Landscape & Irrigation

July/August 2016

Landscape and Irrigation is read by decision makers throughout the landscape and irrigation markets — including contractors, landscape architects, professional grounds managers, and irrigation and water mgmt companies and reaches the entire spetrum.

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toward the home. Low-voltage lighting reflects to the interior home rear wall while beautifully illuminating the falls. All drainage needs of grade flow toward the home were addressed. All spillway and water flow were oriented to a future remodel, now completed, with an interior water feature appearing to continue the waterfall into the home. Automatic refilling and protection from overflow are included. Rose: Our latest water feature was on the roof of Macy's corporate headquarters in downtown Cincinnati. The employee patio sits outside of the cafeteria on the eighth floor rooftop. It is a registered Wildlife Habitat and Monarch Waystation; and we also incorporated a garden for the employees and chef to grow their own vegetables and herbs. We needed a water source to go along with our wildlife habitat, so the pondless worked perfect — it has a self- contained basin with three bubbling boulders. It's something the employees have really enjoyed. Richard: I have been lucky enough to be able to design and construct many unique ponds and water features. These have all been designed to create a sense of calm and quiet, as well as be a feature in the garden for entertainment and fun. With the rise of pollution and habitat destruction, it is vital that gardens created work with nature and not against it. You can do this by using sustainable and reclaimed materials. Create an ecosystem that cleans the air and attracts native wildlife — frogs, invertebrate, insects and small mammals back into our backyards. This can be done by creating chemical-free wetlands, ponds and water features; with plants as their filtration system. One of our projects — the Dandenong Ranges project — created a series of ponds containing an integrated purification system, manifesting as a green wall and wetland. The water from the ponds cycles through the system, and is aerated by a series of waterfalls, which provide a fantastic visual and experiential spectacle. The waterfalls and ponds, in conjunction with the indigenous vegetation, create a haven for wildlife. Q: What opportunities do you see for landscape professionals for ponds and water features? Drew: Opportunity is immense, with many people wanting the aesthetic beauty of a water feature. Also, there are sites where a designer can see the value of a water feature, where a client may not, and you can sell from there. Many people have had bad experiences with maintaining older water features. So knowing the best, easy-maintenance way to install water features will remedy that. Plus, provide clear water without a need to empty the pond or muck it out. Knowledge is key, and knowing that installing water features correctly will be an introduction to much larger project possibilities, and very happy clients. Rose: I see water features to be something easy to incorporate and sell to clients, as more people want to have a little oasis for their downtime. If you have been maintaining their property for a while, they will trust that you will help them keep it running properly. You also can use it as repeat business, turning it up in the spring or winterizing if needed. It fits into commercial or residential applications indoors and outdoors. And one of the best things, you can usually find training for free at your local irrigation supply companies, as they want you to sell their products. So getting them to help you is usually easy. Richard: There are endless benefits to all with landscape ponds and water features. It can bring back biodiversity and wildlife to once- barren lands whether in a school or private garden. There are also the health benefits for adults and children who these days are often forced outside to get off their tablets and phones. Jennifer Foden is a writer and editor based in Vancouver. www.jdfoden.wordpress.com 24 July/August 2016 Landscape and Irrigation www.landscapeirrigation.com LANDSCAPE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROJECT BY DENNIS' 7 DEES LANDSCAPING, PHOTO BY JOHN CURTIS PROJECT BY DENNIS' 7 DEES LANDSCAPING, PHOTO BY JOHN CURTIS PROJECT BY GREEN CITY RESOURCES, PHOTO BY MACY'S

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