Trickling through rocks and coming to rest in a gentle pool, water can add a calming element to an outdoor space.
For some people, it's the gentle gurgling sound of running water. For others, it's the sight of sunlight reflecting off a calm pond surface.
Whatever the reason, water features continue to be a popular garden addition, creating an outdoor landmark that can be enjoyed year-round.
There are three main ways to incorporate water into a yard, according to Graham Thomas, president of landscape supply store Creative Bricks 'n Blocks in North Vancouver.
The first, and most simple, is a free-standing fountain. These self-contained water features are ideal for smaller properties and can even make a nice patio accent, he says.
Then there's the traditional pond. These small bodies of water require regular maintenance and are favoured by homeowners who want to create a thriving habitat for fish and water plants.
The third, and most popular water feature, is known as a pondless waterfall. They've been around for about a decade, but have come into high demand in the last few years, says Thomas. They are unique in that water cascades over decorative rocks, and then re-circulates.
"It never arrives in a pond, it just disappears into the rocks," says Thomas. A hidden pump cycles the water back to the peak of the waterfall.
"So you have all the advantages of having the sound, if you want the sound, of having the birds and the wildlife coming around to enjoy the water coming down, the serenity of the water cascading, without having to have a pond," says Thomas.
Before deciding what type of water feature to install, homeowners should ask themselves a few questions.
"Do you want noise or not? Will you have a power source in that area because you need to power your pump. How much sun is it going to get?"
Homeowners should also consider how much maintenance they are willing to do. Pond owners need to clean debris, check the pH level and generally keep the water clear.
Free-standing fountains and pondless waterscapes, on the other hand, require little more upkeep than the occasional replenishing of water stocks.
Those who do decide to construct a pond then have the option of introducing ornamental water plants, such as lilies, and fish.
"If you're putting fish in then we pretty much insist that you put plants in because there should be a balance of nature," says Thomas.
He explains that most ponds and pondless water features are built on a similar
foundation. First, a sheet of rubber is put down to act as a water barrier. Most homeowners then select decorative stone to cover the rubber base, as opposed to concrete.
"The old traditional concrete construction is almost never used now because the concrete will crack," says Thomas. From a design perspective, concrete can look "foreign" in the garden, he adds. "It's better if you can blend things in."
Household residents aren't the only ones who will appreciate the addition of a fountain, pond or pondless waterfall.
"Birds, especially in the sunshine, like to come through and wash themselves," says Thomas. And in some areas, he adds, water features might even attract frogs, humming birds and butterflies.
