A zen garden water feature can bring a sense of tranquillity and harmony to any outdoor space, transforming it into a calming sanctuary. With the growing popularity of garden water features, more and more people are looking to incorporate the soothing sounds of flowing water into their gardens to create a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. To help you achieve this, we have put together a list of the best features that evoke a meditative space, from Buddha statues to Japanese-style stone fountains.
The transformative power of a zen garden water feature cannot be underestimated. With the right design and placement, the best small water features can instantly elevate the ambience of any outdoor space, promoting relaxation and connection with nature.
Best zen garden water features at a glance:
• Best Buddha zen garden water feature (Editor's choice): Peaceful Buddha Water Feature - view on The Range
• Best bamboo zen garden water feature: Simple Bamboo Water Feature - view on Etsy
• Best contemporary zen garden water feature: Zen Pour Water Fountain - view on NotOnTheHighStreet
• Best solar-powered zen garden water feature: Buddha Water Feature with LED Light - view on B&Q
These features add visual interest to your outdoor space and can encourage mindfulness and relaxation through its gentle, rhythmic flow that helps to stay mindful and calm. Japanese gardens, often called zen gardens, are a perfect place to take inspiration from. There are three essential elements used to create a Japanese garden - stone, which forms the structure of the landscape; water, which represents life-giving force; and plants, which provide the colour and changes throughout the seasons. In this article, we will be focusing on the water element.
We will explore the various options to help you find the perfect fit for your outdoor haven. From garden water bowls, and classic stone features to modern standing centrepieces - there's a water feature to suit every taste and budget.
The best zen garden water features
Best stone appearance zen garden water feature
www.gardenesque.com
Lightweight and minimalistic - the Kansai Zen Water Feature is crafted from fibre clay with a natural stone finish that emits tranquillity. The design draws inspiration from natural rock fountains, and its gentle cascade and built-in LED light creates a soothing ambience for your garden oasis. It comes with a 3.5w pump and 250 litres per hour transformer for your convenience. So whether you're enjoying an evening al fresco or a chilled day in the sun perfect, this feature is sure to create the ambience you desire.
Pros
- Lightweight fibre clay
- Built-in LED light
Cons
- May not be as durable as a solid stone water feature.
| Dimensions | 29 x 47cm |
| Material | Fibreclay |
| Power | 3.5w pump, mains powered, LED light |
Best Buddha zen garden water feature (Editor's choice)
www.therange.co.uk
Introduce a little serenity to your garden with the Peaceful Buddha Water Feature. Made from sandstone-like polyresin, the smiling Buddha statue sits in a meditative pose and pours water into the pond below, creating a self-contained, LED-lit fountain for a peaceful atmosphere. This statue is not only stylish and eye-catching but provides lighting for your garden at night.
Pros
- Buddha figures promote a calming and meditative environment
- LED lighting
Cons
- Made from polyresin, which may not be as sturdy as natural stone.
| Dimensions | 81 x 50 cm |
| Material | Polyresin |
| Power | Mains operated |
Best bamboo zen garden water feature
www.etsy.com
This beautiful and serene bamboo water feature enhances your back garden and can transform it into a tranquil piece of paradise. The Japanese-inspired Tiki Bamboo Fountain is available in various styles and is open to custom requests to fit your space. It is accompanied by a small pump, which adds a calming stream sound to your outdoor space. If you are looking for a simple yet elegant fountain, then this is a great pick.
Customer review: "Gorgeous and easy to assemble!"
Pros
- Customisable styles cater to individual preferences
- Handmade and independent seller
Cons
- Requires a separate pump purchase for operation.
| Dimensions | Approx 45cm tall |
| Material | Bamboo, shou sugi ban, fire |
| Power | Pump |
Best fun zen garden water feature
www.etsy.com
This Elephant and Bowls Fountain Water Feature can transport you to the tranquil landscape of southeast Asia and is a perfect size, designed to add vibrance to any tabletop or garden plot. The charming fountain with the baby elephant throwing the water playfully from its trunk to the bowls, which cascade back to the base, creates a tranquil atmosphere to soothe your stress and feel relaxed. The sound and sight of trickling water are naturally soothing and placed in your outdoor space to help induce a feeling of calm and zen.
Customer review: "Really cool little piece, love it."
Pros
- Compact size for in or outdoor use
- Soothing sight and sound for stress relief
Cons
- Best suited under some form of shelter
| Dimensions | 21 x 18.3 x 25 cm |
| Material | Polyresin |
| Power | LED lights, mains powered |
Best exotic zen garden water feature
www.homebase.co.uk
Liven up your outdoor space with this intricate and captivating Azure Columns water feature. The built-in LED lights bring the four pools to life at night, making for its easy setup and low maintenance make it an attractive, hassle-free addition to any garden. However, it is good to note that this product is hand-stained and crafted; therefore, it may not be an exact replication.
Pros
- Intricate detailing and LED lights create an eye-catching focal point.
- Simple to install and requires low maintenance.
- Blue light adds a unique touch
Cons
- The 10m cable length may limit placement options
| Dimensions | (H)55 x (W)25.5 x (D)25 cm |
| Material | Polyresin |
| Power | Mains powered - 10m cable, LED lights |
Best contemporary zen garden water feature
www.notonthehighstreet.com
Contemporary and elegant - the Zen Pour Water Feature is part of the Easy Fountain Modern Collection and adds a seamless flow of water and a feeling of serenity to your garden. Its durable, lightweight construction and the stone effect appearance make it easy to set up and maintain. Plus, there is no electrical or water plumbing required.
