GandDAquatics Waterfalls Info

Waterfalls/Aquascapes

The addition of waterfalls can add bursts of energy, movement and life to one's landscape. It doesn't matter where we live, waterfalls can help transform our
backyards with the sights and sounds of nature. They can be designed and tailored to achieve different effects. From a powerful crashing sound that will drown
out the noises of traffic or other unnatural distractions or made to create the soothing song of gently flowing water? These and other considerations are all part
of determining the elements and approach when planning one's waterfall/aquascape.

The possible variations are only limited by our imagination. A waterfall is probably the most popular addition to ponds. It is a natural addition to it and can aide
in maintaining a complete ecosystem and in may cases it is simply an assumed part of water garden design. Either can be a welcome addition to your lives
and having either or both, like the entire aquascape, should reflect what works best and will provide the most enjoyment now and for years to come.

Some simple elements of waterfall design include:

1) Location – Try to find a great spot for your backyard waterfall design. Don't put it where it would seem out of place. It should look natural. The less it pops
out and the more it just is part of it's setting the more tranquil, enjoyable, and believable it becomes. When done like this, it definitely will help improve the
look of your backyard as a whole.

Do not make the mistake of putting the waterfall design in the middle of your backyard. It doesn't work and just makes it seem that you are boasting about it.
People will be in awe of a waterfall that they feel they have discovered as one of nature's secret wonders. It needs to be found not shoved in front of them.

2) Plants – you can help bring out the "natural" look of your backyard waterfall design by adding the right plants to it. Water and plants are a natural. Adding
them to your backyard waterfall will help you appreciate the beauty of nature better and add to the complete natural effect rather than just running water. To
have a realistic backyard waterfall design requires all the elements of a natural waterfall to achieve the full effect.

3) Fish – Adding some ornamental fish such as Japanese Koi to a backyard waterfall design helps in achieving a great overall look. It adds to the serenity and
natural look that waterfalls provide. Watching the movement of the fish, along with the flow of the water can help heighten your pleasure and enjoyment of your
backyard waterfall design.

Fish, however, will need to be provided a stable swimming area. The addition of a small pond to your backyard waterfall design is a good idea in and of itself
but definitely should be included if you're planning to put in some fish.

A backyard waterfall design is all a matter of balance. You need to make sure that the elements you add work together and do not overwhelm the waterfall or
your landscape. Everything should complement each other and the beauty of the entire landscape including the waterfall and other aquatic elements.

4) Synergy - Not just the elements of the waterfall aesthetically but from a functional aspect as well. This includes but is not limited to maintenance, seasons,
surrounding landscape and/or buildings, the entire ecosystem, presence of pets or children, and more. In nature everything evolves and thus functions
together complimenting naturally. The design of a waterfall/aquascape needs to have that and be part of your synergy.

A final note regarding the design of a water garden waterfall. It is best to integrate it completely into the terrain of your land. This can be done by making sure
it is placed at an elevation higher than your pond. Aesthetically this will add to the natural look and is important to having a naturalistic pond and waterfall than
a formal pond.

Adding a pond or pond waterfall to your landscape will bring you tranquility and years of enjoyment. We have years of knowledge, training, and experience but
more importantly a love of creating natural aquatic landscaping. We can help from simple questions to complex designs, from where to get materials to
complete installations, and all important follow up monitoring and/or maintenance.