Garden Waterfalls and Streams: Design and Construction

The Magic of Moving Water

Moving water is a garden's most soothing, romantic asset—never more so than as a natural feature. Few sounds beat water tumbling over natural rocks. Modern technology makes this magic simple to incorporate.

Historically, the deterrent was the complex mechanism for constant flow—complicated, expensive, pipe-heavy. Modern submersible pumps eliminate plumbing paraphernalia, now efficient and reliable. Unless planning an extensive scheme, a submersible pump suffices.

Sectional streams make construction more reliable for amateurs, though lined streams are least intrusive but most demanding. Same for waterfalls—careful stone use hides the liner completely.

Beyond streams and waterfalls, other moving features are possible. Look to historical creations for inspiration. We're not gravity-bound like our forebears; small pumps can create surprising, reliable moving water anywhere. While moving water adversely affects some aquatics (especially waterlilies, plants of quiet backwaters), stream banks offer extensive marginal and bog planting. Waterfalls restrict planting more, but few deny their benefits to modest schemes—water itself becomes the primary attraction.