Small Landscape Water Feature Parts

• The basic components of a small landscape water feature are similar to those necessary to operate a large water feature. The main difference is in the power and size of the elements. You can make homemade water features for flower beds, gardens and patios with a few basic parts. Water feature designs are limited only by your imagination and by products that can weather the elements.
  
  

Reservoir

• Every water feature, large or small, needs a reservoir. The reservoir for a small water feature can be a sealed planter, a metal bucket, a ceramic bowl or a treated wood box lined with thick plastic. Most small water features include the reservoir as part of the visual design, but some fountain designs house the reservoir underground. Select a visible reservoir to suit the style of your landscape. Watering cans and old metal buckets suit a rustic or country style landscape, while ceramic planters or slate-covered containers pair well with a more contemporary décor.
  
  

Pumps and Accessories

• Submersible water pumps are essential parts of any water feature. The size of water pump you will need for a small water feature depends on the height you wish to raise the water and on the desired amount of water flow. Submersible pumps fit into the reservoir of a water feature. Water is circulated to the top of the water feature using plastic tubing or copper pipe. A fountainhead directs water from the pump to the water line, creating a decorative spray up into the air. Fountainheads and tubing connect to a spout on top of the submersible pump. If you are adding a submersible pump to a small water garden or pond, purchase a skimmer to house the pump and to help filter the water mechanically. Underwater light fixtures, while not essential, can add to the overall ambiance of your landscape.
  
  

Decorative Features

• The reservoir is not the only decorative aspect of a small water feature. Many designs include other elements to facilitate the water flowing into the reservoir. Bamboo stalks fit beautifully with slate, ceramic or wood reservoirs, and fountain spouts suit a bucket or watering can design. You can also create a small landscape water feature to resemble a cascading waterfall using stacked stones, or a sheet of rain using plumbing pipes or bamboo stalks. Small, decorative landscape stones are often used to camouflage the submersible pump if the reservoir is openly visible.