Water Features
By Steven Jay Porus
In landscape and garden design, a water feature is any of a full range of fountains, pools, ponds, cascades, waterfalls, and streams. Nothing can quite transform a landscape like a water feature. Whether it's a dramatic waterfall or a quiet pond, water works its magic on any garden, providing a focal point and soothing the soul. Moving water provides delightful background music and masks traffic noise.
There is an increasing range of innovative designs as the market becomes more established and people become more aware of the advantages of using solar power. These advantages include environmental benefits, no mains electricity in the garden, and free energy.
Pick the right location is extremely important. Avoid placing a pond beneath trees that will fill it with leaves and debris. Before excavating for a pond or similar water feature, check the location of utility lines. Scale, proportion, and style. should be in keeping with the house and grounds. Determine if your water feature will contain fish or plants. Still water is generally the most favorable for plants; moving water provides more oxygen for fish. If you intend to grow water plants, select a location that will receive at least five hours of direct sunlight a day.
Get a building permit if one is required. In some regions, a water feature that is deeper than 18 inches or that calls for electrical wiring or connection to home plumbing may demand a permit from your local building department.
