I've found that water features like ponds or fountains often cost much more than you'd think. The initial setup isn’t the only cost—there's ongoing maintenance, energy to run the pumps, and occasional repairs. These projects can get really expensive and time-consuming, especially if you're jumping in without any prior experience. Instead, you might want to consider adding a bird bath or a simple water bowl for wildlife, which can attract just as much interest to your garden without the hefty upkeep. For bigger projects, like retaining walls or extensive paving, I’d highly recommend getting an expert. It's not just about laying stones; things like drainage and foundation are key and can turn into a nightmare if they're not done right. Trust me, it saves a ton of stress (and potential back pain!) getting someone who knows what they're doing from the start.
What I have seen cause more headaches than it's worth, is when people take on a convoluted hardscaping project, particularly decorative rock beds, large patios using expensive materials or terraced retaining walls. They can be very expensive, very high maintenance and you can have long-term headaches like drainage problems or cracking. I have also had conversations in gardening chat forums, and a lot of people feel the same way - as lovely as they are initially, they do not deliver much value or enjoyment in the long run unless of course you are spending much more for the ongoing maintenance. That is why I always say to look at rates of return on investment and start with the more intelligent, low maintenance options: native plant landscaping, raised beds or even drip irrigation systems. You end up having the functionality, a touch of the aesthetics, sustainability, and will not go over budget. As for what you should not DIY, leave all electrical work, grading or heavy duty retaining structures to the professionals. The peace of mind and added safety is well worth it.