Janece Maze is Associate Editor at Country Living, where she covers DIY projects, gardening, and travel. When she’s not in the kitchen creating a new recipe with farm fresh ingredients, you can find her on the road heading to a music festival or browsing a local consignment shop. "},"@context":"http://schema.org","about":{"@type":"ItemList","numberOfItems":21,"itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Classic Acorn Bird Fountain","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g1863/diy-outdoor-fountains/#slide-1","description":"Transform an empty space in a cut flower garden into a bathing spot for visiting birds with an easy-to-assemble store-bought bird bath or fountain with classic design details. 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Do you want to add some personality to your outdoor spaces? Consider adding a unique water fountain or feature, such as a birdbath or a small pond. You can find ideas for water features in a variety of places—from your neighbor's front yard landscape to public gardens! Water fountains have been around since ancient times and continue to be a common feature in pretty gardens of varying sizes.
The earliest account on record is a carved stone basin around 2000 B.C. Most of the early versions of fountains were gravity-based and relied on the natural flow of water from sources like rivers, lakes, and sometimes manmade aqueducts with basins to collect the water. At the time, modern plumbing and running water from faucets were not in existence. Water was simply collected with buckets for a number of essential purposes. People used these vessels out of necessity for drinking water, bathing, washing garments, and even faith-based ceremonies. However, ancients Romans started the trend of using fountains for decorative purposes in well-known places like Rome—the city of fountains. These days ornamental water fountains are commonly found in many locations like small home gardens and large public spaces.
You probably won't have room in your budget or backyard for a fountain like the famous Italian Fontana di Trevi Fountain, but we have plenty of budget-friendly DIY water fountains and features for you to explore and few pricier options! From store-bought units that require only opening a box and plugging a cord into an outlet to more hands-on projects, these easy ideas will reinvigorate your garden. Plus, check out more of our best backyard decorating ideas that will be sure to wow your guests during summer soirées.
Find more ideas to enhance your outdoor living spaces:
Transform an empty space in a cut flower garden into a bathing spot for visiting birds with an easy-to-assemble store-bought bird bath or fountain with classic design details. Find similar ones at your local garden center or online.
This cool-looking fountain made from a galvanized wash bin and upcycled watering cans is the perfect addition to a country garden. DIY your way through the tutorial with Sophisticated Junkie.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3
Antique Garden Water Fountain
amphotora//Getty Images
Browse regional antique malls and architectural salvage shops to find garden fountain to give your yard some character and a spot for a refreshing drink on hot days in the garden.
If you're fond of simple designs and want to add a water feature to an outdoor space, consider getting a stone or light-weight resin urn water fountain that includes a pump. Units like this can be assembled in under an hour.
This DIY is one of our favorite uses for a leftover galvanized tub, especially given its easy transportation factor. Take a look at an easy tutorial at A Piece of Rainbow.
8
Bubbling Globe Water Fountain
Lowe's
Do you love unique garden features? Set up a lightweight resin fountain that's easy to move around. Find similar options at Lowe's and garden retailers. Or, make one from scratch with a DIY tutorial from At Charlotte's House.
Similar fountains can be assembled quickly. Whether you opt to build a whiskey barrel water fountain from scratch or pick up a kit from Walmart, this sturdy piece will make an impression.
Create a peaceful spot in your garden by adding a three tiered bird bath that feathered friends can't get enough of.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11
Rock Fountain
Foto-Video-Studio//Getty Images
This type of rock water fountain can be made with a submersible pump. It might take you a couple of days to finish, but the finished product—look at those stacked stones!—will be worth the effort. Get the step-by-step instructions at Instructables.
12
Patio Water Wall
Courtesy of Interior Frugalista
This massive fountain won't come together quickly, but it's well worth the time and effort. Blogger Marie moved her water wall onto her deck so company could enjoy the relaxing sound of water while they chatted. Get the tutorial at Interior Frugalista or pick up an assembled unit.
Add a piece of DIY decor to your garden or backyard with this fountain made from an iron tea pot and an old whiskey barrel. Re-create the water feature with instructions fromHometalk.
Clocking in only 15 minutes of prep time, this handcrafted flower pot fountain project is too good to pass up for your own backyard. Learn how to make this plant water fountain at The Interior Frugalista.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15
Pond Water Feature
Mint Images//Getty Images
If you have the time to add a miniature makeover to your backyard, go big with small pond installation. It's feasible to complete the project with a few extra hands or dial up a contractor if you'd rather pay someone to do the hard work. Check out a backyard pond tutorial from Lowe's.
Using some pots from Lowe's, a budget water pump, and some rocks from around her yard, blogger Katie created this simple, relaxing water fountain for her garden that birds can't get enough of. Get the tutorial at Addicted 2 DIY.
18
Bamboo Water Fountain
ShaneQuentin//Getty Images
A bamboo fountain can add a little bit of zen to your backyard or porch. Install a pretty feature yourself with an easy-to-assemble kit.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19
Tiny Egg Fountain
Courtesy of Today's Creative Life
This miniature fountain makes a perfect addition to a small deck and takes just 15 minutes to make with a small water pump. Learn how to make a similar water fountain at Today's Creative Life.
20
Circular Water Wall
Courtesy of Central Texas Gardener
Turn a recycled table top into a beautiful water wall centerpiece for your backyard retreat. Browse the tutorial at Central Texas Gardener.
