385 In Gardening/ Giveaways

DIY Backyard Water Fountain

DIY Backyard Water Fountain | angiethefreckledrose.com

As an avid gardener, I'm constantly looking for ways to spruce up my landscape.  DIY Backyard Water Fountain | angiethefreckledrose.comI strive to take my backyard area to the next level every season.  Finding ways to do it myself and adding in some visual interest, all while maintaining a modest budget are top priority.  I have to admit, starting projects from scratch can seem like a daunting task.  You stop to look at beautiful pictures in magazines or online and get discouraged not knowing where to start.  I've had an interest in creating a calm and relaxing space featuring a water fountain for some time now.  I wasn't sure where to begin, and it felt like it was out of my reach.  That's where Aquascape comes in! 

Aquascape takes water gardening to new heights offering fountains, waterfalls, backyard ponds and even small water features perfect for patios!  No matter what style you choose, they offer kits and simple instructions to make installation a breeze.  Whether you are looking to add a decorative water feature to an existing garden, build your own around it or set it up to stand alone, there is something for you!  The kits include everything you need to get your fountain up and running in no time.  A trip to my local home improvement store to pick up the desired stones was all I needed, and I was good to go!  If I can do it, you can do it!

Aquascape Stacked Slate Urn | angiethefreckledrose.com

Setting up my new Aquascape Stacked Slate Urn

Getting Started

I began my project by looking online and choosing my new decorative water feature.  I instantly fell in love with the Aquascape Small Stacked Slate Urn.  It is 25" in diameter and 39.5" high.  The perfect size for my outdoor space.  Since my pre-existing gardens were already full of flowers and shrubs, I decided I wanted to design an entirely new garden to incorporate my feature.  The urn is lightweight, around 40 pounds, and is made out of natural rock veneer.  I really like how you have the option to easily move it if necessary in the future.  It is also durable, and will never fade or chip.  I was stunned when I opened my Aquascape package to see how it truly did look like real rock, and I didn't even break my back!  It's always a good sign when a project starts out with no broken body parts.  Since I opted for the kit, it also included a water basin, a pump and a liner skirt. 

DIY Backyard Water Fountain | angiethefreckledrose.comPutting the fountain together was very straightforward, and I had it set up in it's new spot in less than a day.  The most time consuming process was digging the hole.  Now, let me just tell you, I am from an area in New England that is known for its terribly rocky soil full of boulders that dwarf my two chihuahuas in size.  I did not look forward to this dig, and I knew what was coming especially since the area of my yard I wanted to use was known for these massive rocks and tree roots.   It did take some elbow grease, but I had some help getting those rocks out of the way.  Really took less time than I imagined.  I did, however, dig up some giant natural rocks that would cost me a pretty penny to purchase at a store! 

newenglandrock

New England rock...pretty to look at, not fun to dig up!

Once the digging was done and the water basin was in place, we filled it with water and tested out the pump.  It was running in no time!  Now it was time to start designing my new water feature garden!  If you are looking for easy instructions to set up this water feature, I've included the step by step video below.  For more, check out this helpful video that shows you how to create the perfect paradise with fountainscapes by clicking here.

Creating A Water Feature Garden

DIY Backyard Water Fountain | angiethefreckledrose.comI wanted to add some visual interest with different textures and natural elements around my new fountain.  I chose to surround my feature with smaller sized rocks. Using rock helps cover up your liner skirt, and also helps drain your water back into the basin.  I chose to mix a few bags of river rock with pond stones, and I absolutely love the outcome!  Make sure when adding stones to wash them first.  They are covered in grit that isn't so good for your pump.  Since I wanted to add a brand new garden, I also purchased and added some bags of soil to help my future plants stay nice and healthy!

DIY Backyard Water Fountain | angiethefreckledrose.com

Now came the fun part!  Choosing plants to surround my water fountain to really make it pop.  Since I was beginning my project as the summer season came to a close, I wanted to choose some fall blooming plants along with classic shrubs.  I made sure the group of plants I picked had a variety of heights and colors for visual interest.

