by Melissa Miles McCarter

Created on: March 03, 2010

The essential feature of a waterfall garden is a waterfall.  Outside of choosing the plants for your garden, the most important aspect is engineering the type of waterfall you can afford or will look good in your background. 

You can start from scratch and create the base of your waterfall with a pond—to keep the water in the pond, you use a liner or kid’s wading pool that is recessed into the landscape.  If you have a dry creek bed you can use that or dig yourself your own water hole.   Creating your own pond with an affordable

liner is a great option.

The next aspect is a water-pump.  You can use a kit specifically made for waterfall gardens, or just get a cheaper pump.  Usually the size of the waterfall will determine how expensive the pump will be.   

Another option if you don’t want to create your own waterfall or dig a hole in the ground is to buy a complete waterfall that can sit above ground.  If you do this you can devote your efforts more to the gardening aspect and not creating a water feature.

If you are like me, you might have your own sort of natural water feature, as I have a creek that flows through my yard and a natural waterfall.  In this case, the concern is how to plant on the bed of the creek or near your own water feature, and not in creating a man-made version.

A waterfall garden is a lush option devote to plants such as ferns, bonsai trees, and colorful blooming annuals such as petunias.  I would suggest going with plants native to your environment so as to avoid upkeep issues or having to replant this garden if the plants can thrive in your particular area.  The edges of your pond or waterfall might be moist, so make sure you pick water tolerant plants such as types of moss, geranium and astor.

You can separate the edges of this garden with stones, especially if they match the type used in your waterfall.  You can use solar lighting to show of the waterfall garden at night—the light will look great bouncing off the falling water. 

Consider having a place to sit and listen to the waterfall.  This should be a peaceful place where all your senses are being engaged.  For inspiration, check out other gardens.   

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