12 Small Garden Waterfalls Ideas

I love the sound of running water, so I love the idea of having a small garden waterfall in my yard.
Although I don’t have a yard big enough for a waterfall outside,
I have decided to bring the soothing sound of water to my living room instead by investing in an indoor fountain.
If you have a yard with enough space for a waterfall, you should definitely consider adding one to your garden.
Not only do they look beautiful, but they are also a great way to create a peaceful and serene atmosphere in your garden.
Here are 12 small garden waterfalls ideas that you can use to create a beautiful water feature in your garden.
1. Rustic pond with waterfall

If you want to add a waterfall to your garden, you’ll need to install a pond first.
This is because the pond is where the water collects that will be pumped up to the top of the waterfall and then cascade down the rocks.
To create this look, you could either dig a hole in the ground and line it with a pond liner, or you could use a pre-formed pond insert.
Whichever method you choose, make sure to level the ground and add a layer of sand or old carpet beneath the pond insert to protect it from sharp rocks and roots.
The beauty of using a pre-formed pond insert is that you can easily create a naturalistic shape that looks like a pond you’d see in the woods.
You can then surround the pond with rocks to create a raised edge that will help contain the water.
2. Urban garden waterfall

This small garden waterfall looks like it could be in a secluded forest, but it’s actually in the middle of an urban garden in London.
The lush greenery and the sound of the water make it feel like an oasis.
The stone waterfall is surrounded by a mix of ferns, hostas, and other shade-loving plants.
3. Natural stone waterfall

Natural stone is a popular material for waterfalls because it looks like it was put there by nature.
This waterfall is made from a variety of natural stone, including:
• Limestone
• Quartzite
• Granite
• Slate
• Sandstone
The water tumbles down the stones, creating a soothing sound and a beautiful focal point in the garden.
This design is perfect for gardeners who want to create a naturalistic look and feel in their landscape.
4. Small garden waterfall

This small garden waterfall is a great example of how you don’t need a huge space to create a stunning water feature.
The waterfall is nestled into the corner of this garden, with the surrounding plants and flowers creating a natural frame.
The stone used in the waterfall is also used in the pathway and the stone wall, creating a lovely sense of unity and cohesion in this space.
5. Waterfall with a view

If you live on a hillside, you know that you can have some of the best views in the neighborhood.
Take advantage of that with a waterfall that cascades down the hill and provides a beautiful focal point for your garden.
This waterfall was built using a pondless waterfall kit, which can be installed in just a day.
You can also use a pondless waterfall as a standalone feature in your garden if you don’t have the space or budget for a pond.
6. Waterfall with a fire feature

This waterfall is the perfect focal point for this backyard garden.
The water feature is surrounded by a variety of colorful plants and flowers and is the perfect place to sit and relax.
To make the waterfall even more of a focal point, the homeowners have added a fire feature.
This gas-powered fire pit is the perfect place to gather on a cool evening and really makes the waterfall stand out.
7. Modern waterfall

This modern waterfall is simple, but it makes a big statement in this small garden.
The waterfall is made of concrete and stone, which gives it a sleek look. The water cascades down the rock steps into a small pond.
The pond is surrounded by colorful flowers, which add a pop of color to the garden.
The flowers are also reflected in the water, which adds to the beauty of the pond.
8. Waterfall with a stream

A stream is a great way to connect your waterfall to a larger water feature in your garden, such as a pond.
Streams can be used to connect water features that are at different elevations and create a natural look in your garden.
This garden waterfall by Lush Garden Design features a stream that connects to a small pond at the bottom.
The stream is lined with rocks and plants to create a natural look, and the waterfall spills into the stream at the top.
9. Waterfall with a pond

Waterfalls and ponds go together like peanut butter and jelly. There are so many ways to combine these two water features.
One of the most popular ways is to have a waterfall that cascades into the pond.
If you have a small garden, consider having a pondless waterfall that flows into a small, above-ground pond.
This is a great option if you love the idea of a pond but don’t have the space for a large one.
10. Waterfall with a koi pond

Koi ponds and waterfalls are a classic pair. The sound of the water running into the pond helps to keep the water aerated and healthy for the fish and plants.
Add a small waterfall to a corner of your koi pond and let the water flow over the rocks and into the water.
The waterfall will also help to keep the water in the pond from becoming stagnant.
11. Waterfall with a pool
If you have the space, consider adding a pool to your waterfall.
A small pool can be a great place to add fish or aquatic plants to your landscape, and it also adds a sense of tranquility to the space.
A pool can be any size you like, and you can even add a small fountain or other water feature to it.
If you have the space, you can even add a larger pool that you can use for swimming on hot summer days.
12. Waterfall with a hot tub
Who says you can’t have a waterfall and a hot tub? This clever design incorporates a small waterfall into the corner of the hot tub.
It’s a great way to add a little bit of movement and sound to your hot tub area.
The water in the hot tub is kept clean by a skimmer, which is a fancy name for a small pump that pulls in water and runs it through a filter.
You can add a small waterfall to your hot tub with a little bit of plumbing and a small pump.
Conclusion
Now that you’re inspired, it’s time to start planning your new garden waterfall. With the right tools and materials, you can create a beautiful and serene outdoor space for you and your family to enjoy.