Adding ponds, waterfalls, and fountains adds a pleasing kinetic dimension to any landscape plan.

Water features can be small, off-the-shelf elements, or custom-engineered designs that wind throughout an entire yard. Water features bring sound and movement into your landscape spaces, letting you escape to a more tranquil and cooler feeling environment.

Environmental concerns and wilderness appeal have made water features more popular than ever. Fountains, ponds and waterfalls can be dramatic or restful; they can add beauty to stark walls, invite wildlife and give you back a sense of serenity after a long day.

Water features can be made of natural or architectural materials. In a country setting, old fermentation barrels invoke a sense of tradition and heritage, while in urban settings a rocky watercourse brings in a touch of nature and wilderness. Pond plants give both fish and birds a source of food while concealing pumps and other equipment.

More elaborate water features can include a water wheel and fish pond.

Ponds

Your landscape architect can help you decide what kind of a pond you want to create, and where to put it. Before you select a site, consider what kind of pond and pond environment you want to create and how close you would like it to be situated to your residence. After you settle on a spot, decide what the right features might be.

During the site selection process, note the location of trees, roofs, or other landscaping. Fertilizer runoff and leaves can affect the health of your pond, so make sure not to locate it at the lowest point on your property. Make sure drainage is designed to divert runoff from your pond area.

Consider, too, that your aquatic plants will need at least four to six hours of sunlight a day, so heavily shaded areas are not an option unless your pond is strictly fish-only.

A drain, liner and edge should be in your pond plan, and make sure water and electricity is available to fill your pond and operate a pump.

If you do not wish to have fish in your aquatic environment, consider a smaller pond that will act as a collection point for a waterfall. Small waterfalls use surprisingly little water and yet provide the sound and ambience of a larger waterscape.

If you want your pond to be a home to Koi or goldfish, design a slightly larger pond than you think you will need. More pond area gives you more options for more kinds of fish or other wildlife. Here are two kinds of ponds to consider:

--Koi ponds require more space because this valuable Japanese fish grows to large sizes and requires a depth of four to six feet. Koi are plant eaters and your pond will need to be at least a thousand gallons in order to support enough plant life to keep your fish happily fed. You can calculate the rough capacity of your pond in gallons by multiplying width, times the depth, times the length times 6.5.

--Environmental ponds, also known as water gardens are ponds that combine various plant and fish types. This type of pond should be at least two feet deep, and more if you live where deep freezes occur. While not strictly necessary, your pond can benefit from having a pump and biological filter to keep water cleaner. Circulated water allows you to utilize a watercourse, waterfall or fountain, adding ambient sound to your pond environment.

Subtly lit, a natural looking stream, complete with water rocks and plantings remains a landscape detail focus at night.

Hard edges should be a part of your pond to protect against erosion and contamination by soil -- but a simple frame of slate, concrete pavers or other stonework may appear too artificial. Vary the outline and height to create a natural look and feel. If your property is home to pets or native animals that like fish, make sure your pond has walls on one side, or inaccessible deep areas where fish can retreat if threatened. Planted areas around your pond can also help conceal fish from predators.

Consult with your landscape contractor about the type of pond you want and you’ll learn other tips about proper construction and maintenance tips like using packaged bacteria to aid in pond and filter maintenance and balance.

Water lilies and other aquatic plants should be planted as soon as your pond is filled. Since algae is a common pond problem, plant one bunch of Anacharis for every two square feet of pond surface to control the buildup of algae-loving nutrients. Your aquatic plants should cover at least half of your pond’s surface, and more if it is exposed to direct sunlight for long periods during the day. Here are some plant species that will help maintain pond health and provide a source of food for fish:

Fountains

Flowing water adds delightful sounds and a restful ambience to any garden. Most landscape fountains and waterfalls are closed system types that re-circulate water with an electric pump.

Fountains generally are of two types, rising jets and downward falls. Many fountains use a combination of both. Fountains range in size from outdoor tabletop units, to 10-foot tall estate fountains that feature impressive rising jets.

Upscale property homeowners may consider the charms of a large freestanding Italianate marble-style fountain. These are identified by their vase-like layered bowls design, topped with rising jets. Each bowl fills and water falls through the flutes of successively lower bowls. For those with the budget, fountains can be equipped with variable lighting and the water jets that can be programmed.

Consult your landscape designer to see what types of fountains are available. He or she can help you select a fountain and pump system that is the right size for your home and garden.

