A water feature cannot only transform your landscape, but also provide hours of enjoyment and relaxation, along with increased property value. Across the country, homeowners are installing ponds and streams where none used to be, although you are near the ocean everywhere in the Tampa Bay region, those waves do not (thankfully) crash in your backyard.
Water has a soothing, tranquil effect and can provide an emotional lift and reducing stress. Installing any water feature in your yard has a good impact on the environment by attracting birds, butterflies, dragonflies, frogs and small critters. Keeping some fish brings more entertainment and contributes positively to the cleanliness and ecological balance of a pond. Snails will help decompose organic matter that can collect on the bottom of any pond. However, Koi fish eat snails, so do your homework on which fish are best for your little water world.
More and more landscaping companies are branching into water feature designs and construction. If you are highly motivated and understand pumps and filters, it can be a do-it-yourself project. Many of the large home improvement stores have everything you need and you can browse for information, supplies and equipment at websites like:
- Ron Hazelton Water Feature Projects
- DIY Network Planning a Pond Video
- Backyard Water Features
- The Pond Guy
- HGTV Pools & Water Features
If you are not into digging up your yard for another project to build and maintain, consider a container water garden or small fountain in a large tub or corner of your patio. It doesn't have to travel 40 feet in a stream and spill into some gigantic pond to be soothing and attractive. It can be small, sweet and special. Even a birdbath is a water feature.
