What to Put Around a Granite Water Feature

A well-designed landscape around your outdoor decor water feature doesn’t just complement it—it elevates the entire experience. The right combination of plants, hardscaping, and decorative elements can transform your water garden decoration from a simple focal point into a breathtaking oasis. Lush, moisture-loving plants like ferns and hostas soften edges and create a natural transition, while ornamental grasses add movement that mirrors the flow of water. For the finishing touch, subtle lighting highlights the water’s shimmer after dark, and a nearby bench or stepping stones invite you to pause and soak in the serenity. Whether you prefer a wild, natural look or a sleek, modern design, thoughtful landscaping ensures your garden decor water feature blends seamlessly into its surroundings while maximizing both beauty and function.

Plants (Softscaping)

Choose plants that complement water features while tolerating moisture:

A. Marginal (Water’s Edge) Plants:

Ornamental Grasses: Pampas grass, fountain grass

Bog Plants: Iris, cattails, papyrus

Ferns: Ostrich fern, Japanese painted fern

B. Surrounding Plants:

Evergreens: Boxwood, dwarf conifers (for year-round structure)

Flowering Perennials: Hostas, astilbe, ligularia

Ground Covers: Creeping Jenny, moss, sweet woodruff

C. Floating/Aquatic Plants (for ponds):

Water lilies, lotus, water hyacinth

Avoid: Trees with invasive roots (willow, silver maple) or heavy leaf drop.

Hardscaping & Decorative Elements

A. Natural Stone & Gravel:

River rocks, slate, or flagstone for a natural look

Pea gravel or crushed granite for drainage

B. Lighting:

Submersible LED lights (for underwater glow)

Solar path lights (to highlight surrounding plants)

C. Seating & Viewing Areas:

Stone benches, wooden Adirondack chairs, or a small patio

D. Wildlife Attractors:

Flat stones for butterflies & birds

Shallow areas for pollinators to drink

Functional Additions

Edging: Metal, stone, or brick borders to contain water runoff

Mulch: Cedar or rubber mulch (avoids washing into water)

Drainage: French drains if in a low-lying area

Pro Tips:

✔ Balance wet/dry zones – Don’t let plants overwhelm the water feature.
✔ Hide mechanics – Use rocks/plants to conceal pumps and tubing.
✔ Prevent algae – Add shade (with plants or a pergola) to limit sunlight.

Final Thoughts: Creating Your Perfect Water Feature Oasis

The right landscaping around your granite water feature transforms it from a simple installation into a harmonious natural retreat. By thoughtfully selecting plants, stones, lighting, and decorative accents, you create not just visual appeal but also a multisensory experience. With these design principles in mind, your granite garden decor water feature will become more than just a decorative element—it will evolve into a captivating focal point that delights the senses and elevates your entire landscape. Now go forth and create your own liquid masterpiece!

As a premier company of stone garden ornament, we specialize in providing exquisite garden ornamental decor from premium granite, basalt, and natural stone. Our custom design service brings your unique vision to life.

Would you like to enhance your outdoor space with these elegant stone water features? Experience the tranquil beauty and sophisticated craftsmanship of our collection today!

For more information about our products and services, please visit our website at www.magicstonegarden.com. 

Written by Adeline Shi