A fountain can be excellent design focal point for your landscape layout, and manufactured fountains come in virtually any size and type, from freestanding masonry type to excavated rock and slate layouts. Costs vary as well, because fountains can be sized to fit any property, even more modest-scaled ones. Here are a few details of fountain systems you might consider:

--Rising jet fountains, which are inspired by natural geysers and the rocky ocean blowholes of Hawaii and Iceland, are the most dramatic, and some might say the most flamboyant. Rising jets should be sized to fit the overall dimensions of the area in which you want to place your fountain. Remember to take into account wind and location so you and your guests won’t encounter a drenching surprise the first time your new fountain encounters windy weather.

--Downward falling fountains are generally distinguished from waterfalls by their freestanding design and can feature human figures or modern sculpture as well as the traditional, carved bowl appearance. Carved stonewall fountains make a welcome addition to modern rectangular architecture, while a white marble fountain may complement a formal Southern estate.

--Creative cascade fountains include multiple bowls that are stacked like stairs, made from common items like copper bowls and pipes in an artistic sculpture that perfectly fits a California coastal setting. People who are handy may find themselves looking through an old pile of scrap at home for construction items from which a system might be built.

One interesting new fountain element is a carved and polished marble ball that rolls on a film of water, which bubbles from beneath. The ball constantly rotates in a seemingly impossible dance and its kinetic motion is pure entertainment. Some of these stone balls may weigh as much as six tons, yet a child can easily turn them.

Solar powered fountain pumps are increasingly popular because they require no wiring or plumbing and cost nothing to operate. These items are usually available through home improvement and landscape specialty stores.

Natural looking block designs that effectively incorporate planters and appealing water elements provide charming focus points. (Photographer/Installer Cusick Landscape for airvolblock.com.)

Waterfalls

Selecting a waterfall design depends on your own tastes but it is wise to look around at other projects and photos to compare features and design. Will a particular fountain complement your landscape plan, or is it too large and invasive? Comparing fountain designs is one way to find out the answer. Your local library and the Internet can assist you in finding a fountain design that will work with your home and landscape.

Waterfall design should consider property slopes and architecture, connecting ponds or pools and water flow. A common mistake is to build a tall waterfall. While the result may be dramatic, it could appear out of place among your existing landscape. In most cases, a smaller waterfall give you the sounds and visual pleasure you want while providing better balance and harmony with your existing landscape design.

Manufactured landscape waterfalls can be specifically designed to fit your property in just about any material, but the sheer number of pre-made waterfall elements is boggling. One Internet firm boasts 900 different types, made from dozens of different materials, for use either indoors or outdoors. Waterfalls use surprisingly little water and energy costs are minimal. The sounds and feeling of coolness they tend to exude are worth making a waterfall part of your landscape design. Here are a few configurations that are available:

--Wall-mounted waterfalls are an excellent choice where space is limited or vertical elements predominate, such as tall urban homes on small lots. Wall waterfalls are self-contained units designed to mount easily on most exterior walls.

--Pre-made rock waterfalls are available for but their weight makes them difficult and costly to set up. A durable alternative is an artificial fiberglass rock waterfall. Prices can range from $100, to over $5,000.

--Poolside waterfalls are an excellent landscape feature and most models plumb into your pool circulation system, bringing the feel of a natural spring in a rock outcropping to your pool environment.

--Modern modular waterfalls include artistic elements that make them focal points in your garden. Stainless steel waterfalls, sculpted copper and other metals direct the flow of water down carved channels and points, making for interesting visual movement and the happy sound of flowing water.

--In-ground designs are generally more natural looking, utilizing elements like rocks and textured concrete. Lightweight artificial boulders are often integrated into an installation to direct the flow of recirculated water through a labyrinth of gaps and rock faces.

--Traditional European carved stone corner waterfalls can be added to patios that adjoin exterior walls, adding visual variety to plain walls.

You can effectively combine a waterfall and a pond by using a pre-made rigid pond liner with a built-in waterfall and these are available in many shapes, colors and sizes.

Include access points when you design water features. Locate them close to your patio or lawn. A Florida couple utilized a Japanese-style arch bridge to cross a watercourse below their backyard waterfall. Another homeowner built a flagstone terrace that overlooked his waterfall. The results of both designs were as appealing to see as hear, offering their owners an effective hideaway from the everyday world in their own backyards.