The basin is what stores the water that will be pumped through the rock.

Finally, a pump is used to push water through the rock itself.  A landscaper will usually install a kit that allows the water to be turned on or off whenever you like.  If you're adding a bubbling rock indoors and not outdoors, make sure that it's set to not splash too much and make a mess.

Water Feature #3 - Waterfalls

One of the most beautiful additions to a rock garden is a small waterfall.  Many homeowners install a small waterfall not only because of it's beautiful appearance, but creating a pondless waterfall can make for a safer yard for people with small children.

You can create a natural waterfall that occurs if your yard has a slope.  Here in Louisiana where everything is flat, one of the more popular options is to simply create a waterfall in the same style as a bubbling rock.  Much like installing a bubbling rock, a waterfall can be created using a variety of rocks that allow for water to cascade, a basin to hold the water, and a pump that can be turned on and off. 

However, there are big differences between a bubbling rock and a waterfall.  With a waterfall, you can choose from a wider variety of stones that are used.  You can also get more creative with the direction that water falls in, and can even add features such as lighting.

About Mullin Landscape Associates

We're a landscape design / build firm that offers a wide range of professional services in New Orleans and surrounding areas.  If you live in the Southeast Louisiana area, and would like to learn more about adding water features to your yard or garden, please give us a call today at (504) 275-6617 or send us an email.