Falling Rocks Garden Waterfall in the Backyard

Location

• The location of your waterfall will determine its specific features. Determine the slope, if any, present in the landscape and divert drainage away from your house. Though trees growing around a waterfall are attractive, they shade the water -- making it difficult to grow some types of aquatic plants -- and drop leaves, causing buildup and increasing maintenance needs. Your waterfall will need a pump and filter to operate, so position the water feature near a weather-proof electrical source. Finally, pick a location that offers a pleasant view from a room in the house, a patio or deck.

Liner

• Construct your waterfall atop a liner to keep water from leaching into the ground. Choices include pre-shaped, rigid liners made from fiberglass -- some of which have waterfalls built in -- or plastic and flexible rubber or plastic liners specifically designed for use in ponds. You can also use ceramic pots, barrels, tubs or children’s swimming pools. Regardless of which style of liner you choose, ensure that it does not emit non-toxic chemicals that can harm fish or other wildlife. The University of Minnesota recommends butyl rubber or EPDM, a man-made rubber, for waterfall construction, as these materials are UV-resistant and last for up to 20 years.

Rocks

• Use natural rock in varying sizes to complete the waterfall and hold the liner in place. A layer of small rocks, between 3/8 and 3 inches in diameter, covers flat areas. Larger rocks, such as flagstones, slate or field rocks, build up the sides of the waterway and act as spill rocks to create the falls.

Plants

• Complete your falling rocks waterfall with a mix of plants. Submerged plants grow under water, where they provide oxygen and help reduce algae growth. Choices include common water milfoil, eelgrass, hornwort and pondweeds. Floating plants also reduce algae by creating shade and taking nutrients and oxygen. Species include duckweed, frog’s bit, water fern and water hyacinth. Marginal plants live at the edge of the water; often their roots and lower stems are submerged. Choices include calla lilies, horsetails, Japanese iris, Joe pye weed and sweet flag. Plant water-loving plants near the side of the waterfall, such as black-eyed Susans, cardinal flowers, cattails, sedge, spice bushes and winterberry shrubs.