Water features, such as ponds and fountains, are usually located outdoors. However, a greenhouse water feature provides the opportunity to enjoy these elements indoors. Greenhouses are typically used to grow plants and flowers year-round, and a water feature adds a unique element to a glazed structure or polycarbonate hothouse.
These features come in the form of a pond, fountain, or greenhouse waterfall. All three of these options fill the greenhouse with the sound of running water, creating a tranquil, relaxing atmosphere.
A water feature is a captivating addition to any greenhouse, creating a serene and visually appealing environment. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of incorporating a water feature into your greenhouse structure, discuss different types of water features suitable for greenhouses, provide design ideas, offer installation and maintenance tips, and address common problems and remedies.
Let’s dive into the world of greenhouse water features!
Benefits of Adding Water Features to Your Greenhouse
Adding a water feature to a greenhouse not only develops the design aesthetic, but also offers unique benefits.
Sharing space in your greenhouse with a water feature promotes a relaxing environment for you and helps your plants to thrive. A greenhouse water system also makes watering your plants less stressful.
Banana trees, for example, require a great deal of water. if planted by a greenhouse pond, they will pull the water they need from the pond in order to delicious bananas.
Aesthetic Appeal
There’s nothing more stunning that a beautiful greenhouse structure filled with healthy, vibrant plants. A water feature takes that beauty to the next level by adding both elegance and tranquility. A greenhouse water wall or greenhouse pond creates a focal point that enhances the overall aesthetics of your greenhouse space.
Humidity Regulation
Water features help regulate humidity levels in the greenhouse by releasing moisture into the air. This is particularly beneficial in arid climates or during dry seasons when plants require increased humidity.
Your greenhouse water system can also pull double-duty as a plant propagation area, as cuttings often require high humidity levels to strike successfully.
Temperature Control
Greenhouses are excellent during the chillier months. However, one problem many people have with their greenhouse is stabilizing temperatures in the summer.
The evaporative cooling effect of a greenhouse water feature helps moderate temperatures, preventing excessive heat buildup and promoting a more favorable growing environment.
Air Quality Improvement
Fountains and waterfalls provide a continuous source of running water, which purifies the air by adding moisture to it. The tiny droplets of moisture adhere to dust and other irritants, removing them from the air.
Noise Reduction
The soothing sounds of trickling water masks unwanted noises, such as traffic or machinery, promoting a peaceful ambiance within the greenhouse.
Stress Relief
Water features have a calming effect on the mind and provide a therapeutic environment. The combination of fresh green plants and a greenhouse pond or water wall promotes relaxation and stress reduction.
Biodiversity
A water feature in the greenhouse attracts wildlife, such as birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects, contributing to a healthier.
By adding a greenhouse pond, the ability to grow a wide variety of aquatic plants becomes available. Water lilies, cannas, water hyacinths, elephant ears, and more can be grown in a pond year-round.
Increased Property Value
Incorporating a water feature in your greenhouse can enhance the value and desirability of your property, making it an attractive selling point for potential buyers.
Educational Opportunities
Water features offer a hands-on learning experience for kids, exposing them to water ecosystems and their hosts of frogs, bugs, and bacteria.
You can raise fish in a greenhouse pond as well. Koi, for example, make delightful pets and will help to fertilize the plants growing in and around the water.
Health Benefits
Being surrounded by nature and the soothing sounds of water has been shown to promote relaxation, reduce stress levels, and improve overall well-being.
Choosing the Right Water Feature for Your Greenhouse
When selecting a water feature for your greenhouse, consider the following factors:
Size and Scale
Choose a water feature that suits the available space and complements the design without overwhelming the plantings or using up too much space.
Maintenance Requirements
Consider the level of maintenance you’re willing to undertake. Some water features require more upkeep than others.
Environmental Conditions
Note the climate and temperature fluctuations in your area to ensure the water feature can withstand any extremes.
Budget
Lastly, and most importantly, set a budget for your water feature project, taking into account the cost of installation, materials, and ongoing maintenance.
Design Ideas for a Greenhouse Water Feature
If you’re not sure how a greenhouse water feature could be incorporated into you structure, here are a few ideas:
Pond with Waterfall
Create a picturesque scene by adding a small greenhouse pond with a gentle waterfall cascade. This design adds a tranquil atmosphere while allowing for aquatic plant growth and providing a water source for birds and beneficial insects.
Wall of Water
Install a vertical greenhouse water wall along one side of the greenhouse. This unique feature not only adds visual interest but also enhances the humidity levels inside the greenhouse, promoting healthy plant growth.
Fountains
Add a standalone water fountain as a centerpiece, providing a mesmerizing water display you can enjoy both inside and outside the greenhouse. Choose a fountain design that complements the overall aesthetics of the greenhouse.
Installation and Maintenance Tips for Greenhouse Water Features
A greenhouse water feature is a big investment of time and money. So, keep the following installation and maintenance tips in mind.
