Famous Gardens Never Skip This Design Element (And How To Add It)

[@GardenMoxie]

This week I am continuing our discussion about the garden design elements that can transform our ordinary Midwest yards into an amazing retreat. We are chatting about the benefits of adding a water feature. While many water features can be incredibly expensive, there are also ways to add the water to the garden that won't break the bank. In my own garden, our Home Depot bird bath has provided countless hours of entertainment watching the birds. I hope you find the video helpful. Thanks so much for watching!

[@dustyflats3832]

Oh those rills you spoke of, I read some houses in dry regions like AZ have them through their houses to humidify.

[@GardenMoxie]

@@dustyflats3832 I never heard that. So interesting.

[@Sobrien724]

I love water features in a garden. The black birdbath fountain I wanted was $800. I made a pretty nice diy one for $140. Nobody can believe that I made it with two black flower pots and a pump.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for sharing that DIY tip. I love the sound of splashing water in a garden. Thanks for watching.

[@gracegarden1]

Chanticleer is my favorite public garden and so many of your examples were from there. I am amazed that so many were Pennsylvania places! Great info - love your channel. Thanks for sharing! Peace & Prayers.

[@GardenMoxie]

Pennsylvania has the most beautiful gardens. Chanticleer is utterly amazing IMO. I love visiting there. Thanks for the kind note and thanks for watching.

[@leapintothewild]

Thanks for spelling it, new to me and google kept giving me women named Shanta and Claire! 😆

[@GardenMoxie]

@leapintothewild So funny!

[@SpanishEclectic]

You are really raising the bar on your videos this year, Sue! This is such a great venue for sharing historical and current ideas about gardening. Here in Southern California, much of the year is quite hot, and fountains are welcome. Mosquitos and wildlife do pose a challenge (raccoons love to 'fish' in ponds and can wreak havoc). Often a wall fountain in a sheltered area will work nicely. Larger ponds dug into the earth do bring additional issues, but there is also information available on creating a habitat. Four raccoons showed up on our security cameras last night, and one coyote the night before. With our current very dry conditions (thankfully no large fires here in San Diego), I know they are looking for water.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for your note and for sharing your perspective from a dry area. Such great points. I appreciate you sharing them.

[@lindagrinnell1548]

I love water in my gardens. I have a small fountain in one of mine. And one morning last summer I was having my coffee on my patio. And was lucky enough to see a hummingbird bathing in it. It was so awesome to see. Hoping to see again this summer.😄🌺🌸

[@GardenMoxie]

That is amazing! How lucky are you! Thanks for sharing that.

[@christinehaack8123]

The sound of water in a garden-immediate peace!!! I will contemplate a simple Water feature in my small garden. Currently, we are having a snowstorm-great time for garden planning and dreaming😊⛲️🌱

[@GardenMoxie]

Ha! Snow storms make the best time for garden dreaming for sure! Thanks for watching.

[@MrsB_734]

I love water in a garden. I lived near Heritage Pk and we dug a small 4ft pond. It ended up attracting a pair of mallard ducks. Soon there were several fighting over it so we dug a new 12x12 and had 9 duck who regularly visited. It was the most fascinating part of the yard. I also have 3 concrete birdbaths and it's a delight to watch the nature dab smack in the middle of the city. Our new house is in the area near the park as well. We plan to create the same vibe here at the new house. Thanks again for sharing your insite and knowledge.

[@EmeraldPawYT]

😍😍😍🦆🦆🦆 love ducks!

[@GardenMoxie]

That is a great location. Your garden sounds amazing. There is nothing better than watching those birds. Thanks for watching.

[@GardenMoxie]

Yes!

[@terrikim4992]

These pictures were just breathtaking. Thank you for the effort you are putting into this series. You have my creative juices going even with my modest budget.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much. I am glad to hear you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching.

[@JoanneJohnson-m9n]

I have a very old home with no electrical outlets on the exterior. I have a large shallow plastic bowl set in a wrought iron elevated ring filled with water. I use a solar powered fountain that floats. It isn’t my dream fountain but certainly a nice addition to my garden and it even is illuminated at night.

[@GardenMoxie]

That sounds wonderful! Thanks for sharing and thanks for watching.

[@julesdavis1845]

The sound of softly trickling water is so calming. We installed a waterfall and creek outside our bedroom. It’s a beautiful sight and soothing to listen to.

[@GardenMoxie]

That sounds wonderful.

[@lynnpurse]

Love this Sue! I'm more of a quiet reflecting pool type 😊 In addition to several birdbaths, I do have a 2 gallon wide bowl on the ground that I keep filled for the birds and other visiting critters - it reflects the trees above it and adds so much to the look and feel of the garden.

[@GardenMoxie]

I love that you have so many water elements in your garden. Thanks for sharing!

