A new year and spring is right around the corner. The coming season will provoke thoughts of what you might want to do to enhance your landscape this year. If you’re looking for natural beauty, consider a natural looking waterfall. Whether you install an elaborate fall with a three foot drop or a small pond version, your backyard will be a place to behold with the sight and sound of cascading water. Let me show you how.
• Falling from High Places
If you have the right spot in your yard, building a custom waterfall with a large drop will create a stunning focal point for any home exterior. Take advantage of a steep grade or slope in the terrain and stack large rocks to create a two or three foot drop into a pool below for your water feature. Just note, however; larger drops will require stronger mechanical pumps to run the water through its circular course – so don’t forget to plan for it in your budget.
• Multi-Step Falls
Sloping terrains also lend themselves to multi-step falls. Follow the lay of the land and arrange two or more rock falls that feed each other until they terminate in a waiting pool. Adding flowers and foliage along the rock formations only adds to the beauty and gives the waterfall a more natural look.
• Smalls Falls, Water Ponds and Streams
If space is an issue and you don’t have a naturally sloped landscape, you can still create a small waterfall feature, water pond or stream design. Dedicate a corner of the yard to a smaller feature, bring in a mound of dirt with rock and enhance the natural feel by planting a backdrop of evergreen trees and bushes. Or create a natural looking rock stream alongside a fence, walkway or garden bed.
• Natural Looking Bottoms
After you finish designing and constructing the falling water portion of your water feature, don’t neglect the bottom of your water bed. The key to creating the most natural backyard waterfall also includes using natural elements or colors for the pool below. Line the water receptacle with stones or color your concrete base to reflect through the water. A black or brown color concrete will give a woodsy vibe, while an aqua color concrete will provide a more tropical theme. Don’t leave a bare, gray concrete bottom that only takes your backyard waterfall half way to natural beauty.
• Enjoying the View
Once you’ve got your natural habitat in order, don’t forget to add strategically placed furnishings around your feature so you can enjoy the view. A nice Adirondack chair or garden bench will do nicely for you to sit and relax for a while.
Check out pictures and inspiration for this article in the Backyard Waterfalls ideabook on Houzz. You’re sure to find an idea you’ll want to use in your own natural beauty landscape.
Enjoy more home decor ideas from Terry Mulligan:
10 Tips to Take Your Next Decorating Project Over the Top
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Budget-Friendly Dollar Store Finds Anyone Can Decorate With