PatioZen: Pondless Water Features

This week’s PatioZen is all about water. In this article, we will look at several different pondless water features for patios and garden areas, and consider how these work in their environment.

Water features provide stimulation to the senses. The sound of the water rushing through the environment, and of course the visual interest the water provides are the most significant sensual impacts of a water feature. But there is also the touch of water mists hitting those around the waterfall, the taste of water, and the smell of the change in moisture levels.

Here are several creative ideas for patio water features from around the web.

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Small Fountain on Rocky Ground

This simple small waterfall, with water flowing through rocky ground, appears to cap off the edge of a property with a rustic fence meandering past. Using a pump system, the water is not sourced from a river or stream, but gives the sensation of a babbling brook.

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Waterfall Through Flat Stones By the Deck

Three switch grass plants punctuate this flat stone waterfall to great effect. The waterfall, located right off of the deck, would likely provide pleasant sound and a visual feast. The flat stones create a stair-step sensation that is quite beautiful.

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Triple Water Outlet By a Sitting Area

This extremely modern patio space has some very interesting design elements, including the three spigots positioned in a trough behind a bench. We wonder about the position of the spigots relative to those lounging on the bench, but the visual effect is stunning!

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Plant Box Overflow Fountain

By using tiered planter boxes with troughs in between, rainwater overflow creates a spectacular pond free water feature. The minimalist design of the outlets and the even spacing adds to the stylish effect.

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Beautifully-Lit Water Wall

This fabulous water wall is beautifully-lit from below, with three up lights, each shining into the oncoming paths of the water flowing down the wall. With a dark background and ridges that create almost a pixelated background, this water wall really shines.

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Pergola with Fountain Shower

This stunning modern pergola has very little in the way of ornamentation at all, but it has a multi-streamed waterfall shower that creates a magical effect. It is unclear how easy it is to stand under this water feature, but the look of the multiple vertical streams creates a striking parallel that echoes the vertical posts of the pergola.

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Recycled Glass Table Circular Waterfall

Created using a recycled glass table, this water feature is gorgeous and creative! The frame of the table acts as a channel for water to evenly run over the mirrored surface, creating stunning reflections and a dynamic, moving sculptural piece.

We also like the random glass bottles arranged around the table.

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Three Fountain Bowls at Night

Clever lighting of a patio or garden space can create new and interesting experiences. The three lights glowing in these water fountain bowls result in a look almost like a tea candle. It’s a very cool design, especially given that it is repeated in the three bowls.

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Pondless Water Feature Near Tree Roots

This fountain water feature has a nice degree of verticality, with a significant drop from the top of the waterfall down to the stones beneath. The significant volume of water, and multiple paths for water flow makes this quite a dynamic pondless water fountain.

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Three-Tiered Water Wall

This simple water wall uses multiple tiers to cascade water down the wall in interesting ways. By using multiple water sources and multiple levels for water to flow from, a beautiful waterfall effect is achieved.

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