We believe that – whenever possible – landscaping should excite the five senses. Sight, smell, touch – these are benefits that are common to any landscape. Taste can be accomplished through edible plants, such as blueberries. But what about sound? There is only one natural element in the landscape that can introduce sound: water features.
Hydro-therapy. It is a scientific fact that the sound of water reduces stress and opens the mind to creativity. Different than listening to music or engaging in active conversation, the sound of water running stimulates the mind without distracting it. In the home landscape, water gardens actually provide a therapeutic benefit to homeowners when they are installed in patio areas or quiet garden retreats. For relatively short money, the sound of running water can be inserted into your backyard spot to help you unwind.
Koi ponds. Although not for everyone, the gardening enthusiasts and do-it-yourselfer will gain a lot of satisfaction from a Koi pond. They can vary in size from small 6’ x 8’ bowl to an elaborate stream and waterfall combination 20 feet across. Koi pond owners gain the maximum relaxation benefit with watching the fish slowly through the pond and enjoying the natural wildlife habitat that is created simply by having a pond in their yard.
Koi ponds are a perfectly balanced ecosystem. Maintaining clear water in a pond is not difficult. The key to keeping them clear and algae-free is to introduce all the elements that naturally exist in a pond – fish, plants, and beneficial bacteria. The ponds that we design have adequate water movement that also enhances water clarity and eliminates the possibility of mosquito larvae finding a home. We remind our clients who are considering a Koi pond, however, that it is a water garden – and all gardens take at least some work to maintain.
Pondless waterfalls. For homeowners that do not want the maintenance of Koi pond, a pondless waterfall is a great solution. Simply put, a pondless waterfall is a recirculating system that stores water in an underground reservoir. They are virtually maintenance free. Algae will rarely bloom because it doesn’t get exposed to the sunlight the way pond does. Simply adding little beneficial bacteria once a month usually does the trick. Pondless waterfalls are a great option for people who like to travel because they can turn off the pond while they are away.
Either Koi ponds or pondless waterfalls are effective producers of “white noise” that helps to block out traffic sounds, barking dogs, or noisy neighbors!
Fountains. A miniature version of a pondless waterfall would be a self-contained fountain. Typically, it features a basalt column or statuary that is installed over a poly-polypropylene basin. Fountains can be a solution in quiet areas where there is not a lot of background noise. The drawback with fountains, though, is that the water doesn’t move fast enough to keep itself clear. Chemicals need to be added periodically to keep the water fresh.
Would you like to transform your ordinary garden or patio into a therapeutic wellness center? Give us a call at Rye Beach Landscaping to discuss the possibilities!
