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Waterfalls
Nothing beats the soothing sound of running
water for enjoying your outdoor space or
garden. It can mask the sound of traffic
or other intrusive neighboring sounds. One
of the most dramatic ways to introduce a
water feature to your yard is by building
a waterfall. This can be a simple tickle
of water over some stones or a cascade of
water running from a stream to a pond below.
Waterfalls are easily constructed using kits
or water pumps and flexible or rigid liners
(see water gardens).
If you are thinking of building
a waterfall
for your garden, consider the
following:
- Waterfalls look best if they are located
on sloping ground. Water should flow downhill
to a pool or pond placed in a low spot where
water would naturally collect. If you are
installing a waterfall on basically flat
land, make the changes in ground level gradual
enough to appear natural.
- Rocks and stones make the most fitting settings
for natural looking waterfalls. Real stones
are heavy, so also consider using cast stone or light weight resins. The type and color
of the stone is important. Your waterfall
will look better if the materials used closely
resemble stone native to your area.
- Formal waterfalls usually look like a curtain
of water cascading from a straight
water
course over a weir constructed
from stone
or brick. Care should be given
to the placement
of such a water feature so
that it forms
an axis on the overall garden
grid. Contemporary
style waterfalls can be constructed
from
heavy duty glass that can be
lit from behind
for a spectacular nighttime
effect.
- Plant the slope of the waterfall with plants
that fit the scale of the waterfall itself.
Use plant material that will thrive in the
moist conditions of the surrounding soil
and that can tolerate any water spray from
the falling water. Water garden plants can be installed on the edges of the waterfall
for a soft, natural look.
Waterfalls can be incorporated into swimming
pools and can even serve as water slides.
If you have enough space, you can build a
grotto behind the waterfall for a very special
customized pool. |
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