There are a lot of “things” to consider when adding a water feature to your landscape. First, what type of feature do you want? Will it be an Ecosystem Pond with fish and plants, a Pondless Waterfall, or a low maintenance Fountainscape? The second thought might be WHY do I want a water feature – or – WHY wouldn’t I want a water feature? After the initial excitement wears off, you might start thinking… How do I build a water feature? Although these are good things to think about… they are not the most important to consider.
Once you have decided to make your best landscape decision yet and are ready to move forward with installing a water feature, you need to consider these three things…. Location, Size, and Plants. No matter what type of water feature (Pond, Waterfall,or Fountain) you are going to add to your landscape you need to think heavily on these three things. Where you put your feature matters. How big or small your feature is matters. The plants you put in and around your feature matter. These decisions could make or break your overall landscape design.
Location, Location, Location…. where is the best place to put my water feature? Easy answer, where will you use it the most? Often times we think the “best” place to put the feature is out back, in the wet part of the yard, where there is a natural depression in the yard, where the pool used to be, where there is an empty space, etc. Besides the fact that there is more work to get water and power “out back”, it is unlikely that you spend your time in these places. Where you spend the most time in your yard is where your feature should be. After the initial excitement wears off, you are not going to want to walk out back and stand to watch your fish. You won’t see the moving water from your dining room table or kitchen window. You may catch a glimpse.
Fountainscapes and pondless waterfalls are great outside the front door. You will see it every time you come home. Your neighbors will get to enjoy seeing the splash. The neighborhood dogs will love it! Along with fountainscapes and pondless waterfalls, ecosystem ponds are best located just off the back patio. You can hear the running water when you open your bedroom window, kitchen window, through the screen door, or when you are hanging out on your patio. You will be able to see the water and fish when you are out eating dinner next to your pond or hosting a neighborhood party. The water feature is best placed where people already congregate.
There are some exceptions to this… there always are! If you are looking to create a “destination” and plan to incorporate a siting area, viewing areas, patio space, and an overall draw to this destination then it makes sense. Not everyone’s yard and lives are set up the same. The best place for your feature, is where you will get the most out of it!
You found the perfect place for you feature, now how BIG do you go? Is this a budget question, how much can I afford? Can a feature be to big, can it be to small? These answers are all situational. Each one of your designs, budgets, and needs will be different. If your feature is “out back” you may want to have an XL fountainscape just to see it. (bring it closer… say next to your patio… and that is not an issue). You want a pond but the space between your deck and fence is only 5’x5′. The simple answer is, do what makes the most sense for the long run. Don’t shove a small pond in the corner. You are going to want it bigger next year.
There is a common saying in the water feature industry “The average consumer has three water features in their lifetime. The first, bigger, and the biggest”. This is proving the point that often times there are factors affecting our decisions today that we will regret tomorrow. A small budget for a pond today may result in a rebuild in 10 years. That is OKAY! We cannot change what we have or can afford today. I am just imploring you to ask yourself “Will I want it bigger tomorrow?” or even “is this to big for the space I have?”.
The best answer regarding the size of your feature can come from an industry professional. Landscape architects and water feature designers have a keen eye for how much space a pond, waterfall, or fountain need to nestle perfectly into the surrounding landscape. If you are tackling this alone, do what feels right. Leave space for accent boulders, plants, and empty spaces!
Last, but not least…. PLANTS. These are so important, they deserve their own article…………Sorry!
William Adams
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