I wish I could gatekeep, but I just spotted the chicest water fountain planter at QVC for a star price – I'm snapping one up for my garden ASAP
Add some Mediterranean cool to your garden
Patio water features have been a huge trend in small and large gardens this summer. Whether it's a DIY micro pond or a statement planter water fountain, these garden features have been taking over my Instagram feed.
However, as someone who doesn't have the budget for a £100+ water feature and loves the idea of a budget DIY alternative but lacks the execution skills, I've been hunting high and low to find an expensive-looking ready-made version under £100. Finally, this week I stumbled across a gem when scrolling through QVC: the Sara by Sara Davies Water Feature & Planter.
My curiosity was already piqued when I saw that the crafting queen and Dragon's Den star had launched an outdoor collection at QVC, but I was not prepared for how hard I'd fall for the £80 water feature and planter. I'm snapping the terracotta version up for my garden as soon as payday arrives.
The water feature comes in terracotta and blue, and is made up of two bowls stacked together, with a geometric design printed around the edges. The bottom bowl is the planter, which can be filled with trailing ivy, geraniums or even easy-to-care-for succulents for a more classic Mediterranean garden look.
The top bowl is the one filled with water, with a fountain mechanism running through it. When turned on, the fountain LED lights produce a gentle glow and the water bubbles gently through the top bowl.
It is a small water feature, it measures 38cm in diameter and 22cm tall, which makes it perfect for complementing small garden ideas, styled alongside a cluster of other containers. Alternatively, I love the idea of styling it on an outdoor coffee table or a side table to make it a bigger focal point on a patio. For a striking look, pair it with the matching Sara by Sara Davies Indoor Outdoor Geometric Pattern Side Table, £55 at QVC.
I have hunted around for similar water feature ideas, and as I said earlier, most versions on the high street that look as good as this one come in over £100. While you can make your own DIY planter fountain for under £80, it will still easily cost you £20 for just one similar-sized terracotta plant pot.
The biggest downside to the water feature is that it is mains-operated rather than solar-powered, with a 2m cable. That is actually a plus for my little north-facing garden, where I struggle to get enough sunlight to power my solar-powered garden lights.
However, if you don't have an outdoor mains supply or want to position it in the far corner of the garden, you are best off looking at one of these other water features I've found.
If you're not committed to the fountain element, this patio pond kit is the perfect, affordable way to add a water feature to your garden. It comes with 3 x Bare Root Rhizome Water Lilies and includes everything you need to set up the pond.
This solar powered water feature is the next closest affordable option I've found. There is no planting space, but it can still be beautifully styled alongside containers for a lush display.
If you prefer a more contemporary look, then this sculptural ball with a solar powered water fountain will be up your street.
I'm fully sold on the QVC planter water feature, but are you opting for a solar powered version instead?
