Aquatic 2000 Blog

Water gardens can be found in suburban, city and rural communities, but are they for aesthetics or function? Long before water gardening became popular for raising fancy koi or ornate goldfish, they were used for function. Including a water feature in a courtyard garden or within the typical framework of a home has been practiced by landscapers and engineers for centuries.

During the recent batch of extreme heat and temperatures rising well into the 90s, I watched my neighbor use the water from his garden hose to cool the air entering his house.  He took advantage of his front door facing west and western winds by anchoring his garden hose to a column of his house with a rope so that the water sprayed just past the first step of his front door.  Water cooled the air entering his home, giving him an alternative to the constant drone of an air conditioner and spinning electric meter. I sighed and wondered why I hadn’t thought of that first.

3 Benefits of an Indoor Water Garden:

Adds humidity to a home in the cold, dry winter

Helps keep a home cool in the summer

Brings the beauty of nature into a home

Indoor water features can be built using the same materials as koi ponds, garden ponds or even Formal Falls features.

Water Gardens: Ponds and water gardens have always been popular in America’s backyards. Those that are seeking to add a pond to their yard are requestiong more areas for aquatic plants in the pond as well as areas deep enough to over-winter koi and goldfish.

Pond-Less Waterfalls: Pond-less waterfalls, or cascading falls, are waterfalls that disappear into a bed of gravel before being re-ciruclated back to the top of the waterfall. We’ve recently noticed trends in slower moving water, streaming down the falls rather than crashing down. The slower moving falls are more peaceful and gradual with shallow areas for wildlife to safely drink from.

Bubbling Fountains: Bubbling fountains are becoming very popular due to their low maintenance and low cost. Bubbling fountains could be a boulder with ahole bored through it in which water is pushed through, or a series of holes wihtin a rock/boulder. Ceramic vases have also been popular designs due to their vibrant colors.

Rock Column Fountains: Rock column fountains are also popular du to their low maintenance, but because of their larger size can be slightly more expensive than a bubbling fountain. Rock columns are typically installed in sets of 3 near each other. The water disappears into a bed of gravel where it is re-circulated back to the columns.

Sheet Waterfalls: without a doubt sheet waterfalls are the most popular water features lately. This is due in part to the popularity of outdoor living spaces incorporating blocks and bricks. The most popular styles is the formal falls. The formal falls waterfall system is installed into a block wall and creates a beautiful, clean waterfall appearance. Formal falls also come with LED lights so viewing at night is exceptional.

I’m sure you will enjoy whichever water feature you choose while you are relaxing with your favorite beverage listening to the beautiful sounds around you.

Not all water features have to include a huge pond in your backyard or an 8-foot waterfall cascading over a mountain of rocks. If you are in situation where the only garden space you have consists of a 5 foot square, there is still an option. Waterwalls, birdbaths, or even rock ponds are a great idea for your small space.

1. Water fountains/ Water walls:

Water fountains may seem like they only come in the “middle of a shopping mall” size, but it’s just not true. Water fountains can be many shapes and sizes and there are even ones that can be put on a wall, or a water wall. (Check out What is a Water Wall?) Waterwalls are great because they can add the essence of having a water feature in your house, even if you don’t have a foyer big enough for a 6-foot water fountain. Another option is to check with your aquatic designer and see what type of fountain he can create with your space.

2. Miniature Ponds:

Did you know that you can have a pond in your backyard that’s a mere 3 feet wide and 2 feet deep? Well, if you have a smaller backyard and still want a nice bit of water, a miniature pond is the way to go. They can create and ambience of your local park’s pond, without all of the upkeep and random people throwing bread at birds. You can even create a rock garden around the pond with different types of foliage to really add some spice. It’s advised to check with a professional before just digging a hole in your backyard. They can also help with choosing where to place the pond and they have extensive knowledge about what types of lilies or fish to add.

3. Bird Baths:

If you are hoping to have some feathery friends join you in on your water-feature fun then I would suggest looking into getting a bird bath. Bird baths are great because you are guaranteed to have some bird life in your backyard and nothing is better than waking up on a Sunday morning, with your coffee in hand, watching colorful creatures fly around and dance in the water. Again, just like with the other water features, you can of course buy them from the store, but if you are looking for something a little more original or to fit a specific spot in your yard, don’t hesitate to call an aquatic designer.

4. Japanese Water Gardens:

If you have a bigger backyard but still don’t want anything too daunting or overwhelming, a Japanese water garden is the way to go. Since these water gardens signify peace and tranquility, there is very little flowing water, or sometimes not at all. No need for a large waterfall here. The key is to keep it simple. Create a pond with rock accents and a combination or flora and fauna. Bamboo and bonsai trees add a great traditional touch, but don’t feel like you need to be tied down to these two only. This is your garden. It is your place for tranquility, so enjoy the types of plants that make you feel at ease.

5. Rock Ponds/Rock Gardens

Rock ponds are similar to miniature ponds, but with an added emphasis on rocks being the main focus. This really allows you to become creative with the landscape you have and the design you create with the rocks. Rock gardens tend to have less water or no water at all. They can be used to decorate a walkway or accentuate a pre-existing water feature — maybe a rock garden around your birdbath! Either way, rock ponds and rock gardens are great because you can mix different types of rocks (either real or artificial) with a variety of plants to really create your own backyard oasis. Even if it is only the size of a storage unit.

Well, the technical definition is a basin where a sheet of water comes down. Doesn’t sound so cool, right? But think of it as having a little piece of Yosemite in your home, your very own waterfall. Now that sounds awesome.  It not only has a calming sound but it’s also like having a natural piece of art. Why have a blank wall with a single movie poster you’ve kept since your dorm days when you can spruce up any white wall with something intriguing and artistic? I know which I would choose. And the great thing about water walls is that they can be custom designed for your space.
Another benefit of a water wall is its presence in a work environment. Not only can it be pleasing for your clients when they walk in your office, it also keeps the work environment calm and collected. And it will also be able to cancel out any outside noise that may keep you from a productive work day.
Water walls also come in a variety of sizes.

No need to worry if you don’t have the space for something like these:

You will still make an impact with a smaller version, like this:

So, if you are debating what to do with a wall in your house or need a more calming environment at work, consider a water wall. They are unique, fun and can be customized for any decorating tastes.