Water Feature Ideas for Small Yards in Minnesota

I just don’t have much space?

Just because your outdoor space is limited doesn't mean you can't enjoy the tranquility of a water feature. It just means a different approach in your yard is needed. Small yards here in Minnesota present unique opportunities to get creative with water installations, transforming your smaller area into a peaceful retreat. If you’re needing a few ideas, here are a few water feature options perfectly suited for your smaller yard!

Miniatures

Tabletop Fountains

Perfect for tiny patios, balconies, and offices, tabletop fountains can be placed on a table or bench. They come in various designs, from sleek modern styles to more rustic and natural options, and can easily be moved around your home and placed in the perfect spot. One of the most enticing aspects of a tabletop fountain is that it can be set up and placed anywhere by anyone, and only needs to be plugged in or operated by a set of batteries.

Container Water Gardens

These can be ideal for tiny spaces. While you can DIY it and use a large pot or a decorative container to create a miniature pond, there are also a variety of miniature water garden kits available like the one pictured above that make the process easy and ensure that you have all the components to make it work. With the right elements, you can add aquatic plants and sometimes even small fish. Container water gardens can be easier to maintain and can be a charming focal point on a patio, in a small garden corner, and even inside your home! (this is certainly a plus to miniature water gardening when us Minnesotans are stuck inside half the year!)

Fountains

Bubbling Fountains and Boulders

Bubbling fountains and boulders are low-profile, easy to install, are more budget-friendly than other water features, and can fit in the smallest of spaces. Water bubbles up from a small pump through the fountain and cascades up and over the rock or boulder of your choosing, creating a gentle sound. Fountain pieces are customizable by being able to add additional fountain rocks and boulders to the same area for more water effects. These features are also great for attracting birds and wildlife. So if you don’t want any extra furry friends around enjoying your fountain, you might want to reconsider.

Spout and Basin Features

A classic spout pouring into a small basin can create an elegant and peaceful ambiance, as well as give you the presence of flowing water. These features only take up the slightest more space than a regular fountain piece does, and are definitely compact enough for tiny yard spaces. Spout and basin features are often loved by children and dogs that can cool off in and play in the basin on hot days. 

Pondless Waterfalls

Small Pondless Waterfalls

Pondless waterfalls are beautiful water features that re-circulate water from a hidden reservoir up through an Aquascape BioFalls at the top of your falls, creating a cascading waterfall or stream effect without the need for a pond. A pondless waterfall can be as small as a few feet and fit all those narrow, unused spaces in your yard. This type of water feature is low maintenance and safe for homes with small children and pets.

Ponds

Small Ponds

While you may envision an expansive pondscape stretching across your yard, ponds can be as small as just a few feet around. Ponds are natural features that can be built around existing aspects of your landscaping, and incorporated into a new outdoor remodel of your backyard.

When it comes to waterscapes, the sky really is the limit. From miniature to gigantic, there are very few limits on water features in your yard. There is a fountain, waterfall, and Superior Pond for everyone!


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What is a Water Garden?

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Safety Measures for Backyard Water Features