Lecture A1 - Water in the Landscape Notes

# LECTURE A1: Water in the Landscape ## My Notes — LHAP 302A Water and Light --- ## LEARNING OUTCOMES (what I need to be able to do) - [ ] Summarize landscape water feature functions - [ ] Describe elements of the site assessment process - [ ] Outline design guidelines for water features --- # 📋 FUNCTIONS OF WATER IN THE LANDSCAPE **THE BIG IDEA:** Water = most versatile element you can add. Works ANY scale (balcony fountain → recreation pond). Appeals to ALL senses. ## The 7 Functions (MEMORIZE THESE!) ### 1. REFLECTIONS The water's surface acts as a **mirror**, reflecting the nature around it. This effectively **doubles the value of your construction efforts** because you get the garden AND its reflection. The water also "claims" the sky and clouds as part of the garden scene — free visual expansion! ### 2. MOTION Ripples in a pond, splashes from a stream or waterfall **bring movement to an otherwise static garden**. This dynamic element draws the eye and creates visual interest that plants alone cannot provide. ### 3. SOUND Moving water creates sound that can **screen out unwanted distractions of everyday life** (traffic, neighbors, city noise). Add a waterfall or fountain and the sound brings yet another dimension to any setting — natural white noise therapy. ### 4. WILDLIFE HABITAT Once water is added to the landscape, **birds and other wildlife will soon be regular visitors**. It's interesting how fast aquatic bugs and snails will claim your water feature as their home! The flash of brilliantly colored fish greatly adds to enjoyment for many people. ### 5. NOVEL PLANT HABITAT Aquatic plants bring a **completely new form of gardening** — and they're self-watering! They provide colors and textures not found with traditional plant material. Many **native species** are available suited for planting in and around water features. ### 6. DESIGN FOCAL POINT Water features make **ideal focal points** because they can appeal to ALL the viewer's senses simultaneously (sight, sound, even touch and smell). No other landscape element engages visitors so completely. ### 7. NATURAL LANDSCAPE All the above elements combine to give a yard a **more natural look and feel**. Water features are environmentally friendly and, like other landscaping, they **mature with age, increasing in value** over time. > **THE OVERARCHING REASON:** The intrinsic beauty and tranquility a water feature brings. Water features appeal to ALL the senses, enhancing a garden's value as a space to **recuperate from the hectic hustle and bustle of everyday life.** > **TEST TIP:** "Why add water?" → List these 7 functions --- # 📋 SITE ASSESSMENT **Context:** As with any landscape project, you need to determine the needs of the client and become familiar with the site before starting to make design plans. A **full site assessment** includes: - **Soil testing** - **Mapping the site** for existing features, plant material, and utilities - **Noting all existing environmental conditions** and other factors that affect the finished landscape > For this module, the focus is limited to **client needs** and **selected site characteristics**. ## Client Needs — Questions to Ask - Dramatic focal piece OR hidden oasis? - Small container/fountain OR major excavation? - Attention-grabbing cascade OR barely audible trickle? - How far should the ambiance extend into outdoor AND interior living spaces? > ⚠️ **A water feature can easily DOMINATE the landscape** — you must consider how far the ambiance will be allowed to extend. > **KEY POINT:** The role water will play in the landscape must be identified **EARLY in the design process!** ## Site Characteristics ### 1. Topography | If site has... | Consider... | |----------------|-------------| | Existing slope | Cascading waterfall, meandering stream, hillside rock garden | | No slope (flat) | Still pond, pondless waterfall | ### 2. Available Space | Property size | Options | Details | |--------------|---------|--------| | Medium/Large | Few space limitations | Can do almost any feature type | | Small/confined | Wall fountain | As long as there's an **electrical outlet nearby**, easily hung to add sight AND sound of moving water | | Small/confined | Container water feature | Watertight container placed in **any location — sun OR shade** | | Small/confined | Japanese water flute (shishi-odoshi) | Sight AND sound of full water feature in a small, easy-to-manage unit | > **KEY POINT:** Small/confined spaces can STILL enjoy all the benefits water adds to a location! > > ⚠️ **QUIZ ALERT:** "All water features will have a large open body of water" = **FALSE!** > Pondless waterfalls, wall fountains, and container features have NO open water body. ### 3. Maintenance Requirements **Important comparison:** A water feature may actually require **less maintenance than a similar-sized turf area**. However, they are NOT maintenance-free! ⚠️ **COMMON MISCONCEPTION:** "Water features are maintenance-free" — **WRONG!** Maintenance tasks: - Deadheading blooms and leaves - Scooping debris - Dealing with algae - Monitoring water levels — must be kept at appropriate level > **KEY POINT:** Make sure you or your clients are **not fooled into thinking you just need to fill the feature with water and walk away**! > > More detail in Module A4 (Water Feature Maintenance) --- # 📋 DESIGN GUIDELINES Four factors: **Style, Size, Location, Budget** ## 1. STYLE: Formal vs Informal **Water features — large or small, prominent or secluded, near an existing structure or freestanding — should blend seamlessly into the landscape.