There are lots of great reasons to install a water feature in your yard. The sound of running water encourages relaxation, and the calming white noise they create acts as a filter for sounds around you. A pond can help mask the distraction of traffic and construction noise. Water also provides a cooling effect during hot days, as the process of evaporation actually removes heat from the air around. Water features don’t have to require a lot of water to run, too. They are built to recirculate and clean water over and over, and should only require periodic replenishing. The presence of water helps attract some of the many different species of birds that take up summer residence in the city, as our feathered birds are always looking for a place for a quick drink and splash to clean up.
There are lots of different options for water features in your yard that will not require a lot of space or maintenance.
Ponds
A pond installation has to work with the needs of the property’s residents, so we spend a lot of time in consultation with our clients before we begin construction. All of our ponds are lined with a heavy-duty liner to create the water reservoir, and we also extend the liner so as to prevent weeds and unwanted growth.
All ponds need to be filtered constantly to keep debris from settling and decaying. The movement of the water also helps keep pests such as mosquitoes away and keeps your pond healthy and beautiful. Filtering systems are not complicated and don’t require a lot of power. Some types are even run through solar power. Professional electrician services may be required based upon the distance of your pond from a power source, its construction type, whether you have lights, and so on.
Before the winter, you will want to pump out the water from your pond. We build so that the water all drains towards one end, and build in a small (and lined) sump hole where water collects when drained. This makes it much easier (and faster) to pump out.
Waterfalls
Waterfalls are often built in conjunction with a pond, although pondless waterfalls can be built and are quite magic. A pump is used to continuously circulate water from the bottom to the top, which can be incorporated into the same system as your underground irrigation. Although they are beautiful, when not constructed properly, waterfalls can create a bit of a hazard. We shape our waterfalls so that they invite people to approach where they should, and keep people at a distance where they shouldn’t.
If considering a waterfall and a pond and you don’t already have underground irrigation, during construction is the perfect time for installation. We can place your sprinklers in the most ideal grid to care for both your gardens and your grass, and we can perform the maintenance of both systems in concert with each other.
Waterwalls
Imagine a complete wall of water trickling down a carefully constructed façade of natural rock, concrete, tile, or whatever material you can think of. We have been building faux walls in yards for years, which work great for separating seating and barbecue areas from play and garden areas, and so on. Recently we have begun turning these walls into waterwalls, which add the perfect touch of tranquility. And don’t forget to add lights for an otherwordly nighttime effect.
Water fountains
Water fountains have been around for millennia, with the earliest one found dating back to 3000 BC. They often provided drinking water to entire communities, and also acted as decorative pieces. They could be used for bathing and washing and to collect water for homes. They can be large and grand, or small and simple, and make a statement in any yard.
Virtually all water fountains have a collection pond of sorts, and either need to be run using water pressure (if you have a downhill property) or a pump. They provide a wonderful feature to gather around as well as visual and auditory stimuli. They also attract birds, which has the added effect of warding off mosquitoes and other pests.
If you have a heated area outdoors that you use throughout the winter, water fountains can come with heating systems that will not allow them to freeze. These must be closely monitored, however, to avoid damaging both the fountain and your yard.
Mirage has the experience and the expertise to bring your vision for your property to life
Other landscaping trends that we have been seeing more and more include gardening for food, bringing the indoors outdoors, including more natural areas, attracting birds and bees, and making better use of front yards.
Mirage Landscaping has three generations of experience serving our residential and commercial clients in southeast Calgary. Our knowledge and expertise in landscape construction and landscape maintenance will lead to the creation of your ultimate getaway just steps from your door.
Mirage Landscaping has been Calgary’s premier residential and commercial full-service landscaping design and maintenance firm for three generations. We know that good landscape construction requires meticulous practices, and that is what we promise to our customers. Contact us for a free quote.
