Water Gardens

Plant-Filled Pond

From either direction along this brick path, the pond beckons visitors to come closer for a better look.

Once inside the space, they’ll see blue pots anchoring the corners of an outdoor room and a decorative bench half hidden in the hedge that invites a few moments of solitude.

Water Fountain

In this site-specific fountain, water dribbles down the sides of a ribbed vessel and into a rock-covered basin set directly below the pavement.

Lovely Lilies

Pink water lilies in a blue container make it possible to enjoy a miniature Giverny up close. Pair them with pickerelweed for height.

Garden Features

A stone floor fountain incorporates moving water into the landscape in understated ways.

Babbling Beauty

Boulders and plants are so artfully arranged that this babbling brook appear to be nature’s handiwork. Turn off the recirculating water, and the dry streambed is equally convincing.

It’s in the Rill

The shallow fountain flows quietly into a pair of rills that bisect this lawn and stretch toward the far ends of the garden.

By its very nature, a rill requires little space, making it a savvy choice for narrow confines.

Low-Maintenance Style

The simplicity of a galvanized steel tank goes hand in hand with this charming meadow garden. The tall pond remains visible amid the plush no-mow drifts of blue grama and mosquito grass.

Take a Dip

Thoughtful placement of a lap pool enlarges a space, especially when it’s coupled with a raised planter running alongside.

Between workouts, this lap pool doubles as a reflecting pond, mirroring the ribbon of tiles and chorus line of colorful plants above its glassy surface. The dwarf lotus in the pot in the foreground is one of several specimen plants.

For more gardening inspiration, purchase Big Ideas for Small Gardens .