BY SIMONE PAGET
A water feature can enhance your garden’s esthetic — and your mood.
In a world where urban landscapes often overshadow the natural beauty surrounding us, adding a water feature to your outdoor space is a great way to bring a dose of Mother Earth into your yard. From captivating floating gardens and gurgling vanishing streams to refreshing backyard swimming ponds, these elements create a unique environment — and a vibe — all on their own.
Listening to the splash of a waterfall, watching the movement of a stream and observing all the life attracted to a natural ecosystem water feature “brings balance and zen into the ambience of a space,” says Noah Naccarato, owner and operator of Zen Waterscapes.
In addition to creating a soothing focal point in your outdoor space, the presence of water has other benefits.
“Negative ions are created from rushing water, released into the air, and will improve a person’s mood by increasing serotonin,” says Naccarato.
Even if you live in a small space with limited outdoor square footage, you can still take advantage of the calming effect a small water feature provides.
“Water features are scalable from homes on acreage to small condo patios,” says Scott Stevenson of Van Isle Water.
When selecting a water feature, here are a few factors to consider.
The ideal environment for a water feature does not get too much sun, doesn’t have to be shut down in the winter, and has minimal debris from above.
Interaction and maintenance
There’s no shortage of options when it comes to water features, but there are a few guideposts to know which direction to go.
“A homeowner should consider how they want to interact with it, maintenance requirements, space available for the water feature and the budget they have to put towards it,” says Nacarrato.
Nacarrato encourages homeowners to be realistic about their lifestyles and schedules. For example, if you’re comfortable with some maintenance, a fish pond with aquatic plants can be a stunning addition to an outdoor space. However, if you’re looking for an option that requires less upkeep, Nacarrato suggests a pondless waterfall that provides the wow factor without the upkeep.
It’s also worth considering whether the feature is ornamental or serves a secondary function — for the surrounding ecosystem or its guests. Recreational ponds, which act as natural swimming pools, have risen in popularity on the Island.
“Similar to small ecosystem ponds, a rec pond is designed to work with nature, rather than against it,” says Naccarato. “This means natural and mechanical filtration that keeps the pond clean and clear without the negative effects and balancing of pool chemicals. Imagine having a personal lake in your backyard.”
The environment
The ideal environment for a water feature does not get too much sun, doesn’t have to be shut down in the winter to avoid freezing and has minimal debris from above. That last part is more important than you may think.
“If there is a significant amount of trees or greenery in the area that will create a large volume of debris in the water feature, then a pondless waterfall or a fountain feature will handle the debris more efficiently,” says Naccarato.
Your water feature should also blend cohesively with the pre-existing landscape. That means considering if you’re angling for a wildscape or something more polished.
“If the yard has a natural feel, then a formal feature may look a bit foreign when installed,” says Stevenson.
Placement and scale
In addition to considering the surroundings, it’s important to choose a water feature that’s well suited to the size of your backyard or garden.
“The scale should be appropriate for the overall landscape plan,” says Stevenson. This means choosing a set-up that creates a focal point without overwhelming your outdoor space.
Placement is everything. To get the most out of your water feature, Stevenson suggests making sure the feature is placed in an area where one can easily enjoy it from a vantage area — that adds value inside or out.
Patience
Making your water feature dreams come true takes time.
“Even the most simple water features can have a lot going on under the hood,” says Stevenson.
A realistic timeline will need to be factored into the overall investment of the project. Whether you’re craving an understated zen accent or a large-scale swimming pond, a team of professionals can help create a beautiful outdoor focal point meant to enchant the senses.
“As humans, we are transfixed by moving water,” says Stevenson. “No one goes outside and sits in a lawn chair to stare at their hedge.”