** The key question: Will the feature be **formal** (geometric shapes reflecting architecture) or **informal** (irregular shapes that could have been crafted by nature)? Or would a **mix of the two** work in the setting? ### FORMAL Water Features **Shape:** Symmetrically shaped with geometric circles or angles **Best Suited For:** - Settings where walkways and planting beds are **geometric, manicured** - Gardens with **repeating shapes and forms** found in existing architecture - Near houses, garages, decks, or potting sheds **Construction:** - May be **easier to construct** than informal features - Materials may be **MORE expensive** - **Could require professional installation** **Challenge:** Due to construction materials and techniques, a **smooth transition to the remaining garden is sometimes not easily obtainable** ### INFORMAL Water Features **Shape:** Irregular, organic — looks like it **could have easily been crafted by nature** **Best Suited For:** - Landscapes with **softly curved planting beds** - **Meandering pathways** - Any setting where you want a natural feel **The Goal:** Make it look like it has **always been there** — not created and constructed. The water feature should fit in as a **natural part of the garden**. **Construction:** - **More difficult** to construct than formal features - Requires **careful, thorough, and thoughtful planning** - The **extra effort will pay off** with the fluid transition from water to land - Uses **rocks, bog-dwelling plants, and moisture-loving plants** for natural edges **Advantage:** More adaptable to a **wide range of settings** **Placement Tip:** Effect is easier to accomplish if the feature is placed **some distance away from existing architecture** (houses, sheds, etc.) > **KEY PHRASE:** Informal = "make it look like it has always been there" ## 2. SIZE: Large vs Small **Water features MUST match the scale of the property**, existing landscape elements, building elements, AND the kinds of plant material you want to inhabit the water. ### Why Size Matters — The Science #### LARGE Features (Advantages) **Less Maintenance Required:** With large volumes of water, they maintain **more consistent temperatures** throughout the day and seasons. Temperature swings stress aquatic life. **Easier Ecosystem Balance:** Once a balanced ecosystem is developed, large features are **easier to keep in balance**. The larger water volume provides more stability — small changes don't cause dramatic shifts. (Balancing discussed in Module A4) **Methane Assimilation:** Organic matter (leaves, dead plants, fish waste) sinks to the bottom and **decomposes, releasing methane gas**. Large water volumes can **assimilate a certain amount of this methane** without problems. ⚠️ **In smaller features**, the methane released can reach **concentrations high enough to HARM FISH**. There simply isn't enough water to dilute the gas. #### OVERWINTERING — How Depth Saves Plants & Fish **Hardy Water Lilies:** If the feature is **deep enough**, hardy water lilies can be overwintered in the **deepest part of the pond, where it does not freeze solid**. The dormant lily survives frozen in mud at the bottom. **Fish Survival:** Fish will enter a **dormant stage** (like hibernation) and overwinter successfully in **deep ponds that do not freeze to the bottom**. They slow their metabolism and survive on minimal oxygen until spring. ❌ **Shallow/small features typically freeze SOLID** — killing both lilies and fish. You'd need to bring them indoors or replace them each spring. #### SMALL Features **Require more frequent attention** due to: - Temperature fluctuations (heats up fast in sun, cools fast at night) - Faster evaporation - Quicker buildup of waste products - Can't support overwintering **BUT** they can still host a pleasing variety of aquatic wildlife! ### Stocking Guidelines (per square meter of surface, 90cm deep) - **1 large water lily** - **2 bunches of grasses or rushes** - **2 small fish** > This is a MAXIMUM — overstocking leads to poor water quality! ### Scale Examples — Matching Feature to Property | Property Type | Best Feature Size | Why | |---------------|-------------------|-----| | Vast acreage lawn | Large pond | Tiny pond = "misplaced puddle" — looks ridiculous | | Country acreage + clay soil + natural spring | Recreation-sized pond | Can support swimming, skating in winter | | Urban lots | Small features, container gardens | Space constraints, but still get all benefits | | Small city garden corner | Hidden oasis | A delight to visitors who discover it | ## 3. LOCATION ### Safety First! ⚠️ **Water features must be placed with consideration for safety of children and visitors.** #### The 60cm Rule (CRITICAL!) Many cities and municipalities consider water features **deeper than 60cm (about 2 feet)** as **SWIMMING POOLS** and apply the same strict regulations: - Safety fencing requirements - Placement restrictions - Building permits required - Regular inspections #### City of Edmonton Pond Permit Example | Requirement | Details | |-------------|------| | **Depth trigger** | Water deeper than **600mm (24 inches)** requires a **building permit** | | **What it covers** | Ponds AND water landscape features | | **Above-ground structures** | May require BOTH development permit AND building permit | | **Alberta Building Code** | Water 2 feet or more = treated same as swimming pool | | **Safety standard** | Contained water must be "as safe as possible at all times" | #### Child Safety A water feature should provide **enjoyment, not constant worry**. - If