Water features have transitioned from being luxurious and rare, to being expected within most high-end landscape designs. Now that practically everyone has a water feature in their Harrisburg, PA, backyard, being unique with your own fountain or waterfall is more difficult. Here are a few ways in which to create unique water features that stay one step ahead of what everyone else is doing.

Using stacked stone

A stacked stone water feature can either be created from slabs of real natural stone, or can be built using concrete wall units. The latter option is more cost effective and can often result in a stronger structure, as concrete is renowned for its unbeatable durability and structural integrity.

Consider creating a low stone wall, with water flowing down its face, for a minimalistic art piece. This can be surrounded by plenty of plants, which will contrast the structure’s geometry but pair wonderfully with the sound of flowing water.

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Stacked stone structures can also incorporate plenty of curves into their designs. Consider creating a stone vase, for example, that stands tall in the center of a courtyard or driveway and serves as the focal point of the space. It can be built in a way that allows water to trickle down its sides and run into a shallow pond below. The look – and sound – of water flowing over these stacked stones makes the feature even more captivating and enjoyable.

Well-planned networks that span the landscape

Intricate water features can be created to wrap around the home and weave in between other landscape features. Imagine a water feature that begins with water trickling down a stacked stone wall, forming a stream that proceeds to encircle your patio, rush down a slope in your landscape, and finally empties into a fish pond. A water feature like this one can serve to tie your entire landscape together.

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Utilizing slopes in your landscape will give you the gradients required to create satisfying waterfall-like sounds. A thoughtful collection of small and large rocks can also be incorporated into the stream to ensure that it looks natural, and to create collisions that maximize the sound of running water.

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Incorporating Asian garden design

This style simply amplifies the tranquil atmosphere created by a water feature. It involves utilizing plenty of wood within structures like pillars, pergolas, and small decks. It also incorporates a lot of untamed vegetation and reed-like plants. If you have a large landscape with a considerable slope, an Asian-style pond can be created at the base of the slope. Consider surrounding the pond with a wooden deck and pergola from which guests can watch your koi fish. Pile plenty of plants onto the slope, to create a sense of privacy and allow a small stream to cascade down its face.

Experimenting with light

You can enhance the appeal of your water features by incorporating a variety of lights into their designs. For example, an underwater light hidden in the basin of a pond or waterfall can create a captivating glow at the base of the water feature and illuminate the streams of water running into the basin. Lights can also be placed behind tall water features to give them a shimmering outline. Consider experimenting with the placement of lights in your existing water features to enhance their evening appeal.

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