By Anthony Archer-Wills

When constructing a rock-edge pool, it is extremely important the stones rise out of the water and are not simply perched on the rim. If onlookers can see any hint of construction materials (e.g. concrete or plastic liner) peeping out beneath the stone, then the illusion is immediately lost. Rather than appearing natural, the rocks will look obviously placed, putting the entire water feature’s authenticity into question.

To prevent this, the basics of water feature design need to be understood. For instance, the first order of business, whether building a stream, pond or pool, is ensuring the water feature will retain water. If someone is fortunate to enjoy a constant spring or stream in their garden, then this problem is solved. However, very few have this luxury; therefore, water features must be lined with an impervious coating (e.g. clay, sodium bentonite, concrete, butyl rubber or ethylene propylene diene monomer [EPDM] rubber) to ensure water retention.

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A manmade pond and/or waterfall can be further enhanced with the addition of rock groupings. Photo courtesy Anthony Archer-Wills

By Anthony Archer-Wills

The naturalistic features of a manmade pond and/or waterfall can be further enhanced with the addition of rock groupings. To do this, it is important to find rock appropriate to the local area, while also paying close attention to the way it is bedded.

For instance, the rock’s grain lines and the manner in which water and weather erosion produces gradual disintegration should be noted. The process of erosion and disintegration creates beautiful effects with moss and ferns intruding into the gradually widening crevasses of the rock.

This time lapse feeling can be reproduced by deliberately adding small tumbled stones beneath larger rocks and filling the gaps with native plant material. The composition will not be all that convincing by simply using a few small pieces of stone; therefore a number of large rocks should be incorporated to make the water feature appear more realistic.

Read the full article: Creating Picturesque, Natural-Like Backyard Water Features

This large pond is designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings and act as a bio filter for a larger pond downstream. The water is recirculated via a low-pressure turbine pump. Photo courtesy Anthony Archer-Wills

By Anthony Archer-Wills

If the client wants to attract butterflies and water-loving creatures to their property, a wildlife pond may be in store. This type of water feature requires a varied water depth, including large shallow areas devoted to aquatic and moisture-loving plants.

There is also need for some loose rocks nearby to create a hibernacula (hibernation site) where amphibians (i.e. frogs, toads, salamanders, etc.) can be cozy for the winter. Creating a link from the pond to nearby woodland will also help create a safe corridor for creatures to travel to and from without becoming prey to birds flying overhead. This route can easily be created with judicious shrub planting.

There should also be an area where the lawn meets the water’s edge, as the client should also be able to reach the pond. An obvious manmade structure ((i.e. a crisp lawn edge, timber deck, dock, or stone patio) will contrast with the pond and further its natural appearance, making it seem as though the water had always been present and the client needed to make it more approachable.

Read the full article: Creating Picturesque, Natural-Like Backyard Water Features

Naturalistic stream and pond built to give the impression water flows naturally through the garden. The water is pumped up to a small stone tunnel set beneath the boundary fence. Photo courtesy Anthony Archer-Wills

By Anthony Archer-Wills

When working with flat terrains, a rushing rocky stream may not be appropriate. In this case, a more pastoral approach should be used instead.

Again, when looking to nature for inspiration, one will notice how streams tend to widen into the plains to form marshes and lakes as they meander slowly through the flatter countryside. This becomes the perfect location for creating a gentle meadow brook with an ornamental pond. The pond may be designed for any number of uses all of which can be achieved without losing its naturalistic qualities.

Sometimes, however, a garden or backyard may be surrounded by walls and/or fences, making the idea of creating a natural-looking water feature seem highly unlikely. One way a water shape designer can work around these situations is to build a low archway against one wall, along with a second similar structure on the opposite side of the garden. This will allow the mechanics (e.g. water tank and piping) of the brook and pond feature to be hidden within the structures and operate via gravity.

Read the full article: Creating Picturesque, Natural-Like Backyard Water Features

This 3-m (10-ft) high waterfall and cave system is constructed on a reinforced concrete base lined in ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber. The fall is fed by two streams, which continue up the garden where the water flow is increased in small increments before reaching maximum velocity at this point. Photo courtesy Anthony Archer-Wills

By Anthony Archer-Wills

Steep terrains require rock outcrops to hold the grade and lend themselves to waterfalls and rock pools. One benefit to this type of water feature is the added element of sound. A steep terrain allows water shape designers to create a wide range of harmonics—between light tinkles and deep gurgles—to lull one to sleep or mask the unwelcome noise from traffic.

Larger rocks placed on either side of the water course can be used to guide water flow. These should be set well into the bank to give the impression they have been exposed by the erosive effect of the flowing water. Waterfall stones should be set to emulate the wonderful intricacies of nature, where water and rock are in constant conflict.

This ongoing battle causes the flow to leap in all directions producing chutes, flumes, fans and riffles, with each catching the sun to create a kaleidoscope of colours. All of this water, whether exuberant or modest, should not emerge from the top all at once, it should start discretely.

Read the full article: Creating Picturesque, Natural-Like Backyard Water Features