When it comes to landscape design, there are a few elements that can really bring a property to life. At GreenPro, one of our favorite elements to suggest to clients is a water feature. Whether a pond, a fountain, or a waterfall, a water feature can be a great way to upgrade your yard and add beauty and class to your outdoor living space.
When it comes to water features, there are a number of options to choose from. We’ve suggested a few of our favorites below; maybe these will give you some ideas for how to make your backyard living area a true oasis.
Go Big And Go Home
For homeowners with more living space, a large water feature can be a grand addition to your outdoor landscaping. A pond, pool, or fountain can help you create a backyard space you’ll enjoy for years to come. Not only can these types of water features create a strong central visual hook or gathering place for guests, but large water features – especially a tall waterfall made of stacked rocks – can give a sense of grandeur or create a sense of privacy. Looking for a calming, peaceful place to sit? Install a flowing stream (this is especially good for terrains that might be otherwise challenging).
Every Castle Needs a Moat
Every home is a castle, and one of the defining features of many castles? A moat! A backyard stream not only offers soothing sounds, but it also can provide a sense of privacy and seclusion – like having your own moat! Of course, homeowners don’t want their back yards to feel disconnected from the rest of the property, so be sure to include landscaping details like a bridge or stepping stones across your stream. It will add a sense of scale and scope, while also turning your backyard into a talking point, as well as providing a hint of adventure.
The Power of a Small Pond
Homeowners looking to unwind after a long day should consider adding a small pond to your backyard! Utilize landscaping elements like pebbles, stones, flowering plants, trees, and ferns around your pond to create a sense of natural beauty. These natural elements can help create a soothing backyard environment that feels rustic and rural, and many are easily available from local garden centers. (Many hardware stores have materials that you can use to build your own pond!)
Nothing Fishy About Koi Ponds
If you have the space and the resources, you may want to consider turning a section of your backyard into a tranquil koi pond. In most Japanese cultures, koi represent a material and spiritual abundance or advancement. (Feng shui, a spiritual form of placement of objects, says that having the spirit of the koi near you will attract good luck, fortune, and spiritual benefits.) Koi are relatively easy to care for; you just need to make sure your pond is large enough to allow them to grow and live comfortably. Koi also eat plants, so only add non-toxic greens to your pond, such as water lilies, water lettuce, or other floating plants.
Fall for a Pondless Waterfall
Homeowners who don’t have enough room for a pond or larger structure will often opt for a pondless waterfall, ideal for small backyards without much space. These waterfalls have pumps that circulate water back up through the fountain rather than simply collecting at the bottom, creating the same effect in half the space. In addition, pondless waterfalls are low maintenance and can be designed with stones, plants, and pebbles for a natural look.
Whatever your desire, GreenPro would be happy to work with you to create a water feature design that can integrate with your living space and create a beautiful effect. Give us a call; let’s get some good ideas flowing!