DIY Backyard Water Fountain | Ornamental Millet | angiethefreckledrose.com

Adding height with Ornamental millet

DIY Backyard Water Fountain | Coppertina Ninebark | angiethefreckledrose.com

Coppertina Ninebark

I decided to add height by incorporating ornamental millet.  This spiky striking annual grows up to 5' tall and has a vivid dark-purple foliage.  Next, I added the perennial deciduous shrub, Coppertina ninebark. It's foliage is brown and orange with white flowers blooming in early summer.  It can grow anywhere from 6 to 10' tall and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden.  Now that I had some height, I wanted to add some bright colors.  

DIY Backyard Water Fountain | Autumn Joy sedum | angiethefreckledrose.com

Autumn Joy sedum

DIY Backyard Water Fountain | Chrysanthemums | angiethefreckledrose.com

Pots filled with tricolored chrysanthemums

I planted one of my favorite perennials, pink Autumn Joy sedum.  The great benefits of adding sedum are it's beautiful texture, resistance to drought and how appealing they are to bees.  When I chose my plant at the store, it had a bumble bee resting atop the flowers. When I came home, I found out that same bumble hitched a ride with us!  Apparently it was worth the trip, because this insistent insect stayed with the flowers for quite some time! After this, I added some gorgeous annual pots of tricolored chrysanthemums.  Each pot came with a mix of yellow, orange and red mums perfect for fall!  

DIY Backyard Water Fountain | Green Velvet Boxwood | angiethefreckledrose.com

Green Velvet boxwood

DIY Backyard Water Fountain | Carnival Fall Festival coral bells | angiethefreckledrose@gmail.com

Carnival Fall Festival coral bells

Next, I added two tried and true perennial Green Velvet boxwood shrubs.  They will retain their rich color over the winter adding year round interest.  This shrub will reach about 4' in height at maturity, and is deer resistant. Lastly, I added two perennial Carnival Fall Festival coral bells.  These plants have green and scarlet foliage and bloom tiny white flowers throughout spring and summer.  It is a very easy plant to grow and tolerates both heat and drought.  

DIY Backyard Water Fountain | Spring bulbs | angiethefreckledrose.com

Spring bulbs I planted

I want my new water feature garden to be blooming year round.  I decided fall is the perfect time to plant spring bulbs!  I dug a ring shape around the garden, and planted a mix of daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and alliums.  I also added in some peat moss and compost to help the bulbs grow strong roots.  After the bulbs, flowers and shrubs were all planted, I added a nice layer of mulch.  It really gives it that final touch, and will protect all the plants during the winter months.  I already can't wait for springtime to arrive so I can enjoy all my new blooms.  I'm also planning on adding summer blooming bulbs so the vibrant colors will continue month after month! 

DIY Backyard Water Fountain | angiethefreckledrose.com
DIY Backyard Water Fountain | angiethefreckledrose.com

It really is so relaxing and peaceful to sit outside with a mug of warm mulled cider and listen to the trickle of water from the fountain.  Completing a DIY backyard water feature with the help of Aquascape really inspired me to get creative with my outdoor space.  Now I have visions of expanding it next season, maybe adding an arbor close by, and even stone bench!

DIY Backyard Water Fountain | angiethefreckledrose.com

Illuminate The Night

I loved looking out the window and seeing it during the day, but I also wanted to enjoy my feature at night.  I went out and purchased three solar lights and positioned them in a half circle towards the front.  Viewing the water fountain at night glimmering in the soft glow really makes it look magical.

DIY Backyard Water Fountain | angiethefreckledrose.com
Enter To Win! | angiethefreckledrose.com

Aquascape Winner | angiethefreckledrose.com

I really had so much fun putting together my new water fountain and creating a whole new outdoor space.  Trying something new always motivates me to visualize an area in a way I never thought I would.  Sometimes I find that once you get that ball rolling, it turns into something better than what you expected!  Do you have a water feature or pond in your yard?  If not, have you ever thought of invigorating your gardens, porch or backyard with one?  Tell me all about it in the comment section below or tweet me any pictures you have @thefreckledrose.  I want to give a huge thanks to Aquascape for providing me with such a fantastic feature!  I highly encourage you to check out their website.  The holidays are right around the corner, and these fountain features definitely would make the top of any nature lover's wishlist. They are affordable, easy to install and simply stunning!  You can also find them on Facebook frequently posting drool-worthy videos and pictures. 

