This is a guest post from Aquascape's website. Click here to read the article on their website.
You're finally taking the plunge. You've decided you want the soothing sound of water in your landscape but aren't sure where to begin. Start by asking yourself, "What made me think about adding a water feature in the first place?"
Maybe you were on vacation and enjoyed lounging by the lake or ocean. Perhaps you visited a shopping center and were drawn to the sound and beauty of a fountain where you could rest your weary feet. Or maybe you were thumbing through the pages of a magazine and saw photos of children interacting with fish in a pond, and you envisioned your family enjoying time spent with Mother Nature.
Your intent for adding water to your landscape will be the first step in helping you determine what type of water feature to install. If you envision hours of interaction with nature, an ecosystem pond with fish and plants is in order. If you want to enjoy the sound of running water while sitting on the deck or patio, then a Pondless® Waterfall will suit your needs. Or maybe you're thinking of enhancing your home's curb appeal, in which case a stylish fountain near the entrance to your home will do the trick. You can select four basic types of water features for your home.
Ecosystem Pond
An ecosystem pond comprises five essential elements that work together to balance the system so that your water garden is genuinely a low-maintenance experience.
- Filtration
- Circulation
- Rocks and Gravel
- Aquatic Plants
- Fish
You can hire a Certified Aquascape Contractor to install your water garden or purchase a pond kit if you want to do it yourself. Large or small, you will enjoy watching your colorful fish swim in your new pond.
Pondless Waterfall
Pondless® Waterfalls are simply re-circulating waterfalls and/or streams without a pond. You can tuck them into a small space, like an unused corner near the front door. Or you can create a more expansive waterfall and stream that twists and turns its way through your backyard, inviting you to explore more. You can purchase a DIY kit to install your waterfall or hire a professional to do it for you.
Fountainscape
Fountains are the perfect way to add a splash of water to your landscape! Typically found in kits, they come in various styles and sizes and can be installed in just a few hours. If you love the sound of water in the garden, a fountain is your perfect beginning. Place it in the middle of a garden bed for the birds to enjoy, tuck it next to a patio or window to enjoy the soothing sound, or place it by the front door to greet friends and visitors. The options are almost endless.
Patio Pond
Interested in testing the waters of owning a pond? A container water garden is a great place to start! Patio Ponds can be placed anywhere, allowing you to enjoy small fish and aquatic plants. Add a small fountain, and you'll enjoy the added benefit of the soothing sound of water! A patio pond is easily assembled in no time and provides unique beauty for you to enjoy.
As you consider your water feature options, you'll find your space and budget will also define the type of feature that's best for your lifestyle. A fountain or Pondless® Waterfall can be tucked into any corner of your landscape, whether at the heart of an English knot garden or in the midst of perennial flowers for birds and butterflies to enjoy. Water gardens with fish and plants can be small or expansive, with multiple waterfalls and streams. Add a bridge or stepping stones to provide up-close viewing vantages.
The options for adding a water feature to your landscape are almost limitless. You'll surely find the solution that suits your needs and lifestyle for refreshing your landscape with a beautiful water feature.
