Landscape design is one of the fields which can use water based features extremely effectively to add beauty and ambiance to outside garden areas. Ponds, fountains and water features are three of the most common landscape elements we find that introduce the water element into outside areas.

Outdoor ponds are very relaxing and calming. On the surface of a garden pond you will find a still reflection of the sky like a mirror. With a gently blowing breeze the water will ripple quietly making intricate patterns as the waves stretch outward to the furthest reaches of the pond boundary, then softly return when they meet an obstacle. Colorful fish called Koi live beautifully in still ponds and these fish can live to be 70 years old. The bright and colorful scales of Koi represent good luck and wealth.

Water fountains use water just like ponds, but fountain are much more dynamic and exciting then ponds are. Water is pumped high into the sky or through elaborate garden sculptures and finds it’s way to the top of these artistic shapes and produces a waterfall as gravity pulls the water back towards the earth’s surface. Landscape fountains also have a great sound which we don’t find in ponds or other outdoor water features.

Many of the water features we see today are actually a combination of these two techniques, pond and fountain. It is a two step process, involving the construction of a pond to catch the water and the cascading structure itself the waterfall. The pond section will serve as a container which holds water and enables the fountain section to operate. A fountain will jet water into the air but in order to operate effectively most fountains need an adequate supply of water to draw from if the fountain is of any large size. This enables the feature to operate for a time without having to be refilled. Water evaporates quicker when in motion, especially in a waterfall situation, and needs a plentiful supply of fresh water to continue it’s beautiful display.

It’s always good to introduce some water features into landscape design. You should be committed to maintaining the balance and harmony of nature in your garden. People always have wonderful things to say about personalized, distinctive water features, unique outdoor living environments and creative garden designs. One of the best ways of getting the perfect garden is to hire a landscape architect. A landscape architect professional has training in the methods of fusing both natural elements and modern building materials to create a space for you which is both functional for modern living, yet flows with the relaxation and peacefulness one can gain only from nature. The yielding and fluid nature of the water element balances out other solid materials which are used to decorate a space. Water is also necessary for any garden, plant, or living thing so when we know water is near and plentiful we are reassured on an instinctual level that the area is well cared for and things will be ok on a very basic level.

Author Bio: A wide selection of outdoor water features are available.

Category: Gardening
Keywords: pond fountains, water features, landscape design, garden, water fountains, ponds