[@francescacanfield5098]

WOW, thank you for a very inspiring and informative video. I might have to plan a trip to Pennsylvania gardens now.😊

[@GardenMoxie]

Pennsylvania gardens are amazing!

[@GrowTropicalMK]

Thanks for sharing this video. There are some really interesting water fountains and water features. You are right, the great gardens all have them ;-)

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@rosemama9995]

Wonderful and truly excellent video. I love water features so much that I have five in my garden in different garden rooms. Each matches the room it is in - from formal to rustic.

[@GardenMoxie]

Your garden sounds amazing! Thanks for watching.

[@PeggyDeKay]

Thank you for posting two great garden design videos. Well done!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@mrsrover8997]

Water is a wonderful addition to any garden. I have a couple of birdbaths, but plan to add a small wildlife pond in the future.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for sharing your plans for your garden. That sounds great. Thanks for watching.

[@sunitashastry5270]

I’ve tried a couple of inexpensive water features. I’m looking forward to doing more this year. Super fun addition.

[@GardenMoxie]

Awesome! Thanks for watching.

[@carolynjordan400]

Good video, Sue. Thank you.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@jasminelouisefarrall]

So true when it comes to water and beautiful evergreens 🌲

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for watching Jasmine!

[@angelaengler2387]

I think a water feature can transform a garden from nice to wonderful! The reflection of the sky, the sound of water and the coolness it can bring on a hot day really is the icing on the cake. Even just having a water tight container on a terrace or balcony can add so much to the tranquility of a space. The need for water is just so integral for our survival, we are always drawn to water 🥰

[@GardenMoxie]

Well said. I totally agree. Thanks for watching.

[@beckysteffka2434]

I have a birdbath with a solar fountain by my patio, I love the relaxing sound! ❤ While we are out visiting Longwood Gardens, we also make a stop at Winterthur Gardens (Henry du Pont estate) during the azalia festival. It's a must-see!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for watching. Winterthur is a gorgeous set of gardens too. Pennsylvania is such a great garden destination.

[@DarlaPenados-rp1ss]

I agree water elements are so important to our gardens however there some work but well worth the efforts I have two one in the front yard which the family enjoys birds bathing and splashing around a joy and a larger fountain in the side yard love it and love your garden. As well

[@GardenMoxie]

I love watching the birds too. Thanks for your note and for watching the video.

[@therealsoutherngarden]

Oh yes!!! The fountain!! I’m telling you this is a HUGE element in southern gardens, we even have them at every town square down here and I adore it💚💚💚

[@GardenMoxie]

Yay! I love fountains too. So calming.

[@gardeningonthewestforkwith8994]

Even though I garden on the West Fork river a flowing small river having a smaller pond with the sound of water makes all the difference . It is the constant gentle background sound in early morning coffee before dawn and comforting sound while I remove unwanted weeds . Thank you so much for your videos . Here is my dilemma your voice or Monty Dons goodness tell me you teach or read for audible book companies🤔😉. I’m loving your series! We are under tons of snow and very cold temps here in Weston WV besutiful but for a gardener we are picturing doring gardens !!! Thank you for inspiring me on many msny levels and I’ve been in this garden 33 years and have gardened over 50 🙄🤓! But I’m a very young garden on many levels always learning thank you!!

[@GardenMoxie]

I'm so glad you are enjoying the series. Thanks for your kind words of encouragement too. I appreciate it.

[@PeggyMills]

I love water in any form in the garden, Sue. I currently only have a birdbath, but I have an older small fountain still in storage from our move that I need to revive this year. Thanks for all you do.

[@GardenMoxie]

Hi Peggy, That fountain sounds awesome. I love my bird bath. It was one of the best additions to my garden. Thanks for watching.

[@BettyBombz]

Love my small bowl fountain with a tiny fish tank pump but cleaning it very regularly is consideration

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for watching.

[@HealthyLifeFarm]

I couldn’t agree more that adding water features to a garden is just an amazing feature! I’m looking to add more this year as they’re so relaxing to listen to while doing your everyday gardening! 🥰⛲️

[@GardenMoxie]

I agree with you! Thanks for watching.

[@barbkenas5663]

Love water features, thanks for the beautiful examples!

[@GardenMoxie]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@thequarrygardener5578]

Great inspirational video, I’m now considering different options as to where in the future I could add a fountain 😊

[@GardenMoxie]

Hello friend, I hope all is well. We are getting ready for a bit of a cold front to move in for a bit. I am dreaming about the spring about now.

