Incorporating a Water Feature Into Your Garden
Snohomish Water Feature
There is something very soothing about the sound of water. This Snohomish, WA garden features a large stream and pond as the focal point of the garden and home. For the homeowner the decision to incorporate a water feature into the garden was an easy one. The existing slopes and open space gave way to many possibilities. This particular water feature was designed and created to have a natural look and feel to fit into the landscape. The water feature provides not only an aesthetic appeal but the soothing sound of the water and perfect setting to gather and enjoy the surrounding nature.
Water can be incorporated into the garden in many ways. When deciding whether or not to incorporate a water feature into your garden there are a lot of things to consider. The first is to determine what you want to accomplish with the water feature, whether it be to create a focal point, drown out surrounding noise, a place for dogs or children (and adults) to play, to attract wildlife, raise fish, or just bringing the element of water into the garden.
Snohomish water feature before
The next determining factor is site. How much space do you have to devote to a water feature? In the case of the Snohomish project they had ample room to have as large of a water feature as they wanted while also considering something too small could be dwarfed by the scale of the large site. There are many types, sizes and styles creating infinite possibilities. For small spaces there are options like bubbling urns or rocks, formal fountains, and small waterfall features. Materials for creating features can range from natural stone to concrete, glass, and even metal. The style of water feature you are drawn towards is the driver behind the design, material and overall composition of the feature whatever it may be.
Maintenance… This biggest question that everyone has when it comes to water features. It is a very common misconception that all water features are high maintenance. The good news; if constructed right and properly maintained water features are not high maintenance. Proper installation to ensure the feature does not leak is the first step (although a no brainer- not always the case). The equipment installed with the water feature is the primary determining factor on whether or not the feature will be a high maintenance fixture in your garden. We design water features into gardens to create a soothing serene ambiance with the sound of water increasing the quality time you want to spend in the garden. Water features should help you relax and relieve stress not create stress and more work for you.
Fire pit and patio to gather by the water feature
The key components to an enjoyable water feature are: water circulation, filtration and decontamination, and water level
Submersible water feature pump
Every water feature will have a pump. The pump provides the water circulation. Proper water circulation is very important to the health of the feature as stagnant water breeds unwanted algae and mosquitos. The size of the pump is very important to ensure that the water has enough movement. The most commonly used type of pump is a submersible, meaning that it is installed under water. There is a small filter screen on the bottom of some submersible pumps, this should be the last means of water filtration. Debris and dirty water will reduce the life of a pump.
The most commonly used and simplistic filtration device is a skimmer.
Skimmer for water feature
Filtration through a skimmer is primarily an element found only in larger features as small or pondless features simply do not have the space or water surface needed. A skimmer is a means of mechanical filtration the pulls the surface water and debris into it and traps the debris in a series of nets and filters before the water reaches the pump. Skimmers collect debris such as leaves and needles as they fall on the water surface and traps it before it is able to fall to the bottom and start to decompose. For large features there are additional types of filtration such as sand and cartridge filters available but not as common in residential applications.
The next step to water clarity is decontamination. This can be done through chlorinators, UV lights, or chemical and biological water additives. Chlorinators and most chemical additives cannot be used on features with fish. There are many options but the objective of them all is to eliminate unwanted contaminants. The Snohomish feature has a UV light because they plan to add fish to the feature.
Water level is also important to not only the health of the water but the continuing function of the equipment and the amount of attention needed to maintain the feature. If the water level is allowed to drop too low the pump can run out of water and burn up and shallow water can get warm in summer months creating a breeding ground for algae and bacteria. Ideally if you have an irrigation system an autofill line will be installed to maintain the level of the water. This works by using a mechanical or electrical valve that turns on when the water falls below a set level. It is important to remember that the irrigation system is usually turned off in the winter and you will need to add water manually.
Fall leaves
Image by Gary Richardson
Now that you know more than you wanted about the equipment, to answer the question of how much time you will spend maintaining your water feature. Typical routine maintenance will involve cleaning the filters in the skimmer of debris and checking the pump and any additional equipment. The frequency that a skimmer needs to be cleaned is dependent on the surroundings but usually every few weeks unless there are a lot of surrounding trees or it is fall. A complete flush out of the feature is usually only needed every other year or so as long as the skimmer is checked often. If the skimmer is allowed to get too full it will not catch as much debris and more debris will collect in the bottom of the feature. Depending on your location and the winter conditions winterization of a feature is sometimes needed but most features in Western Washington can be run year round.
Snohomish water feature
Water features provide the soothing sound of water and ones like this Snohomish water feature give us a feeling of being closer to nature. Wandering the pathway around this water feature gives multiple views and experiences along the feature much like a natural stream in the woods. There is so much enjoyment that a water feature, large or small, can provide integrated into your garden. Why not add a water feature to your garden and see for yourself?
Organized under Design Style, Garden Maintenance, Garden Tips & Advice, Gardens, Landscape Architecture, Landscape Design, Low Maintenance Gardens, Outdoor Gathering Space. Labeled as backyard wildlife, dog-friendly yard, Garden Design, landscape design, low maintenance, water feature, water feature for fish, water garden.