Pros
- The innovative design adds a modern touch to your garden.
- Durable and lightweight construction for easy setup and maintenance.
Cons
- Stone effect finish may not appeal to those seeking a natural stone appearance
| Dimensions | H35cm x W15cm x D22cm |
| Material | n/a |
| Power | Plug & Play – no electrical or water plumbing required |
Best decorative zen garden water feature
www.suttons.co.uk
Another tranquil Buddha-inspired water display to help you create a zen space. This Lotus Buddha Water Feature is weatherproof and crafted from lightweight polyresin material. Its feature includes an integrated LED light, ensuring your garden remains calm and inviting even during evenings. Buddha statues are said to promote calmness and help with meditation, so if you're looking to do just that - this is a great choice.
Pros
- Weatherproof and lightweight polyresin construction
- Integrated LED light
Cons
- Mains powered, which may limit placement options.
| Dimensions | L37 x W34 x H56cm |
| Material | Polyresin |
| Power | LED light, mains-powered |
Best solar-powered zen garden water feature
www.diy.com
This relaxing solar-powered fountain will effortlessly create a soothing garden atmosphere. This feature from All Pond Solutions Buddha Water Feature is solar-powered for minimal upkeep and is easy to set up. The stone-like feature is designed to suit contemporary or minimalist gardens and offers soothing water sounds and LED lighting for a two-in-one display.
Pros
- Solar-powered, eliminating the need for electrical cables.
- Easy to set up
- Battery status is located on the back of the solar panel and shows red when it needs charging
Cons
- Performance may be impacted by weather conditions and sunlight availability
| Dimensions | 30x 32x51.5cm |
| Material | n/a |
| Power | Solar-powered battery |
Best standing zen garden water feature
www.debenhams.com
Add a contemporary touch to your outdoor space with this durable resin Wall Standing Stone Fountain. With its simple design, warm LED lights, and strong corrosion resistance, this water feature brings a modern atmosphere and unique style to any garden oasis. This piece will surely be a standout feature in your space.
Pros
- Durable resin construction with strong corrosion resistance.
- Warm LED lights
Cons
- Wall-standing design may not be suitable for all garden layouts.
| Dimensions | 34 cm W x 22 cm D x 98cm |
| Material | Resin |
| Power | LED lights, Mains powered |
Best clay zen garden water feature
www.debenhams.com
These four clay pots of various sizes form this innovative fountain which brings elegance and grace to your patio, garden or outdoor space. Enjoy the soothing sound of laminated water, which allows you to release the stresses of the day. It comes with two white lights at the bottom, which perfectly corresponds to the whole fountain, and it will be a beautiful decoration at night. Made from durable resin material, it is the perfect complement to your outdoor landscape.
Pros
- Two white lights at the bottom for illumination
- This fountain is made of high-quality and durable resin material
Cons
- Maybe too large for some spaces
| Dimensions | 28 cm D x 24cm W x 54cm |
| Material | Resin |
| Power | Mains powered |
What to consider when buying zen garden water features
Size and scale: Consider the size and scale of your garden when selecting a water feature. Ensuring that it is proportional to the overall space and complements the existing design elements is good.
Material: Water features are available in various materials, including stone, metal, glass, and ceramic. Assess each material's durability, maintenance, and aesthetic appeal before deciding.
Style: Choose a style that complements your garden's overall design. Whether you prefer a minimalist, contemporary, or traditional aesthetic, there's a water feature to suit every taste.
Water Flow: Consider the sound and visual impact of the water flow. Some water features create a gentle trickle, while others produce a dramatic cascade. Choose a flow that suits your personal preferences and the desired ambience of your calming garden.
Installation and Maintenance: Some water features require professional installation, while others are easily set up independently. Consider the level of maintenance needed to keep your water feature clean and functioning smoothly.
Join our #10greenminutes campaign
Our gardens are sanctuaries that can help improve physical, mental and emotional health, so why not join us in stepping out into them for just a moment every day?
What if the answer to feeling better – physically, mentally and emotionally – was right outside your back door? And it didn’t cost a penny or take much time or effort? Well, join our #10greenminutes campaign and spend ten minutes in your garden, every day, and find out for yourself.
FAQs
How do you create a zen garden?
To make a zen garden sanctuary, you can use features such as sand, rocks, pebbles, plants, flowing water, or bridges, to evoke feelings of peace, tranquillity, and calmness. If you have ever walked around a Japanese zen garden in particular and felt a sense of calm wash over you - it is because it has been curated to do just that. Zen gardens help people calm, declutter, and focus their minds.
How do I maintain my garden water features?
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your water feature clean and functioning well - these may include cleaning the pump, removing debris, and topping up the water level as needed. It is always best to consult the manufacturer's guidelines for specific care instructions.
Can I install a garden water feature myself?
Some water features are simple to install and can be set up. However, more complex installations may require professional help. Be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions and consult with a professional if needed.
What type of water should I use in my water feature?
It's best to use distilled or purified water in your water feature to minimise the build-up of minerals and algae. One reason regular tap water may not be the best choice is that it contains minerals that can cause deposits and discolouration over time.
What to read next:
Discover everything you need to know to make your outside space look fantastic, quickly and easily, with hundreds of simple ideas, designer tricks, affordable products and expert advice with a Modern Gardens Membership. Find out more about the benefits of being a Member now.