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GALLERIES

Water Features

Water Features and Garden Design.
 
Water Features are integral to the garden design. They can be used for a number of practical and aesthetic reasons. Some practical reasons include the following:
 
Screening of Noise Pollution
 
This is a very good use of water especially when the house is near a road. The type of water feature used would have to produce some sound so it would be more appropriate to use Letter Box type water features, “Bubbler” water features or water features with spouts that produce a sound. The sound of the letterbox trough is probably the most ideal for smaller areas as it does have the softest noise. These types of water features should ideally not be placed to close to any areas where you plan to entertain as the water noise can become irritating. They should be designed slightly away from the entertainment areas and ideally closer to where the source of the noise is coming from.
 
                                                   
Spout Water Feature.                                                                            Letter Box Water Feature   
 
 
 
Bubbler Water Feature
 
 
Water Features as Focal Points.
 
Water features have always been a great way to create a focal point in the garden. For this purpose you can use water features mentioned above. Alternatively you could look at a simpler and more cost effective pebble pond.
 
                                      
Pebble Ponds
 
Pebble Ponds/ Pond Water Features are inexpensive in relation to water features – for example, the water features mentioned above, viz. Bubblers, Letter Box Troughs and Spouts, can cost between R17500 and R25 000 depending on the size. Pebble Ponds or Pot water features cost around R4,500 to R10,000 depending on size. In addition Pebble Ponds are much safer with regard to children as the water is held in a sump under the ground and hidden by pebbles. SO they cannot get to the water.
 
In addition to the safety, pebble ponds provide a gentle water movement without too much sound so these are ideal in entertainment areas or in entrances where the close proximity of walls will not create a large noise that would occur with the letterbox, bubbler and Spout water features.
 
Water walls are more expensive and more complex to use as a focal point than pebble ponds. However with an uplight or two at night these focal points are magnificent to behold in any garden, large or small. 
 
Water wall with Porcelain Tiles
 
Water Walls are a great way to provide a focal point in. As the name implies, these are ideally used on walls, in narrow or small spaces and do not provide a high level of noise as the water will “slide” gently down the wall.
 
 
Water Wall with Vertical Natural Stone                                      
 
        
Water walls cost anything from R18000 to R30000 depending on size. It is important that any cladding or tiles used on the back water wall is non porous to prevent water from soaking through and crumbling the tile. The tile should be as smooth as possible to reduce any splash. Water walls are the most water wise water feature since they have minimal splash.
 
Water Features for Screening or creating an illusion of Space
 
Water features can be used to screen off certain areas or alternatively can be used to create an illusion of space in smaller gardens. The screening can be done with the use of glass water walls.
                                                
     Glass Water Wall                                                                                                              Mirror Water Wall  
 
    
 
In small areas water features can be used to create an illusion of space. This would be the case where a mirror water wall is used in a narrow area but visible through a window of the house. Instead of looking onto a wall the person would instead look onto a water feature, and in this case with a mirror would create the illusion of depth.
 
Water Features to bring the garden design closer to the house.
 
Water features are a great way to break open spaces and bring the garden design closer to the house. We use “slab” water features in this design technique. The “slabs” are made from Granite and are very water wise as well. Their sound is minimal and they are child friendly. IN addition they have an unusual contemporary look and fit any space.
 
 
Slab water features create interest in spaces that would otherwise be very bland
 
 
               
 
 
           
 
 
Slab Water Features             
 
Water Features to create a sense of serenity.
 
Not all water features have to have moving water. Still water features are fantastic for creating a sense of calmness. These types of water features are excellent in areas with high walls and the sound of any water will be amplified. Oriental gardens are great for still water features.
 
Still ponds do need to be maintained as a result of no moving water and algae build up is likely. See below for maintenance tips to see how this would be resolved.
 
Still Pond
 
Water Features to Attract Wildlife
 
Natural water features are coming back. We have been working with artists who take moulds of natural rock strata and then create rock moulds which can be used to clad the water feature to give that natural look. We do not use Pelindaba rock as this has outdated. Instead the smoother Magalies rock should be used if natural rock is to be used rather than rock moulds.
 
Natural water features always allow for movement of water and should be integrated into the design so they do not look artificially placed.
 
 
            
 
               
          
 
 
             
 
      
 
         
 
Rock Mould Project in Progress
 
 
Maintenance of Water Features.
 
Water Features do require maintenance. The areas that require regular maintenance are the pumps and cleaning of the pump filters, and keeping the water clean. To keep the water clean we suggest that spa tablets be used as these will allow the pipes not to clog with algae. However where water is required for wildlife then a clean out once a year may be required. Where water walls and Glass water features are used, regular cleaning of the tiles by wiping down with water and a touch of vinegar will prevent build up and allow an even spread of water flow down the surface.
 
Child Safety
 
No water feature is 100% safe with children. However if you wish to have open water then we do make grids that fit over the open area and these will prevent accidents. All pools and water features do require child safety precaustions. It is advisable to ensure you meet the by laws with regard to swimming pools and safety nets or alternatives.
 
The safest water feature is the pebble pond where the sump is sunk into the ground and covered with a plate and pebbles.
 
 
Grids on open water may improve child safety
 
Effect on Budget
 

The cost of water features is significant in relation to the garden design costs. These can take up to 25% plus depending on how many water features are to be installed. This should not detract from having water features as they do add value to the house and will take the garden to the next level.