After a long day at work, you need to relax. Imagine that you can come back home, sit in your garden or even on the couch in your living room with an open window, and listen to the soothing sounds of splashing water. It’s not an audio recording from your phone or a relaxation app – the sound is coming from your backyard. When you open your eyes, you can see it – a little, but beautiful pond waterfall surrounded by decorative rocks and water plants. Does it sound like a dream? Well, it’s not so hard to make this dream a reality! And it’s totally worth it.
Building a waterfall
First of all, you need a pond. If you don’t have one yet, you can dig it by yourself in your garden, then use some kind of a pond liner and hide its edges with rocks and plants. After that, you’re ready to start building your waterfall. You have to begin with steps – lay more liner from the bond to the place where you want your waterfall to end. Then, to hide the liner and create a cascade, you may use cement, concrete or simply some large rocks (that’s the best option because it will look the most natural and you may get them for free). Lastly, place a pump in the pond so that the water could circulate; remember – the bigger the waterfall, the bigger the pump you’ll need. Finally, go crazy (or not) and decorate the whole with more rocks and water plants – make it as you like it.
When you’re setting the pond at the same time as creating the waterfall, you can avoid building steps by making a small hill with the dirt from digging the hole.
It’s important to consider the size of the catch basin – it’s the place where the waterfalls into the pond. It should be deep enough to reduce a splash so that the water doesn’t leave the reservoir (you will lose it to evaporation or soil absorption and that’s a waste of both water and money, because, in time, you’ll need to refill your pond); also, when it’s too shallow, the sound of your waterfall will be shallow as well and not as soothing.
Benefits of a waterfall in your backyard
Environment
If you have fish in your pond, a waterfall will create an even better environment for them to live in; circulating water will be much cleaner and richer in oxygen. That will allow you to grow even the most demanding species of fish and enjoy crystal clear water in your pond.
The only thing you need to observe closely would be your water plants – not all of them can grow in rapidly moving water, so it’s possible that you’d need to move them a few feet away.
Additionally, any water feature will attract wildlife – insects, birds, frogs – who can be useful to your garden and interesting to watch.
Wellness and health
But the most important here is aesthetics and it’s not only because a waterfall will look pretty in your garden and you will be able to boast in front of your friends. Research shows that the sound of calmly pouring water can actually reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your mental health. If you focus your mind on this one, soothing sound, you don’t let it wander and you stop worrying for a moment. With time, you relax your muscles and you can really rest and recharge before the next challenge. With all that, it helps to lower your blood pressure, keeps you moisturized and makes you healthier in general.
Quality time
A lovely garden with a waterfall will be a perfect spot for friends or family to gather and spend some time together – enjoying meals, playing games, talking or simply chilling next to each other. Also, it can be a great way to learn something more about nature, to teach your children to fish ant to discover the mysteries of your pond waterfall’s ecosystem together.
Shelter
What’s more, a waterfall can give you your garden back. If you happen to live near a highway or just a very busy road, it’s probably not very pleasant to spend time outdoors. Splashing water can actually cover the noise of engines, sirens, and honks; it’s the same if you have noisy neighbors – or just neighbors who enjoy their own garden.
Besides, a well-arranged backyard can really boost the value of your property.
As you can see, the advantages of having a pond waterfall in your backyard are many, especially in comparison with very few disadvantages. Of course, it takes some money to set up a pond with a waterfall, but in the long run, it’s actually less expensive to maintain than the lawn this size. What’s more, a well-designed pond waterfall doesn’t require a lot of work. So don’t hesitate – go and make your waterfall dream come true!