LANDSCAPE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
■ BY JENNIFER FODEN
I recently interviewed three industry experts regarding trends,
challenges and opportunities for ponds and water features.
Drew Snodgrass, vice president and designer,
Dennis' 7 Dees Landscaping
Rose Seeger, owner and president, Green City Resources
Richard Bellemo, owner and designer, RB Landscapes
Q: What are some trends for ponds and
water features in 2016 and beyond?
Drew: Sound — to counter street or traffic noise — has been
more frequently requested. You can utilize echo chambers to
amplify sound. Also, these days, homes are closer together, with
smaller lots, so space is at a premium. So small water features are a
trend. Rock columns and boulders with water spilling into a rock
bed, rather than a body of water, are often preferred for lower
maintenance. Where water surface is preferred, skimmers with bio
filters are recommended to collect surface debris before settling,
while biologically controlling algae.
Rose: I think that the average person has such a busy life these days,
they are looking for something that is low maintenance. They want
the enjoyment of running water or water sounds when they are
relaxing in their downtime, and this is where I think a "pondless"
water feature fits right into their needs. They get the best of both
worlds, the respite of water running, but no pond to clean.
Richard: Trends for ponds and water features moving into the
future are for natural ponds and water features that are chemical-
free and imitate nature. With technology saturating our lives, it
is becoming more vital for people to be drawn outside and away
from the buzz of the technical world. By creating wonderful
outdoor spaces that allow for fun, relaxation and entertaining, as
well as creating a haven for wildlife such as birds and frogs, it will
be hard for people to want to go back inside.
Q: What challenges are associated to designing and
constructing ponds and water features?
Drew: The first challenge is exciting the client with possible creative
solutions, especially with water features. Solutions often must also
satisfy neighbor concerns for noise created, or the homeowner's
association review for approval. Site topography will frequently
determine the style of feature suggested, though site grades can be
altered to allow more natural waterfalls, rather than freestanding
Let The Water Flow
Trends, challenges and opportunities for pond and water feature projects
22 July/August 2016 Landscape and Irrigation www.landscapeirrigation.com
PROJECT
BY
DENNIS'
7
DEES
LANDSCAPING,
PHOTO
BY
JOHN
CURTIS