[@vănhảilưu-q2u]

Great thanks

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@rosehill1595]

Agreed, the more gardens you visit or study in books or here on YT the better your own garden will become if you don't die of envy over the creative, well established and well tended gardens that abound in the world - totally inspirational. Anyway, that's exactly what I want for my birthday, a good-size three-tier water fountain to replace the one the hurricanes destroyed. In my Secret Garden area I have a small splashing fountain that I love. Unfortunately, my beautiful Celtic bird bath was smashed by the last hurricane a few weeks ago. I rigged up a temporary solution with a plastic but surprisingly good-looking birdbath from Aldi (that the birds refused to use!) by adding a couple of broken (by the same hurricane) heavy terracotta (pot) pieces - to hold it steady and give them a stepping stone via a saucer - now the birds are back to using it. I may have to scour FB marketplace and garden freebies - wish me luck:). I think water features are so important no matter the style of your garden. Maybe this is the year I'll finally create that simple DIY water feature I've been drooling over in one of my garden books - some copper pipe, stacked stone blocks and voila.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for sharing your ideas. I'm sorry to hear about the hurricane destruction. That is tough for sure. I love the sound of water in the garden. Thanks for watching.

[@emmalavenham]

This is something that is on my list - for our wildlife - I just cannot settle on something small, compact on the more naturalistic side - and my DH is worried about cleaning/maintenance.

[@GardenMoxie]

I love the sounds of water. It makes the garden very peaceful. Thanks for watching.

[@SuffolkSusie]

Thank you so much for sharing all these

[@GardenMoxie]

You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@w.l.kampsen7461]

Always inspiring...

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@michaelkearns5630]

The birds go crazy when the pump timer clicks on in the morning. Also, I did a 4x5 flower bed of zinnia and marigold. I planted from seeds so the plants were 3'to 4 'tall. Amazing how many humming birds, pollinators, dragon flies, gorgeous moths and butterflies visited. These two items in any garden could possibly save the world.

[@GardenMoxie]

Wow! That sounds amazing. Thanks for watching.

[@nancynoascono747]

Love them.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for watching.

[@lornasleeper7262]

I really want a water feature, but of course, they are very expensive! I love your idea of the pots filled with water and flowers, though i do wonder if it affects mosquito larvae. I probably will end up doing a diy fountain with sacrete and some large and some slightly smaller removable vessels to use as a mold.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for watching. I like your DIY idea. I have great luck using the non-toxic mosquito bits to kill larvae. It is the same product I use to kill fungus gnat larvae when I grow plants from seed.

[@rosemama9995]

In my area, you can get a ceramic urn/pot with the gear to make a recirculating fountain for a reasonable amount. In our old house , we installed it ourselves.

[@GardenMoxie]

@@rosemama9995 Fantastic!

[@lornasleeper7262]

@rosemama9995 can you share a photo?

[@irinas9946]

Yesyesyes, the more the merrier!

[@GardenMoxie]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching.

[@CeeCee630]

This year, I’m hoping to add a water feature to my new moody, romantic, Japanesque partial shade garden. Maybe a big Sedona bowl with a solar-powered bubbler or ….?

[@GardenMoxie]

That sounds amazing!

[@dustyflats3832]

Water is nice, but not maintenance free. We created a small one in brick planters attached to a house. We lined it and had wonderful lillies and a couple fish to take care of mosquito larva. We had an insulated garage that overwintered the lillies, and the fish were bait shop chubs, so… Now we have more land but less house and not possible. Last year we had the most rain ever and we never had mosquitoes until then. It was a living Amazon rain forest nightmare. More mosquitoes than where I grew up near creeks, pond and marsh. It was so bad we couldn’t go outside. I cringed when our neighbor mentioned creating a small pond for his bees and he doesn’t live here, only has land. Thankfully it didn’t develop. I’ll be happy to supply bees with water. My mom grew up in what is called Wyoming Valley where Tallehesin is and she knew Frank. She also talked of family gatherings with George Culver who is the father of Craig the owner of the franchise. Not long ago my sister had a DNA test and we are 4th cousins as my great gma was a Culver. Since then I discovered writings of the families in an old book and the small cemetery with both families. It’s so funny both my parents and grandparents never talked much about family history, lol, for all I know I’m probably related to Ozzy Osbourn as well😂😂. My husband is related to Leinenkugels-he is in refreshments and I’m in the food 😂…and maybe entertainment as well.

[@GardenMoxie]

What an interesting story. Thanks for sharing that.

[@bunnyfrancis7006]

THAT's what I need. I need it desperately. For my "garden", not "me"....... a long, lovely trip to England. Research only, mind you. If I were 50 again. Oh the possibilities........

[@GardenMoxie]

Ha! It sounds like something we all need! Thanks for watching.

[@lindaburris4138]

How do you keep the algae out of your ceramic pot water garden?

[@GardenMoxie]

I use dye in the water and don't have an issue with algae.

[@sterlgirlceline]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🏆🌳🌿💚

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for watching.