Bridge Waterfall

• A tiny urban backyard with a northern exposure is a challenge for a gardener. Solve the problem by decking the yard around two pools connected by a boulder rock garden and a waterfall. When the deck is on two levels, the higher one is the site of one pond with a spillover that flows through the rocks and over a ledge to fall into the lower pond. Both ponds are part of the same channel below where a reservoir and pump supply the action for the falls. The tiers keep a bland space with few flowers from becoming boring, and a few tough green plants tucked among the rocks provide the illusion of a garden.
  
  

Slopes and Slants

• When the backyard is uneven terrain, use it for a natural-looking waterfall. Don't level the space. Instead create streams that end in a pond and pile flat stones and boulders along the incline to make a series of waterfalls as the water flows downstream. Be sure to line the stream bed with stones, edged with ferns and ground cover, to discourage erosion. Create a final waterfall as the stream reaches the pond and let it sheet over a large, flat rock to fall musically into a pool of water hyacinth and goldfish.
  
  

Pocket Falls

• In a small backyard with an even smaller budget, build a charming waterfall that takes up very little room. Sink a pre-formed pond basin into the yard, oriented so the pond and falls will be visible from the house. Build up large rocks, small boulders and flat stones in a heap, running a water hose from a pond pump up the back of the pile. Plant the rock pile with a variety of grasses, low green foliage and flowering ground cover. Then send water tumbling over the rocks and directly down into the pond. The angle can be steep if the pond holds a few hardy plants but no fish. That makes it easier to clean and less expensive to set up as well.
  
  

White Noise Falls

• Borrow an idea from an urban oasis and make your neighbors disappear. A park between skyscrapers in Manhattan features a waterfall wall, a patio and bistro tables for relaxing or snacking. The space seems far removed from the noisy city around it, and the same strategy will work in your yard. Sink a reservoir at the foot of a cement wall with a trough of smooth decorative stones to catch the water and channel it to the hidden basin below. Pump the water up to the top of the wall where a rock shelf hides the delivery pipe. Let water spill over the shelf, down the wall and into the trough to be re-circulated. The waterfall sounds mask the presence of the people next door, and the falling water provides a cool respite for al fresco dining on hot summer evenings.