Waterscaping
By Rebecca Stott-Savage
I have recently undertaken a new, perhaps slightly daunting, project in my backyard. Last year I concentrated on landscaping my property. I think everyone is fairly familiar with this concept. Landscaping is the process of designing and planting. This can include mulches and soils, perennials and annuals, ornamental grasses, even decorative rocks or patio stones. In my own backyard, I have dipped my toes in some of these categories while diving head first into others. So, with the landscaping taken care of I have decided to focus on something different this spring; waterscaping.
Waterscaping is, as the name suggests, designing with water. Waterscaping can typically involve anything from rainwater harvesting; to fountainscapes to pondless waterfalls; to ecosystem ponds; to even advanced ponds. For my backyard I have chosen to build a small pond with a two-tiered water fall and I cannot wait to share pictures of the finished product.
In the meantime, I would like to share what I have learned about waterscaping with you so that you can enjoy the process of designing with water as much as I have.
Rainwater Harvesting – the collecting of run-off water from a structure or other impervious surface in order to store it for use later. This can be as simple as placing a rain barrel at the bottom of a downspout or as elaborate as using large cisterns to power your household. The latter is a viable technology in many urban settings around the globe. Roughly : 1,000 sq ft of roof yields aprox. 700 gallons of H2O from just 1inch of rain.
Fountainscapes - generally refers to container water gardens. It can be a bucket, a barrel or a tub. Anything that holds water can make a great “starter pond”. Container water gardens usually contain minimal aquatic life. They may have a lotus plant or a pigmy water lily, but do not generally involve fish like goldfish or koi. Consider the water volume and depth of the container as well as the water temperature before adding goldfish to your container. Some mosquitos lay eggs in stagnant water so it’s probably a good idea to include a small pomp. This will also add a nice sound to your deck or patio. Bubbling rocks and urns and standalone fountains are other possible fountainscape ideas.
Ponds (including ecosystem ponds) - add great value to any property. Waterfront properties are the most coveted on the market. Instead of moving, why not bring the water to you. The sound of water will drown out background noise, will add aesthetic appeal to your landscape and can even improve your mental and physical health. Ecosystem ponds are a great way for children to learn about environmental sustainability. Ponds attract birds, butterflies and frogs. And it is a maintenance-free home for your children’s first pet. I think fish are much happier in a pond than in an aquarium.
I found this website very informative : http://www.pond.com/how-to-build-a-pond. The pictures are particularly helpful. It addresses everything that you would need to know about building a pond. You’ll learn about what kind of liner to use , how to use a filter how to handle algae buildup etc.
Tom’s Eldon Landscaping offers a few aquatic plants. We have practical plants and eye-pleasing ones. Pop by the nursery to see our Parrot Feathers, Water Hyacinth, Bacoba and Water Lilies. We also have fantastic plants for landscaping around your pond, including beautiful Elephant Ears; Azaleas; Viburnum; Calla Lilies; Agapanthus and Hemerocallis. We also have a wide variety of trees and ornamental grasses that accentuate a pond quite nicely.
Good luck and remember to check back for pictures of my finished pond. In the meantime, here is a photo of a pond that Tom's Eldon Landscaping built and landscaped here in Stratford a few years ago:
