Rock water features for natural serenity

A rock water feature, surrounded by succulents and Alpine plants, is a wonderful way to introduce movement and sound to a rockery. The best garden water features stir the senses – from aquatic ponds to a bubbling creek – it's amazing how just stones and water can be transformative. Just by carefully arranging rock and water, you can simply create a tranquil ambiance in your garden.

Harmonious ripples in the form of a reflective pool, cascading waterfall, or a stream can be simple or spectacular. A rock water feature is a combination of stones, rocks and a water element that creates an attractive focal point. As well as being decorative, a babbling fountain adds sound to your outdoor space; be it a gentle trickle or rushing water.

The best rock water features at a glance:

• Best rock water feature for small gardens: Alpine Corporation Outdoor 4-Tier Rock Water Fountain with LED Lights – View on Amazon UK
• Best unique rock water feature: Belmont Rainbow Sandstone Water Feature Kit – View on Not On The High Street
• Best solar-powered rock water feature: Solar Fountain Outdoor Garden Water Feature – View on Amazon UK

If you choose to make your own rock water feature, you will need rocks and stones, a water pump and reservoir, pond lining, tubing, and a power source. It can be deeply gratifying to design and build your own creek and create a habitat for wildlife. However, if you're limited for space, or want a water feature that's low maintenance, there are freestanding 'plug in and play' fountains. Affordable water features that are less than £150 tend to be made of resin that has a stone effect.

A freestanding rock water feature can be solar-powered or corded electric. The benefit of a solar-powered water feature is that it costs nothing to run and can be positioned in any sunny spot in the garden. An electric water feature has a more powerful pump that can recirculate water over multiple tiers and create a cascade. You just need to factor in proximity to a plug socket. Both types of water features can have integrated LED lights, so you can enjoy illuminated flowing water long into the evening.

Rock water features

FAQs: Rock water feature

What are the benefits of a fully contained rock water feature?

If you don't quite have the space or budget for waterways in your backyard, the alternative is a fully-contained water feature. The benefit of an all-in-one fountain is that you simply fill it, plug it in and watch it bubble into life. The water is recirculated by a hidden pump which continuously carries the water to the top of the feature, where it cascades back down.

Most modern water features are made from polyresin, which is a durable, lightweight and weather-resistant material. Resin is UV resistant, so it won't fade in the sun, and it's less likely to crack in frosty conditions. A freestanding water feature is the most versatile, and solar-powered models can be positioned anywhere in the garden as long as the solar panel is in direct sunlight.

Finally, you get the benefit of peaceful, reoxygenating and restorative flowing water – budget fountains can be as little as £50.

How do I create my own garden creek?

Bring balance to your outdoor space with a garden creek that has a natural look. The simplicity of elemental rocks and water is a modern garden trend. Of course, you'll need a large garden for this project. You'll need to source and buy your materials in advance. Factor in the number of rocks and length of pond liner you'll need. And be sure to choose a dry weekend to undertake this project. Here's a step-by-step guide to building a simple creek if you're interested in a DIY water feature project.

1. Choose a suitable location and plan the course of the creek.

2. Dig the channel with a slope so that water flows. You could create a meandering path by overlapping large granite slabs. Also, dig a narrow channel alongside the main channel – this is for the water pump tubing.

3. Lay pond liner to hold water and secure the edges.

4. Arrange rocks and stones to create the banks and the bed.

5. Install a pump to make the water flow. The pump draws water from the creek's lowest point or reservoir. Then, through the tube in the side channel it propels it to the highest point. This creates a continuous flow as water cascades back down.

6. Add water-loving vegetation to encourage a habitat and biodiversity.

7. Fill the creek with water. Adjust the flow rate with the pump.

8. Finally, camouflage exposed pond liner. And enjoy the tranquil beauty of your garden creek.

What do I need to consider when buying a water pump for a garden water feature?

You'll need a water pump if you've created a water feature and want to add flow or a fountain element. Creating flow is important in any pond or pebble pool to prevent water stagnating and algae growth. First, you need to work out what size pump you need for your water feature. Bradshaws Direct gives some advice and calculations you can do to work out the flow rate and, therefore, the pump size you need. Flow rate is the volume of water passing through a complete cycle of the filter water system. It's measured in litres per hour (Lph) or litres per minute (Lpm).

If you're looking for a vertical fountain, note the head height or vertical lift. This is the maximum height the pump can lift a jet of water.

It's also important to consider power consumption and whether the pump is submersible or external. Finally, do match the size of the pump to the size and requirements of the water feature to get the right balance of aesthetics and performance.

What to read next:

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Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in garden trends. When she's not flexing her mow-how, Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.