Water Features

Water Features are a great addition to any garden or outdoor entertaining space. They evoke a sense of calm and relaxation. Water features can take on many different forms such as a formal fountain or a natural looking water fall and pond. Choosing the right location for your water feature is crucial and below are some key elements in helping you determine all of the above.

With a water feature or any type of enhancement to the landscape you want to be sure your keeping an affiliation between the architecture of the home, the naturally existing elements as well as your personal style. There are many different types of water features.

Architectural style water features are usually geometric in shape and include an array of sculptural fountains, wall fountains or reflecting ponds. A sculpture fountain is one that is commonly used in European style landscapes or more formal settings.

The opposite of that is to mimic what you see in nature with a waterfall, babbling brook or pond. A natural water feature can be created by using a few different types of stone. You want to be sure and chose a hard stone like fieldstone or trap rock and to make it look more natural, use a variety of 12-36” sized boulders. Incorporating pockets for water plants helps soften the look of the rocks and makes it look more indigenous.

Choosing the right location for a water feature is pivotal. If you’re going with a natural water feature first determine if there are any existing elevation changes on your property that will suit a waterfall or stream. If your property is flat, we can always create elevation by bringing in soil and manipulating it so it looks as natural as possible or offer other suggestions such as a bubbling rock which doesn’t need elevation yet still looks natural. I think it’s fun to bring a pond up close to a patio or sitting area; it makes you feel like you’re a part of nature and it creates a cool spot to lounge on a hot sunny day. You want to keep in mind not only views from outdoor entertaining areas but the views from inside the house as well.

I was recently in Mexico where we traveled to a remote location just to see a waterfall. I think the fact that people travel far and wide to see these spectacular forms of nature is so telling of the true power of water. Running water represents healing and serenity and is an interactive part of the landscape. Implementing a water feature in the landscape creates a dominate focal point and destination spot. In addition to being focal point water features can also make a connection to a pool or spa.

Water features in any shape or form add a unique element to an outdoor room or garden. Creating a natural looking waterfall and pond is challenging and is one landscape element that I would strongly recommend getting professional help with. Contact our design team at Pine to Prairie for a consultation that will change the way you look at your property.