Ponds, Waterfalls, Fountains and Streams

Water features make soothing and dramatic focal points

From natural-looking streams to architectural fountains, water features are important focal points in the landscape, and some Minneapolis/St. Paul homeowners are opting to have more than one. The motion and sound of water is hypnotic and soothing. It also serves a purpose – to mask street and neighborhood noises. Pondless stone-column bubblers, waterfalls, streams, and fountains can be simple or dramatic.

Some homeowners will put a bubbler at the front entry to greet guests. Others place them close to outdoor living spaces or near a fire. Some water features are near swimming pools, hung on garden walls, or are fountainhead sprays hidden in a pool deck. Even the smallest spaces can have a water feature. Containers and urns serve quite nicely as self-contained fountains.

"Water is the driving force of all nature.” – Leonardo da Vinci
corten steel walls and modern water feature in garden bed

Modern water feature design with corten steel and colorful gardens.

Four Reasons to Consider Adding a Water Feature to your Landscape

Water features bring a touch of elegance and serenity to outdoor spaces, transforming them into inviting retreats where one can relax and unwind. From the gentle trickle of a fountain to the serene beauty of a pond, these features create a sense of harmony and balance, inviting visitors to pause and appreciate the beauty of nature.

  • Enhances Aesthetic Appeal: Water features add beauty and visual interest to your outdoor space, creating a focal point that enhances the overall landscape design.
  • Creates a Soothing Ambiance: The sound of flowing water has a calming effect, providing a peaceful atmosphere for relaxation and unwinding.
  • Attracts Wildlife: Water features attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife, adding to the biodiversity of your garden and creating a lively and dynamic environment.
  • Promotes Tranquility: The sight and sound of water can help reduce stress and promote a sense of tranquility, making your outdoor space a serene retreat.

Contemporary limestone retaining wall with copper spouts.

Backyard bring fountain water feature.

New Orleans-inspired fountain creates a tranquil environment in this urban St. Paul backyard.

brick water feature with planters

This backyard water feature creates a tranquil ambiance with its soothing trickling sounds.

Commercial fountain water feature in front of a Minneapolis, MN hotel.

Hotel front entry landscape combines fire and water.

plunge pool with fountain

Plunge pool with a natural stone water feature brings a sense of calm to the environment.

Swimming pond and stream water feature.

Unique backyard swimming pond fed by a babbling brook feels like a magical woodland retreat.

Backyard fish pond with and aquatic garden.

Northwoods inspired backyard with a pond stocked with fish for an angler.

Backyard Swimming Pool Landscape at Twilight in St. Paul, Mn

Laminar jets combined with underwater LEDs and landscape lighting create drama at night.

Reflecting pool and patinated frog water fountain feature.

Historic landscape restoration in St. Paul with a reflecting pool and fountain.

Sculptural water fountain feature and brick patio.

Sculptural water feature complements the classic brick patio design.

Modern front entry with basalt column water features.

Modernist front entry design with a seating patio and basalt column bubblers.

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