Imagine this: you're sitting on your patio and you hear the restful sound of cascading, bubbling water. This soothing sound is broken by the flip of a fin slapping the water's surface. You look up just in time to see the sun sparkle on the golden scales of a koi as it slips silently back into the water. The water lilies are just closing up for the day in your backyard oasis.

This is no dream. Whether you have a large lot or a small one, you can enjoy the wet and wonderful world of water gardening in your own backyard.

GETTING STARTED Locate a pond or water feature in your yard where you can sit and enjoy it—such as at patio's edge, near a window or outdoor eating area. Pick a sunny spot—one that receives at least four hours of sunlight a day—so that aquatic plants such as flowering water lilies can grow. Choose a site close to water and power sources.

THE ESSENTIALS A water garden is a small ecosystem with minimal needs. You start with water, of course. A pump system creates water movement and circulation which helps keep the water clean and clear. Some water gardens also feature filter systems. Underwater lights, a nice addition to any garden, allow you to enjoy your water garden after dark. Aquatic plants offer gardeners a whole new world of gardening and come in three types: floating, rooted in pots (such as water lilies or lotus), and marginals—which are plants that grow at the water's edge. A good mix of all three types offers an ever-changing garden of texture and flower. Add a few fish—goldfish or koi are good choices —and they'll work all season at snapping up insect larvae, keeping the water clean.

SOOTHING SOUNDS OF WATER The best feature of a water garden is the sound. Whether your garden is inground or above, a pump system allows you to enjoy the gurgling sounds of moving water all summer long.

TAKING THE DIVE Installing a water garden yourself is less expensive than hiring a professional, but should you do it? The answer may hinge on your budget. Hiring a professional is always a good idea if your pond setup requires running electrical cables or wires underground or installing high-voltage electrical devices for waterfalls or large fountains. It's also the best choice if you need to pour concrete for a raised pond. Plus, you should check local zoning rules to determine if you need to erect a fence around your water garden.