Create Garden Waterfalls for Beginners

A garden waterfall can be built by a beginner. Creating an artful waterfall of your own is a satisfying task. Begin with some simple research and you will have an aesthetically pleasing area of peaceful enjoyment in your own yard.

1. Walk around your yard and decide where you want to place your garden waterfall. While you are doing this, keep several factors in mind. Place your waterfall where the view from your windows and the entrance to your yard is enhanced by its presence. Consider placing it where it will have some shade; this will limit algae growth. If you have a natural slope this will serve to make your job easier as you build the waterfall. You will also need to place it near an electrical source so that you can hook up the pump and lighting if desired. The placement of your pond and waterfall should accentuate your present surroundings.


2. Decide what shape you would like your pond to be. Picture this by laying a rope out so that you can see the shape and size that is appealing to you. Take time to look through idea books and at waterfall kits to choose the look and design you prefer. The size of your pond needs to be 1 1/2 times larger than your stream of water to create proper water flow from your waterfall.


3. Write a supply list. If you choose to use a waterfall kit most supplies will be included. Otherwise you will need a shovel, flat board, level, pump, a flexible liner, an outlet pipe, rocks, sand, gravel and decorative plants.


4. Begin digging your pond with the shovel. A neat tip is to pile the dirt around your pool as you are digging. By doing this you will create more depth with less work. Check to see that the edges of your pool are level with a flat board and a level. Cover the area of your pond and waterfall area with a liner you have purchased. Now install your waterfall pump using the instructions that came with it. 


5. Place sand, pebbles and rocks on the bottom of your pond. Play with the placement of rocks in your waterfall creating your own design. Create an aesthetic structure with the pebbles, decorations and rocks. The placement of the rocks in your design will affect the flow of water. It may take some time and patience to achieve the results you desire.


6. Add the water. If the flow is not the way you would like it to be you can continue to experiment by moving or adding rocks. Finishing touches with aquatic plants and purchased figures or embellishments will make it a pleasing area spot in your yard. Add some water lilies and other plants to give a natural look. Enjoy your new creation.