Components of landscaping

Waterfalls and other aquatic landscaping features can elevate your pond landscape from a simple puddle in the back yard to a real showcase. Water features within your pond landscape can also help to oxygenate the water, keeping the pond landscape healthy. Let's examine a few water landscaping features more closely.

Waterfalls are a favorite of pond landscapers for the beauty they add. The sound of the water trickling down over the rocks is so soothing that it makes it the best spot on your landscape for relaxing. Many pond landscaping kits come with complete accessories and directions to install a waterfall as well. A special pump and some tubing that runs up to the top of the waterfall will provide the circulation that keeps the water moving through your aquatic landscape.

It is easiest to add the waterfall in at the time you are installing your pond landscaping. It's imperative to contact your utility company to check about underground lines and pipes before you begin digging. Also be sure to have an electrician install a ground fault interrupter for use with your pump. Remember water and electricity don't mix! Look for any higher ground on your landscape and use that as the sight for your pond if possible. Putting the waterfall near the higher portion of your landscape will take advantage of the natural elevation and make your job a little easier.

You may still need to add rocks to the landscape in order to get enough height for the waterfall to operate properly. Your PVC liner should extend all the way along the waterfall's path to direct the water and avoid leaks. Arrange smaller rocks along the liner's edges to hold the liner in place and camouflage it. Once this is completed, add water, plug in your pump and all should work as planned. Better to check at this point before construction on your aquatic landscape is completed.

Water fountains are another fun and useful feature for your aquatic landscape. Again, your landscape professional will be happy to provide installation, but there are also do-it-yourself kits out there if you want to go that route. Fountain statues are available that already contain the necessary plumbing, but with a little ingenuity, a good pump and some tubing, you can design a fountain of your own. Just be careful to follow the directions in the kit exactly, and all the safety precautions used to set up your pond landscape still apply.

Water features add such beauty and interest to your aquatic landscape, and they are well worth the value they add to your home and surrounding landscape.