Water Gardens versus Pondless Waterfalls?

Water Gardens versus Pondless waterfalls?

This is typically our third business question in any of our consultations. Our first  question is,  where are you thinking of locating the feature  Our second question is what kind of a budget we are working with. Our main focus is on getting to know you and you getting to know us on whatever level you prefer. Again the first question to ask yourself is what location is going to best. We strongly recommend approaching this from a different point of few, inside your home. In Minnesota it’s a sad reality that we typically spend more time inside than outside. We recommend that you look out of your windows and find the perfect spot to see the feature from both inside and outside of your home. With regard to the second question we ask of what kind of budget we are working with, we ask this so that we can give you our best vision that will fit into your budget. This way we can create a paradise within your means. And the third question we ask is if you are thinking of a water garden or a pondless water fall in your perfect paradise? This answer is different for each individual based on your desired goals.

If you want to have fish and water plants, then you are going to want to have a water garden. Our common myths page can explain that a water garden is possible in Minnesota. If you want to have a tranquil, calming pond where your fish swim gracefully and your plants dance peacefully in the wind, a water garden is the best option for you. When we create a water garden we are actually re-creating one of mother natures eco-systems. By having gravel and rocks in the pond we create a large biological filter that feeds on the fish waste. Having plants feed on the excess waste of the fish keeps the water free of excess algae. Having the proper number of fish, rocks, and plants, we create a water feature that lives in harmony with itself. Water gardens do require more attention and love than a pondless waterfall, but the “juice is worth the squeeze” if you will. Water gardens require about twenty to thirty minutes of maintenance a week. All you have to do is empty a skimmer basket and cut back over-grown plants. The best part of a water garden is that you can train your fish to be comfortable with you and eat out of your hand. That connection to nature is a really enjoyable experience that we have grown to love. With a water garden you still can have a pond, waterfall, stream, bog garden, bubbling rocks and fountains right there in Minnesota! Water gardens are a great addition to any yard.  Many doctors believe re-connecting to nature in a relaxing experience that can add years to your life.

If you have no desire to have fish or water plants, then you are going to want to have a pondless waterfall. You get the same beautiful sound and look with even less  maintenance of a water garden. Also, pondless waterfalls are typically less expensive, and you get more waterfall and stream for the same price of a typical water garden. They are called pondless waterfalls because everything runs into a gravel basin. The water filters through small gravel all the way to large boulders at the bottom and starts again at the top of the water fall. The beauty of pondless waterfalls is that in most cities, you can have one in your front yard! There is nothing more exciting for family and friends than pulling up to an amazing water feature in your front yard. We always love seeing client’s faces or hearing their stories when their visitors see the waterfall before coming in the home. If you like to garden but just are not into water plants then a pondless waterfall is the thing you want. A pondless waterfall by itself is a strong powerful look because of the boulders and gravel. But when this look is softened up by a good green thumb, it brings out the true beauty of our vision. Also, pondless waterfalls do not have any standing water and therefor there is no large body of water that someone could fall into.

If you love water gardens and pondless waterfalls like we do, you might decide to have both at some point. It is our employee’s goals to be able to have both a water garden and a pondless waterfall at their home.  A lot our clients share a similar goal and our goal is to earn your business so when the day comes, we will help you have both as well. Until we are able to realize that goal together we urge you to ask yourself the three basic questions. Which location or locations am I thinking about? What is my actual budget? And do I want a pondless waterfall or a water garden? Once you have mostly (or somewhat) answered these questions give us a call at (952) 454-3101 or e-mail us NNeedsfl@aol.com to set up a design consultation. For more information or our design consultations please visit our services page.