Water, water everywhere
When considering the installation of a water feature as part of a landscape design it is important to decide at the outset how much maintenance the feature is going to require.
Where low maintenance is a requirement, it is best to install one that looks after itself. This is achieved by creating an ecosystem in the pool whereby the system is in balance, where fish, invertebrates and plants all live in harmony. To achieve this you will need water plants and fish such as goldfish and guppies. Koi (or carp), while they look very nice, should be avoided unless a biological filtration system is added, as they will feed on and damage the water plants.
Water plants are amongst the most spectacular plants in the tropics and include the beautiful water lilies and lotus. Both of these plants require large bodies of water for best display. Plants such as Thalia,Sagittaria, water lettuce and water hyacinth can be used in smaller ponds.
If plants are not introduced into a water feature, pumps and filtration will have to be used to maintain water quality. That is unless you're fortunate to have a natural stream passing through your property.
There is no limit to the creative possibilities with water features, especially if pumps are introduced.
Reflection pool
If you want to reflect an object or a series of objects in a pool of water ensure the base of the pool is dark, preferably black. Any lighting should be directed at the objects to be reflected and not at the water.
Still water pool
If you want to view objects in the water a still water pool can be created. Disturbing the surface would impart a dynamic quality to the submerged surface. Lighting should be directed at the objects in the water from within the water to avoid surface reflection.
Fountains
Water features, as well as producing a myriad of visual effects, will also serve to condition air temperature. This is particularly the case with features that produce spray, which contributes to increased evaporative cooling.
Waterfalls and cascades
These have become common elements in contemporary landscape design. Their advantages are that they take up little space and they are highly visible with the water often at eye level and they provide a great focal point to an outdoor space.
As with the design of any feature scale is critical to the success of a design. The landscape is a large canvas to design on and water features are often hopelessly out of scale.
Also don't forget to consider the sound of the feature. A water feature can strongly define the audible character of a space. A calm and serene character can be created or one of excitement and drama depending on the way water is used.
Contact Andrew Folland : equatorialdesign@yahoo.com
