Making a Statement with an Urn Water Feature: Sandbox Series Part 1

LOCATION: Nanaimo BC  |  TYPE: Fountain | COMPLETED: 2024 | CLIENT: Private Residence | Budget: $5,000

A tall, textured stone urn water feature stands among large rocks and small gravel, making a statement amid fresh mulch, lush greenery, bushes, and a tree in the background.

Introduction

In the first installment of our Sandbox Series, we’re experimenting with different fountain “toppers” using the same AquaBasin 45 reservoir. Our goal? To demonstrate how a single setup can transform in multiple ways—each with its own vibe, sound, and visual impact. These are our most affordable water features.

For this initial phase, we chose a medium stacked-slate urn to create a bold statement. It’s the perfect solution for anyone looking to mask road noise, attract birds, or add a dramatic focal point to their outdoor space.

A large tree stands in a yard with dug-up soil and tools, including a shovel and rake, near a sandbox series urn water feature. A house, shrubs, and street with parked cars are visible in the background on a sunny day.

What's Possible?

Rather than tackling a homeowner’s specific request, this project is all about showcasing possibilities. If you love the idea of a show-stopping water feature, an urn can:

  • Provide an eye-catching centerpiece at your entrance or front garden.
  • Produce ample water sound, helping to mask traffic or neighborhood noise.
  • Attract birds and small wildlife, turning your yard into a mini oasis.
Two people lift a large black urn water feature into a hole in a yard, surrounded by dirt, tools, a red wheelbarrow, and a tree. Shadows stretch across the grass on a sunny day in this residential neighborhood statement scene.

Challenges:

We get a lot of questions from people who love the idea of a fountain but worry about water usage, upkeep, or whether it’s safe for birds.

  • Will it waste water?
  • Is it a lot of work?
  • Is it safe for the birds?

The great news is that the AquaBasin 45 is a recirculating system, so it reuses the same water, and top-offs for evaporation are minimal. Because the basin is tucked underground and out of direct sunlight, algae growth is naturally limited, which cuts down on maintenance. Plus, the gentle flow aerates the water, making it a welcoming spot for birds to splash without needing harsh chemicals. That means you can spend more time simply enjoying the soothing sound of running water, and less time worrying about chores.

A person kneels on the ground working in a garden area under a large tree, making a statement with their landscaping. Gardening tools, a green hand truck, and a parked car on the street are nearby.

Limitations of Other Fountains

We often hear from people who’ve tried a smaller, store-bought fountain with a tiny reservoir and low-flow pump. These fountains can work in theory, but because the reservoir isn’t buried and holds so little water, it usually needs frequent refills to prevent the pump from running dry. Plus, the exposed basin can stand out in the yard and collect algae more easily, leading to extra cleanings. By contrast, our approach uses an underground, 100-gallon AquaBasin, which keeps the water cooler, reduces algae growth, and blends seamlessly into the landscape—so you get a reliable, visually appealing fountain without the extra hassle.

A large ceramic urn water feature is lit by spotlights under a tree at night, making a statement amid rocks and greenery, with a quiet residential street in the background.

The Solution:

For this urn feature:

  1. Laid the Foundation: We prepped the site, leveled the ground, and installed the AquaBasin 45.
  2. Positioned the Urn & Boulders: We surrounded the urn with locally sourced boulders to create a natural, woodland look that ties into the existing tree and shrubbery.
  3. Optimized Water Flow: Dialed in the pump settings to achieve a distinctive water sound—enough to mask road noise, but not so powerful that it splashed beyond the basin.
  4. Nighttime Appeal: Added subtle under-lighting to showcase the urn after dark, creating a welcoming glow at the front of the property.
A garden scene with a large tree, a stone urn water feature, and a circular mulch bed surrounded by rocks. A white car, safety cones, and houses are visible in the background near the street, making a statement in this Sandbox Series setting.

The Results:

  • Curb Appeal: The stacked-slate urn immediately draws the eye, making a strong first impression.
  • Relaxing Ambiance: The pronounced water flow helps drown out street noise, allowing you to enjoy a more peaceful front yard.
  • Attracts Wildlife: The bubbling water quickly became a magnet for birds seeking a drink or quick splash.
  • Low Maintenance: With a basin that holds around 100 gallons, there’s minimal need for constant refilling, and the unit is easy to winterize when the seasons change.

Ready for Your Fountain?

If you want to add a striking focal point or bring the relaxing sound of moving water to your yard, we can help. Our expertise in natural water features—like urn fountains, spillway bowls, and pondless waterfalls—can transform your space. Ready to explore the possibilities? Give us a call or fill out our online form to schedule a quick phone consultation.

Get Started

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After

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