Waterfalls are truly inspirational in a garden setting, with the larger waterfalls adding a new dimension to a landscape with the sound of cascading water tumbling over rocks, and smaller waterfalls providing a more tranquil setting.     

Natural designs are the most successful in a suburban garden, and although looking as if they had always been there, such waterfalls are usually the result of meticulous attention to detail and careful  planning.

The ideal situation for a waterfall is a gently sloping hillside, but with time and patience you can create a lovely effect, even if your garden is a bit on the flat side.

The best way to construct a waterfall is to copy the way nature creates a waterfall. Rocks should be selected to suit the size you want the finished construction to be. Very large rocks could overwhelm the completed feature, and if the rocks are to small the whole thing can look bitty and amateurish.  Place the rocks to accommodate a natural flow from one high level to the lower, and trees, plants and loose soil at the sides, never in the direct path of the falling water.

Rocks, stones and pebbles can be placed to hide the mechanisms used to construct your waterfall, the concrete shell of the pool, the pump and plumbing installations for re-circulating the water, should be completely camouflaged by the careful placement of rocks, stones and pebbles.

The same criteria apply when constructing a natural stream. In a suburban garden the source of a stream is usually a waterfall. The water must be pumped from where the stream ends, usually in a pool, back to the waterfall to begin its journey again.

Streams are really only practical in larger gardens, and where ground contours can be followed in a natural flow. You will need a fall of at least one in four for the stream to flow properly.

Streams should have soft curves to further enhance a natural appearance. The stream should be wider and deeper at the midpoint of a curve, and shallower along the inside, to allow the water to arc as it builds up in the curves. Place rocks in the bends so that the water can curve past. Large rocks placed midstream will create small islands around which the water will gush, creating a strong visual affect.

Choosing trees and plants indigenous to your area will add to the natural, always been there, feel of your waterfall and/or stream.

All the best and happy gardening,

Erin Taylor
Landscape Designer for
www.antspants.biz