How2Day: Porch & Patio Water Features

A basin or fountain can work well in most patio schemes. Victoria Wall/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
Patios and porches are very popular for entertaining, and you may want to plan your landscaping so that your most attractive focal points are next to your deck or patio, or at least near enough so that they can be seen easily. Water features, however, can be tricky to incorporate in patio designs without adding extra expense. If you need a water feature in your patio area, look for an above-ground option that will not get in the way of the patio's function.

Containers and boxes are popular because they are small and fit in well with porch or patio dimensions. You can match them to flower boxes or pots, and you can place them either in corners or as islands in the center of the patio area. Always remember to waterproof carefully if you make your own container by plugging a pot, and keep in mind that you will need to clean the water frequently.

Basins are large stone or metal dishes that you can use on or directly beside a patio or porch. Basins have several advantages: They are naturally self-contained and waterproof, and they look great next to other stone work or landscaping rock. Larger basins tend to be shallow, making them easier to clean as well.

Barrels are the traditional, cottage version of basins. Nurseries and home improvement stores sell barrel halves (such as whiskey barrels) for use in landscaping. Others sell plastic copies that can look close to the real thing. These barrels work well in the corners of patios or in the middle of rock gardens. You can also use them for rainwater collectors.

Fountains are easy to use on patios because there are many small versions available on the market today that use cement or synthetic stone to create a fully self-contained spout or waterfall. The running water helps keep these fountains clean, and you can choose to use a fountain as a birdbath, a centerpiece or an accent point along a patio wall.

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