Waterscaping Trends 2011

Incorporating natural elements within outdoor living spaces adds beauty and enriches the senses, according to landscape experts. The growing trend of “waterscaping” includes elaborate water features designed with complex water gardens, ponds, and gorgeous foliage.

As more homeowners opt to invest in their outdoor spaces, waterscapes have become a major design trend. According to the landscape industry, waterscaping is any outdoor water feature, other than a pool or a spa, used to enhance an outdoor living environment.

Ponds and waterfalls are the two most common waterscaping features and waterscaping can be added to any new or existing landscape. Water features come in many shapes and sizes and can be easily customized to meet each homeowner’s personal preference and budget.

“Many homeowners are remaining and investing in their current homes versus upgrading/moving, going on vacation, and so forth,” says Jim Sokol of Unique Outdoor Solutions. “Water features play into this as a tranquil outdoor space that can be enjoyed year-round. In other words, a water feature allows a homeowner to create a daily vacation get-away in their backyard.”

Amanda Sweeney of Just Design This says, “Relaxation is the main goal of any outdoor water feature. The sound of running water naturally relaxes the body, mind, and senses.”

In the past, when most homeowners thought about outdoor recreation they thought first and foremost about pools. In today’s fast-paced world, many have come to appreciate the beauty and serenity of waterscapes—either as part of a pool or as a separate feature. Waterfalls, fountains, brooks, streams, and custom-designed water features have become a distinctive part of many homes.

Incorporating a water feature into the landscape creates the opportunity to enhance the natural beauty of the site in a way that adds to the beauty and value of a home. One of the many benefits of natural flowing water in a well-designed waterscape is the uniquely serene and peaceful dimension it adds to the environment.

With the wide variety of options now available, you don’t need a country estate to enjoy the many benefits of a backyard waterscape.

“Many homeowners start small to stay within a budget,” says Sokol. “Once they’ve had a chance to enjoy and experience their water feature, they often expand the existing feature or add another one to draw interest in another part of the yard. Having a water feature/waterscape on your property is more than owning something, it’s an experience.”

In agreement is Sweeney, who adds, “Most people do start with a freestanding water feature, then it grows to a pond or a larger water feature. Once they discover how tranquil and soothing the water feature can be, they look at expanding it to include more of the backyard.”

According to Joel Tomlin of The Office of Joel Tomlin III LLC, clients continue to want pools that fit their yard and space appropriately and include waterfalls and connected spas that accentuate the overall design.

There are a number of sources for waterscapes in the Nashville area including:

20th Century
Franklin
615/ 790-2790

Bear Creek Gardens 
Columbia
931/ 840-0030

Just Design This
Auburntown
615/ 578-4738

Office of Joel Tomlin III, LLC
Franklin
615/ 445-5694

Sandra Nichols Landscaping LLC
Brentwood
615/ 776-2140

Teacup Gardener
Nashville
615/ 262-7441

Unique Outdoor Solutions
Franklin
615/ 368-3385