Written exclusively for Garden-Fountains.com by Thomas Barthel, former managing editor of Water Garden News. Tom is a master gardener and freelance writer, and is the co-author of "Garden Ponds Made Easy" (Bowtie Press, 2006). For more information, you can visit Tom's blog.
An Introduction to Falling Water
The sound of falling water evokes a sense of calm and relaxation found nowhere else. Perhaps that explains why water features and water gardens have sprung up in backyards in such large numbers. As life becomes increasingly hectic, the value of these therapeutic products is undeniable.
Though they often attract a similar following, there are several major differences between fountains (or stand alone water features), and full-scale water gardens.
Water Features Versus Water Gardening
The most obvious is size. Simple fountains and water features typically stand alone in the garden or home setting, making them portable. They are offered as self-contained units that circulate the same water again and again. Fountains can also be integrated into a larger body of water, such as a water garden, where they circulate a larger quantity of water.
Water features have become increasingly popular with busy consumers. They often arrive fully assembled for easy installation, with a circulating pump and flexible tubing. The water they use can be easily changed to keep it clean and fresh. The lack of standing water eliminates the worry of stagnation and the proliferation of mosquito larvae. The shallow basins that collect falling water create bathing opportunities for birds and other wildlife. People who simply want to kick back, flip a switch and enjoy the sound of trickling water after a long day at the office are attracted to these easy do-it-yourself projects.
Water gardens, on the other hand, usually consist of several hundred or even thousand gallons of standing water, held in place by a pre-formed basin or flexible liner material. Water gardens often contain several types of plants, including submersible, floating, and marginal plants that partially cover the water’s surface and surrounding landscape. Depending on the desired effect, a water garden may even contain small fish, completing a tiny outdoor eco system, which cannot be moved easily.
People build water gardens and install water features for different reasons. Gardeners who want to enjoy a new category of plants and immerse themselves in nature find enjoyment in water gardens that bring a bit of wilderness right into the backyard environment. They enjoy planting, dividing and fertilizing plants. They carefully monitor and balance water quality with filtration units, test kits and water additives. Water gardening is a challenging hobby that requires time, patience and a basic foundation in gardening and chemistry.
Maintaining your Water Gardens in Spring and Summer