Type of Feature

• The biggest decision is whether you want a small, free-standing water feature contained in an urn or other vessel, or a pond dug in the ground. A small fountain is a good choice for a house with a small yard and would even work for apartment dwellers or those who rent a house since you can take it with you. If you have the time and money to dig up your yard, a larger feature with a pond and maybe a waterfall is easier to create than you may think.
  
  

Placement and Size

• Consider safety and the overall design of your yard when deciding where to place your water feature. It should be visible from your deck or patio so you can enjoy it, or perhaps you want to see it from a certain window or the front porch. Investigate various pond kits to see if one of these would suit your needs or if you want to make it yourself. To calculate the size of your pond, take into account whether you want to have fish or water plants, and how many of each. If you will have a waterfall or fountain, determine the amount of water the pump can handle. The Pond Calculator link in the Resources section will help you figure it all out.
  
  

Safety and Permits

• With a pond or other in-ground feature, you may need permits and electrical inspections. You may even need a fence for safety. Call local utility companies before you dig to check for buried cables. Check with your building inspector to see what the building code and safety requirements are. Consider making a shallow pond if a deeper one makes you subject to too many safety requirements. Or you could create a watercourse that doesn't have a pond.
  
  

Special Features

• If you make a small container fountain, the creativity lies mostly in determining the types of containers to use. With a pond, there are many more options for special features to make it your own. You can have fish and water plants that can survive in your climate. Surround your pond with other decorative plants and some interesting rocks or statues. Put a small fountain in the center, which will keep the water looking fresh and provide a nice focal point. If you have a waterfall or watercourse, build a bridge over it for an attractive addition to your garden water feature.