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My mom wants a water feature but needs something easy to maintain. Any suggestions?
ASKED BY: John of Bradford, OH
ASKED BY: John of Bradford, OH

My mom wants a water feature but needs something easy to maintain. Any suggestions?

A:  Sounds like mom has been bitten by the water gardening bug! Thanks to all the options available to budding pond hobbyists, she doesn't need to install a maintenance-heavy feature. She can find a simple-to-use one that's ideal for a small yard, patio or tabletop. It's easy to help her choose the perfect water feature. Simply ask her these questions:

1: Does She Want to Keep Fish?
If so, she'll need a water feature that has a pond to house fish as well as a filtration system to keep their water clean – and the AllClear Ecosystem Pond Kits are designed for hobbyists who want just that. They come in several sizes, but the 6-foot-by-11-foot kit creates a pond that's about 700 gallons, which is large enough for a few fish and a small waterfall. It includes fish-safe pond liner and underlayment, a pressurized filter, a waterfall filter, pump, tubing, waterfall foam, installation hardware and 12 packets of Nature's Defense. All she'll need is a little help digging the hole in her yard!

2: Does She Want a Waterfall but No Fish?
If a waterfall is her main wish, she won't need to get dirty digging a pond. She can try something self-contained, like the  Atlantic Colorfalls Basin Kit with Colorfalls Lighted Waterfall Weir. Basin Kits come in three sizes – 12 inches, 24 inches and 36 inches – and includes a Colorfalls Basin reservoir, a TidalWave 2 pump, splash mat, auto fill valve and installation kit. She can add some aquatic plants and choose a waterfall color for nighttime viewing. And talk about low maintenance: There's no filtration system to worry about. Easy peasy!

3: Does She Just Want the Sound of Bubbling Water?
If she's simply after the soothing sound of bubbling water, suggest something more decorative, like one of these Fountain Kits. These fountain kits add interest and appeal to any garden or patio. Simple to operate, adding a fountain is sure to be a show stopper. These easy-maintenance water features will transform your mom's yard or patio into a relaxing oasis that she'll love. But be warned: Once the water gardening bug bites, she'll be hooked – and asking for a larger pond in no time!