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DIY Backyard Water Fountain | angiethefreckledrose.com

Disclaimer: Aquascape was kind enough to provide a water fountain for this giveaway.  I did receive the Aquascape Stacked Slate Urn water fountain as compensation for this honest review.  I only promote companies I enjoy and love and all opinions are my own!

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385 Comments

  • Reply
    Pam Rote
    October 27, 2016 at 8:31 am

    so pretty I want it! =)

  • Reply
    Michelle Hill
    October 27, 2016 at 8:26 am

    Great fountain! I would love to win!

    • Reply
      Thefreckledrose
      October 27, 2016 at 2:45 pm

      Thank you Michelle! Good luck in the giveaway 🙂

  • Reply
    Pamela Arsena
    October 27, 2016 at 7:38 am

    I have always wanted to do something like this. It looks like something that I could get really creative with. I loved all the photos.

    • Reply
      Thefreckledrose
      October 27, 2016 at 2:45 pm

      It’s so easy Pamela! It’s so much fun to take a space and make it your own with a fun design 🙂 Thank you!

  • Reply
    Devina
    October 27, 2016 at 7:33 am

    What a lovely feature to have in a garden. Water is so therapeutic!

    • Reply
      Thefreckledrose
      October 27, 2016 at 1:56 pm

      Thanks Devina! It is such a lovely addition, and I’m really enjoying it 🙂

  • Reply
    Amy Pratt
    October 27, 2016 at 7:15 am

    I have a little fish pond in my back yard. The birds would love to come to this water feature. I even have a little game camera set up so I can see who visits.

    • Reply
      Thefreckledrose
      October 27, 2016 at 1:55 pm

      That sounds lovely Amy! Yes, the birds in my yard adore it 🙂 That’s so cool you have a camera set up. Good luck in the giveaway!

  • Reply
    Tania Potter - Soul Sense Coaching
    October 27, 2016 at 3:54 am

    You are brave tackling the digging, but it looks great and was definitely worth the effort. Water features are such a fabulous addition to any garden, especially with all the flowers like you have done it.

    • Reply
      Thefreckledrose
      October 27, 2016 at 1:49 pm

      Thanks Tania! It’s not so bad when you have help and have the right tools to get the job done 🙂

  • Reply
    OurFamilyWorld
    October 27, 2016 at 3:10 am

    What a cute water fountain. We just moved into our new home and I’m in the process of decoration. There is a small pocket garden. This fountain would look perfect.

    • Reply
      Thefreckledrose
      October 27, 2016 at 1:36 pm

      Oh, it would look perfect! Good luck in the giveaway 🙂

  • Reply
    vickie
    October 27, 2016 at 1:10 am

    Fountains have such a calming effect on me. Your fountain is very pretty.
    Thanks for the chance!

    • Reply
      Thefreckledrose
      October 27, 2016 at 1:35 pm

      Same here Vickie! Thank you! Good luck in the giveaway 🙂

  • Reply
    Sheena Anderson
    October 27, 2016 at 12:05 am

    Your water fountain and everything is just beautiful!!

  • Reply
    Christine
    October 26, 2016 at 8:56 pm

    Such a great giveaway. Thanks Angie!

    • Reply
      Thefreckledrose
      October 26, 2016 at 10:51 pm

      Thanks Christine! Good luck in the giveaway 🙂

  • Reply
    justin
    October 26, 2016 at 8:04 pm

    Love this post! Great job Angie! 🙂

  • Reply
    Robert Bulger
    October 26, 2016 at 7:43 pm

    They work great with round rocks with the urns shape, but also with angular rocks with the angular slate texture! I’d attach a picture of the one I installed this year, but don’t see that option.

    • Reply
      Thefreckledrose
      October 26, 2016 at 10:50 pm

      I totally agree Robert! The options are endless and it just makes such a great focal piece for any space 🙂 If your on social media, feel free to share it with me there!

  • Reply
    justin
    October 26, 2016 at 7:38 pm

    I am reading this blog, how do you like that?!

  • Reply
    EllaBella
    October 26, 2016 at 7:19 pm

    This fountain is lovely! I’m going to ask Santa for one this year!

  • Reply
    Linda
    October 26, 2016 at 7:03 pm

    Just testing Firefox browser Angie.

    • Reply
      Linda
      October 26, 2016 at 7:15 pm

      Beautiful fountain and giveaway.

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