Water Garden vs. Water Feature: What's the Difference?

At first glance, the terms "water feature" and "water garden" seem interchangeable. While water gardens are water features, not all water features are water gardens. In most cases, this distinction has little impact on the outcome of your DIY project; however, on the occasions where nuance matters, it can have a ripple effect. Let's discuss the differences between water features and water gardens.

What is a water feature?

What comes to mind when you hear "water feature"? Do you picture something big and elaborate? The term is all-encompassing. Small desktop fountain? Water feature. Standalone cascading wall of water? Water feature. Overgrown lily pond with koi fish? Water feature. You get the idea. Anything you can imagine using water can be considered a water feature.

What is a water garden?

Many of us are in our "granny hobby" era, with gardening at the top of the list. Water gardens are a niche offshoot of the garden category. A water garden is simply that: a garden in water. You can grow a water garden of almost any size, from a small plant growing in a decorative bowl indoors to a large-scale backyard pond.

What to consider when creating a water garden

Water gardens are designed to support life, such as aquatic plants and animals. If your pond or water garden includes aquatic life, especially fish or turtles, they will increase the bio-load. To balance this increase, additional filtration is recommended, as well as ensuring the entire volume of your water garden circulates at least once per hour. Aquatic plants work as a natural filter for fish ponds, but they can also increase the bio-load when decaying leaves aren't pruned or removed.

If you're thinking about bringing water into your space, we have tips for getting started. Whether you're creating a unique water feature or planting a full water garden, we have a pump for that. The possibilities are endless when you pair water with your unique style!