Photo courtesy TraVek

Water features can add relaxation, recreation and
conservation to your yard.

It’s another sun-scorched summer in the desert, and already we watch the nightly forecast in desperation. If just a single drop of rain would fall, we could stop panting, yearning, withering….

Sheesh, enough drama already.

We may live in the desert, but we don’t have to shrivel up and die. In fact, whether you want to splatter, conserve, cool down or listen up, the right water feature can enhance any yard.

“We spend time in a concrete jungle all day, so to come home, grab an iced tea or glass of wine, and sit by a babbling brook – it just naturally decompresses you,” says Barbi Holdeman, who, with her husband Paul, owns the Pond Gnome in Peoria. “Our clients have told us they watch less TV and spend more time talking with family around their water features.”

Sound good? Read on.

Aesthetics
If the sound of trickling water or a soothing backyard scene is what you’re after, a pond, stream or fountain may be the solution. “Water screens unwanted noises and creates a feeling of being refreshed,” says Andy Page, master gardener and owner of Arte Verde in Scottsdale.

In fact, when it comes to water features, Scott Raisanen, a designer for Scottsdale-based TraVek, says consumers have more choices now than ever before. “There are waterfalls that disappear into rocks. You can do a waterfall spilling into a pond with a stream. We can incorporate water features around a deck with lighted pathways, statues and bridges. It’s all customized,” he says.

Photo courtesy Arte Verde

• Ponds. The Pond Gnome, based in Peoria, specializes in backyard pond designs. Owner Paul Holdeman, a senior certified aquascape contractor and master gardener, says that when shopping around, customers should seek a company able to create a self-sustaining ecosystem using natural, flexible liners rather than the old concrete basin “sterilize it, strain it and kill it” approach. “You can create a clear, natural-looking pond full of plants, fish and microscopic life forms,” he says.

Also, keep this in mind: If you plan to stock fish, incorporate plenty of nooks and crannies. “Create a place to hide, otherwise blue heron will come swoop out your prized koi fish,” Page says. He estimates the cost for a basic 12-by-12-foot koi pond ranges from $3,500 to $5,500.

Photo courtesy Travek Waterfall

• Fountains and waterfalls. Water creates interest, whether through a three-tiered fountain making a grand Spanish Colonial statement or a small pondless waterfall adding a touch of mystery to your garden.

However, your interest in maintaining them may wane if you skimp on certain options. Page suggests having an auto-fill feature installed. He also recommends auto-timers and flow-regulating valves to control the amount of water used.

“There are people who want 13 boulders with water crashing through, but in a residential setting, you want something conducive to conversation and relaxation – not something that’s competing,” Page says. In a quiet cul-de-sac, a trickle might suffice, but if you’re backing up to a freeway, a little more water “chatter” may be appropriate.

In small spaces, Raisanen says pondless waterfalls are an especially nice touch. “Water disappears into rocks, then is re-circulated to the top by a pump. It’s perfect for entrances or small spaces, and provides a relaxing white noise,” he says.

Small, pondless waterfalls start in the $2,000 to $3,000 price range and go up based on size and features.