• A runnel is a narrow channel through which water flows.water feature in garden image by green308 from Fotolia.com
  
  A water feature can transform a boring backyard into a showcase. Water features are not just limited to fountains and ponds, though you have plenty of leeway when it comes to building those. When you are choosing a location, consider whether you wish to be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of your water feature from inside the house.
  
  

Recirculating Waterfall

• Pumps let you create a waterfall--circulating the water over and over--even if your garden is miles away from the nearest natural water supply. A waterfall is an excellent water feature to place near your bedroom, because the sound of consistently falling water can help you fall asleep.
  
  

Container Garden

• A very small backyard can still enjoy water features. A series of terracotta, glazed clay, stone or glass containers filled with plants such as water lettuce, parrot feather, water fern and water snowflake can enhance the backyard even if that "yard" is only the size of your apartment terrace.
  
  

Creative Fountains

• A pond with a fountain allows you to stretch the limits of your creativity. The pond can be surrounded by stones, wood timbers, rocks or landscaping plants. The fountain can flow freely through just about anything that is hollow. Let your imagination guide you toward taking something you already own and showcasing it as the featured attraction in your water design. Fountain water can project from just about anything, from old musical instruments to heavy-duty boots.
  
  

Runnel Divider

• A runnel is the name given to a small channel through which water flows. An interesting idea is to build a runnel that bisects your patio or that passes between two decks, which you connect with a bridge.
  
  

Stepping Stones

• If you already have a water supply, decorate it with stepping stones. Set concrete blocks beneath the surface of the water so that round concrete stepping stones can be placed top them. Adhere the stones to the blocks with mortar and sink the entire structure when the mortar has solidified.
  
  

Wall Ornaments

• A backyard fence can play a part in your water feature. You can attach a series of hanging birdbaths along the wall. You could also attach a wall-mounted fountain that spits water down into a pool, using a pump to keep it moving. If you want to be more extravagant, replace the pool with a decorative cistern.
  
  

Bamboo Water Garden

• Bamboo chutes can be incorporated into the water feature to give it Oriental feel. Try creating an almost Rube Goldberg-esque where the weight of the water filling up a chute causes it to dip down and pour water into another chute.
  
  

Modern Art Fountain

• Create a modern art sculpture by making a fountain out of concrete blocks and boulders. Drill holes in the concrete blocks and insert the fountain pipe through it.