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
Best rock water feature for small gardens
Let worries gently dissipate as this captivating four-tier water cascade soothes the soul. Crafted from durable polystone and fiberglass, the Alpine Corporation Outdoor 4-Tier Rock Fountain with LED Lights is rust and weather-resistant. The soft murmur of trickling water emulates a waterfall. The remarkably realistic rock effect adds to its natural allure. This freestanding water feature is an ideal choice for smaller gardens.
Customer review: "This water feature is lovely. Easy to assemble and the water is a gentle flow. Well worth the money. Would recommend this product."
Pros
- Space-saving design
- Realistic stone effect
- Positive reviews on Amazon
Cons
- Requires electricity
| Dimensions: | H102 x W46 x L58cm |
| Material: | Polystone, fibreglass |
| Power source: | Corded electric |
- Range of designs available
- Weatherproof
- LED lights
Best unique rock water feature
www.notonthehighstreet.com
This stunning rainbow sandstone has been honed by hand into a mesmerising sphere. Water bubbles up through it and emphasises the wonderful array of colours in this 100 per cent natural stone. The sphere sits on a water reservoir that's covered by smaller rainbow sandstone pebbles. Every sphere is unique and there's the option to include a light in your water feature.
Pros
- Unique
- All-natural
- Everything is supplied
Cons
- Heavy
| Dimensions: | H30 x W30 x D30cm |
| Material: | 100 per cent natural rainbow sandstone |
| Power source: | Mains electric |
- Light is an optional extra
- 600 litre per hour 11W pump with mains connection
Best solar-powered rock water feature
The perfect accessory for your yoga area, the Solar Fountain Outdoor Garden Water Feature is a small freestanding fountain that's fully self-contained. It's powered by sunlight, so it costs nothing to run. Enjoy the sight and sound of running water, lit by integrated LED lights. It's made of polyresin that looks like rock, yet it's lightweight and weather-resistant.
Customer review: "Just perfect for a raised patio, amongst a few plants, so pretty in the dark, battery is very good, lasts a good few hours after sunset."
Pros
- Durable weather-resistant resin
- Costs nothing to run
- Easily moveable
Cons
- Needs sun, and the solar panel needs to charge for eight hours for maximum performance
| Dimensions: | 24 x 20 x 40cm |
| Material: | Polyresin |
| Power source: | Solar |
- Range of designs available
- LED lights
Best rock pool water feature
www.argos.co.uk
Three rock-hewn bowls overfill and cascade into each other as water is constantly recirculated. This eco-friendly, self-contained water feature is powered by a solar panel, so it costs nothing to run. The solar panel can be positioned separately from the water feature, giving more scope for putting it where you want. Each rock pool is illuminated by an LED light. Additionally, you can switch the power supply to a backup battery on dull days.
Customer review: "It's a nice little addition to our garden, it was quickly supplied and easy to install. Very happy."
Pros
- Neat, self-contained design
- Can be switched on and off
- Back-up battery if it isn't sunny
Cons
- Needs covering or bringing indoors in winter
| Dimensions: | H46 x W44 x D40cm |
| Material: | Resin |
| Power source: | Solar |
- Includes LED lights
- Water feature on and off switch
- One year manufacturer's guarantee
Best for realistic stone effect
www.ebay.co.uk
Choose from rock pools or cascading water with the Natural Slate Garden Water Feature LED Fountain. There are several designs to choose from. In addition, you can opt for a solar or an electric-powered water feature. This natural slate ledge stone is realistic, yet it's made from lightweight resin. Moving water is a natural humidifier, releasing negative ions, that help to improve air quality. The solar-powered option could be positioned and enjoyed in any sunny spot.
Pros
- Range of designs
- Choose electric or solar-powered
- Weather resistant
- Integrated lights
Cons
- No customer review
| Dimensions: | Not specified |
| Material: | Resin |
| Power source: | Corded electric, solar |
- Easy assembly
- LED backlight
- UV Resistant
Best medium size rock water feature
www.ebay.co.uk
Let your imagination run riot with the Solar Powered Rocky Stone Effect Garden Water Fountain with LED Lights. This self-contained water feature is easy to set up and ideal for a patio, balcony, or a small backyard. Create a soothing ambience with the tranquil sound of running water.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Self-contained
- Illuminated water
Cons
- No customer reviews
| Dimensions: | H46 x W31 x D25cm |
| Material: | Resin |
| Power source: | Solar |
- Easy assembly
- UV resistant
Best tall rock water feature
www.diy.com
Whether you position this in your conservatory or your garden, this magnificent four-tier water feature will inspire and soothe. The Primrose 4-Tier Rock Pool Cascading Water Feature is a mains-powered freestanding fountain that has warm LED lights in each rock pool. It stands over one metre tall so it could form the focal point of a Zen garden or rockery.
Pros
- Weatherproof
- Versatile
- Enjoy day and night
- Reliable power supply
Cons
- No customer reviews
| Dimensions: | H106 x D55cm |
| Material: | Polyresin |
| Power source: | Mains-powered |
- Integrated LED lights
- 1 year guarantee
- Self-contained design
Best rock bowl feature
www.argos.co.uk
This stylish Streetwize On-Demand Solar Water Feature Rock Bowl could form a lovely vignette next to an arrangement of interesting plant pots. It's a solar-powered fountain that gently bubbles water into the rock bowl. This is a resin water feature, so it stands up to most weather, however, it's advised you cover it or bring it inside during the winter.
Customer review: "I am so happy with this water feature. I wanted it for my patio and it fits in beautifully. The sound of the water is very soothing and after a few days of sun it is all charged up and is so nice with the little lights at night."
Pros
- Switch to battery if the sun isn't out
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Lights up
Cons
- Pump is not powerful
| Dimensions: | H31 x W43 x D40cm |
| Material: | Resin |
| Power source: | Solar |
- Battery is recharged by the solar panel
- Two metre solar panel cable
- On/off switch
- Protect in winter
Best value rock water feature
www.robertdyas.co.uk
Make a space to unwind with the Serenity Rock Fall Water Feature. This indoor or outdoor fountain ticks all the boxes as a medium-sized, self-contained rock water feature. It's made from polyresin, so it can withstand most weather. Also, with a 2.1-metre power cable, there's lots of scope for positioning it. Water is constantly recirculated by a hidden pump that carries it to the 'top of the rock' where it can gently cascade back down via the illuminated rock pools.
Pros
- Weather resistant
- Constant power source
- Creates a tranquil ambience
- Lightweight
Cons
- No customer review
| Dimensions: | H45.5 x W23.5 x L27.5cm |
| Material: | Polyresin |
| Power source: | Mains powered |
- LED Lighting
- Mains powered
- One year guarantee
Best soothing rock water feature
www.diy.com
Completely relax your body and mind with the Livingandhome Waterfall Solar Powered Outdoor Water Feature. The warm LED lights illuminate the gently flowing water to soothe and let worries ebb away. It will improve your air quality too, as water is a natural humidifier. What sets this water feature apart is the design of the rock pools, where water can spill to the left or right with a meditative effect. Also, we just love that it's a solar-powered fountain, so it's powered by nature.
Pros
- Costs nothing to run
- Gentle water flow
- Design is close to nature
Cons
- No customer review
| Dimensions: | H49 x D24cm |
| Material: | Plastic and resin |
| Power source: | Solar |
- Fade resistant
- Periodically clean the pump filter
- No do let this water feature run dry
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.
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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.