How to Use a High Water Table to Create a Water Feature

It is sometimes better for a gardener to work with a difficult element, rather than try to modify it. Such is the case if your garden has a high water table. A high water table means that the ground water flows relatively close to the land surface. The water table may be stable or it may have seasonal variations, often in response to spring rains. The topography and geology of your area will also play a role in the character of the water table.

Garden plan
Decorative stone
Native plants
Water pump (optional)
Decking (optional)
Galvanized nails or screws (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Contact your state agricultural extension office or state natural resources agency to learn about regulations regarding development of a wetland area. Contact your city or county planners to learn if any permits are necessary.
- 2
  Identify the area you want to landscape. Target low-lying areas and determine if there are any possible conflicts with your yard's current use and traffic.
- 3
  Plan your design on paper. Note the features you identified in your inspection of your yard. Pre-planning will save you time and money. You can also try different designs to see which will work best with your situation.
- 4
  Line your chosen area with decorative stones to help protect the high water area from erosion and unwanted traffic.
- 5
  Construct a waterfall to connect multiple ponds on sloping land. Use small boulders to provide the base for your waterfall. If water flow is slow, add a water pump to help circulate and aerate the water. Your garden center can make recommendations for you based on your garden set-up. Plant some attractive flowers such as daylilies or coreopsis around the waterfall to hide the pump and its set-up.
- 6
  Plant some native plants around the area to create an inviting, natural look. Your state agricultural extension office can advise you on plant selection. Avoid planting non-native plants, such as pampas grass or purple loosestrife, to prevent altering native ecosystems should the plants escape your garden. Choose colorful, showy plants to draw attention to the water feature.
- 7
  Construct a boardwalk to improve access to your garden. Begin construction when water levels are lowest. At a minimum, the boardwalk should be 48 inches wide to accommodate two adults walking side-by-side. Use rot-resistant materials, such as cedar or redwood. Hardware should include galvanized nails or screws.

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