Installation Tips
First, check with your local building authority on whether you’ll need to get permits or file plans to install a greenhouse water feature.
Consider the location, accessibility, and any infrastructure needed, such as a water supply and drainage.
Ensure any wooden structures are properly sealed and waterproofed to prevent water damage.
If you’re uncertain about the installation process or the structural implications of a water feature, consult with a professional who can provide guidance and expertise.
Maintenance Tips
You’ll find there are several steps involved in keeping your greenhouse water feature clean and running smoothly.
- Maintain cleanliness by removing debris, fallen leaves, and algae growth. Use a net or skimmer to remove larger particles and consider using appropriate water treatments to control algae.
- Monitor the water quality regularly by testing pH levels and adjusting as needed to provide the optimal environment for both plants and any aquatic life.
- Inspect and clean the water pump regularly to ensure proper functioning and prevent clogging or mechanical issues.
- If you live in a region with freezing temperatures, take appropriate measures to winterize the water feature, such as draining the water, protecting pipes, and removing any sensitive plants.
Creating a Relaxing Oasis with a Greenhouse Waterfall
A greenhouse waterfall makes a stunning focal point that transforms your greenhouse into a tranquil oasis. The soothing sound of cascading water coupled with lush greenery creates a serene and calming environment.
Design Ideas
For a rustic and organic look, consider using natural stones to build your greenhouse waterfall. Use different sizes and shapes to create a cascading effect, allowing the water to flow down multiple tiers.
A sleek and modern approach is to incorporate a water wall into your greenhouse design. Construct a vertical structure using materials such as glass, stainless steel, or concrete.
Complement your greenhouse waterfall with a rock garden featuring various sizes and textures of rocks. Arrange them to create a natural-looking landscape. Integrate low-growing plants between the rocks, such as mosses or sedums to soften the rock garden.
Seating and Furnishing Ideas
Place a comfortable garden bench near the greenhouse waterfall, allowing you to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the water feature.
You can also create a cozy nook for relaxing by suspending a hammock or hanging chair in a corner of the greenhouse. This provides a spot to chill while listening to the soothing sounds of the waterfall.
Lighting
To enhance the ambiance of your greenhouse waterfall, consider incorporating appropriate lighting options:
Install submerged underwater LED lights in the water feature to create a magical ambiance during evening hours.
Use spotlights or uplights placed strategically to highlight the waterfall and surrounding plantings.
It’s important to ensure that any materials or furnishings you choose can withstand the high humidity inside the greenhouse. You’ll also need to ensure that any steps or paths will not become slipping hazards when covered with moisture.
Greenhouse Ponds: Bringing Nature Indoors
Greenhouse ponds are a wonderful addition that not only enhances the look of your greenhouse but also provides a habitat for wildlife. Here are some key considerations:
Native Plants
Incorporate native aquatic or moisture-loving plants into your pond to provide shelter, food, and breeding areas for local wildlife.
Fish and Amphibians
Introduce fish species and native amphibians to your pond, such as goldfish or koi. These can help control mosquitoes.
Wildlife Access
Design the pond with varying water depths and provide easy access points, such as shallow shelves or gentle slopes, to allow creatures like frogs, birds, and dragonflies to enter and exit the water easily.
How to Incorporate a Greenhouse Water Wall in Your Design
A wall of water for your greenhouse is a vertical water feature that integrates into the design of your greenhouse. Here are some benefits and considerations:
A water wall provides a larger surface area for evaporation, increasing humidity levels within the greenhouse and benefiting plants that require higher moisture levels.
A water wall serves as a striking visual element, transforming a wall with an uninspiring view onto the trash cans into a captivating focal point.
If floor space is limited in your greenhouse, a water wall is a more efficient use of space than a pond or fountain.
Ensure the greenhouse structure is capable of supporting the weight of the water wall and that proper drainage is in place.
If you have any concerns about size and structure, a freestanding fountain wall may be suitable.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Greenhouse Water Features
There are a few common problems with installing water features in your greenhouse, however, most are easily remedied.
- To control excessive algae growth, consider using algae treatments, maintaining proper water pH levels, and reducing direct sunlight exposure to the water.
- Prevent clogged pumps or filters by regular cleaning to ensure proper water circulation.
- Act on any water leaks by inspecting the water feature regularly and addressing any issues promptly to prevent damage to the greenhouse structure.
- Control pests by using preventive measures such as fish or mosquito dunks to control larvae populations.
- Prevent water evaporation by using a cover on your greenhouse pond during periods of excessive heat.
Conclusion
Adding a greenhouse water feature transforms it into a haven of beauty, serenity, and ecological harmony. From the aesthetic appeal and humidity regulation to the stress-relieving benefits and increased property value, a well-designed water feature offers numerous advantages. By carefully choosing the right water feature, ensuring proper installation and maintenance, and addressing common issues, you can enjoy the soothing sounds and visual delights of water while nurturing your greenhouse environment.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in November 2020 and has been completely updated.