Water Feature? Questions? We answer the top 3!
Waterfall in Sparta, NJ bring nature a little closer
We first met Henry and Victoria in 2016 at their new home in Sparta, NJ. New to the area, they were still becoming accustomed to a more way rural way of life. The country landscaping aesthetic was new to them, including the lack of light pollution. This created a challenge though as their new home did not come with night vision... Working with Sierra Landscape Management, LLC an outdoor lighting plan was created and installed to not only give these new homeowners easier access for their guests and pets at night, but also a greater sense of security in their new home.
Fast forward a few years, a new conversation began about how they can improve their backyard. Having settled into their new neighborhood, they wanted to create some new areas to have experiences with their friends and family. At that time, long term discussions began about how their backyard could serve them, not only immediately, but in the future as well. Even though the most essential need was a patio for expanded living space, this is the moment when the idea of a water feature began.
The relationship continued working together professionally, and occasionally striking up the conversation of what the next big project would be. Henry's company helped Sierra to grow and expand by understanding more clearly how we provide value to the world. Likewise, Sierra helped Henry's family also gain clarity along the way through the consistent process that it has developed to help all homeowners make more educated decisions for their backyards.
One thing was glaring though... Even though several discussions had been maintained, from pools, to woodland play areas, to souping up the home aesthetic with professional landscape design. All of those discussions were focused outward though, and although they love their friends and family, they wanted something for themselves. Having achieved milestones in their lives, and understanding the value of home and connection with nature, the next conversation started to take shape. It was time for the water feature!
The home came with a very large and relatively unsightly, though functional rock wall that divided the backyard living space. Many homeowners have trouble seeing past the size of such a feature, and look for professional guidance on what is possible. Henry and his family were no different. Several questions had come up that they did not have answers to. That presented roadblocks in the process of truly being able to envision such a feature in their own living space.
Is a waterfall possible here?
Short answer is almost always, yes! Perhaps a spin on the conversation is the question, "Is this a good spot for a waterfall?". With proper design and the right people, water features can be installed in places you might not be able to visualize. From a copper plated - zen rain fall fountain in your atrium to a 7' tall waterfall built into a hill just like Henry's, imagination is often the only limiting factor. The one best practice to use is the idea of sight. You have been thinking about this for a long time. You want to get it right. Make sure that your feature is visible from the places you spend the most time such as bedrooms, kitchens, and living spaces. Bonus points if you can hear it from there also.
What type of maintenance is required?
Nothing in life is maintenance free, at least that I have found. (Send me a DM if you know a life hack we haven't figured out yet:) Water does require some maintenance, though it is often much less than what is anticipated. Certainly, any body of water will need to be cared for to keep it clean. In a pond, weekly check-ins to empty the skimmer basket and feed the fish might be required, though a good design will keep time consuming maintenance to a minimum. Expect to spend 20 minutes a week, but remember 10 is probably just taking in the appreciation for the beauty of nature. If less is required than perhaps a pond-less waterfall is more your speed. Expect maintenance there to be reduced to minutes per month usually. In all cases, the pumps will need to be winterized in the fall, and set back up in the spring. Unless, you are like me and are willing to take the risk and run it year round.
How else can water be used in our backyard?
Ah, yes... What options exist? Let's ask, “how do you want your water to work for you?”. Kids need a place to play? Then you might be looking at a mini-pool, or frog pond, or maybe one of those super size slip and slides that start to border on sketchy at best. If you are less inclined to get wet, and are looking more for a change in feel of the area, then a well planned pond-less waterfall might fit the bill. Have an urge to feed fish out of the palm of your hand? A dedicated koi pond with fish caves and all might be your style, though patience to train the fish unfortunately not included.