children frequent the area → **fence may need to be added to design** - Choose a safe location from the start - Even shallow water poses drowning risk for toddlers > **REAL EXAMPLE:** "Baby Jesse Update: Pond in Violation of City Bylaws" (Business Times, June 18, 2012) — A **stark reminder** of the importance of safety and following regulations. ⚠️ **ALWAYS check with local authorities** for local codes and regulations BEFORE finalizing design! ### Practical Location Factors In addition to safety/bylaws, other factors affect the location of in-ground water features including **accessibility to utilities, existing plant material, space utilization**, and the kind of aquatic plants and wildlife you want to bring into the yard. #### 💡 Utilities Access **Both water AND electricity are required** to operate and maintain a water feature. | Factor | Details | |--------|---------| | **Difficulty** | Neither is difficult to bring to the site | | **Cost Impact** | The **greater the distance, the more expensive and complicated** construction becomes | | **Planning** | Factor utility runs into budget from the start | #### ⚡ Underground Utility Lines (CRITICAL!) **Any excavation requires the identification and marking of underground utilities PRIOR to any digging.** > 📞 **Call the local ONE CALL service** to mark the lines **BEFORE committing** to a final location for the water feature! > > Hitting a gas line, electrical cable, or water main = disaster (and liability) #### 🚜 Equipment Access Once utility lines are marked, consider **ease of access for construction equipment**. | Consideration | Why It Matters | |---------------|----------------| | **Large/deep features** | May require **earth-moving and hauling equipment** | | **Entry access** | Can excavators, trucks get INTO the site? | | **Exit access** | Once the feature is completed and **landscape has matured**, can equipment be maneuvered past the area **without causing damage** if future work is needed? | | **Future planning** | Consider future landscape projects — don't trap yourself | #### 🌳 Proximity to Trees & The Debris Problem Location will affect the **frequency and extent of maintenance required**. Water features placed close to large trees will suffer from **constant contamination of falling leaves**. This can be somewhat mitigated by installing a **pond skimmer** — but it doesn't eliminate the problem entirely. #### 🍂 The Organic Debris Chain Reaction (UNDERSTAND THIS!) **If organic debris is NOT removed, here's what happens:** ``` Leaves/debris fall in → Sink to bottom → Begin to DECAY ↓ Decay REDUCES OXYGEN levels ↓ Low oxygen HARMS AQUATIC LIFE ↓ Water becomes DISCOLORED (murky/brown) ↓ Debris CLOGS overflow channels & pumps ↓ General NUISANCE — constant cleaning needed ``` > This is why location relative to trees matters so much! #### 🦆 Wildlife Location Preferences | Wildlife Type | Location Preference | |---------------|--------------------| | **Microscopic waterlife** | Don't care — will colonize anywhere | | **Aquatic insects** | Don't care — find water features quickly | | **Birds** | Relatively **daring** — will visit features near human activity | | **Amphibians** (frogs, salamanders) | Prefer location **some distance from humans** | | **Small mammals** | Prefer location **some distance from humans** | > If you want frogs and wildlife beyond birds, locate the feature away from high-traffic areas! ### Sun vs Shade Decision The kinds of plant material that will grow in and around the water garden **depends heavily on the location you choose**. **Two key questions:** 1. Is the proposed site in the **sun or shade**? 2. Is it **sheltered from prevailing winds**? | Light condition | Plant Options | Pros | Cons | |-----------------|---------------|------|------| | **Full sun (6+ hrs direct)** | Water lilies WILL BLOOM! | Beautiful flowers, classic pond look | More algae growth | | **Partial shade** | Some lilies, many aquatics | Balance of options | Limited lily blooms | | **Full shade** | Numerous aquatic plants thrive! | **LESS algae** is a major advantage | No lily blooms | #### Water Lily Requirements > **KEY NUMBER:** Most water lilies require a **minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight** in order to reward you with blooms. **If lilies are your goal:** - Locate pond **away from trees** that cast shadows - Avoid **tall shrubs** that may create afternoon shadows - South-facing exposure is ideal **If lilies are NOT a priority:** A **shade pond is a great option!** There are numerous aquatic plants that thrive in shade, and you get the bonus of **weedy algae being less of a challenge**. ### Pro Tips for Choosing Location **Mirror Test:** Lay a mirror on the ground at proposed site → Step back → What reflections will you capture? - Good: sky, garden elements - Bad: ugly fence, neighbor's shed (can screen with plantings or move location) **Sound Test for Waterfalls:** Set garden hose to flow into bucket from **100-120 cm** height → Step back → Is it too loud? - Sound shouldn't interfere with conversation or sleep - Louder feature = farther from house/conversation areas ## 4. BUDGET **A water feature can be as large as one's imagination allows**, but at some point the overall cost must be taken into consideration. ### If Plans Exceed Budget — The Phased Approach **Don't compromise on quality!** As with any acquisition, it is best to **purchase quality pieces one at a time** rather than settle for a less desirable ensemble that will be disappointing over the long term. **Consider constructing the feature in stages, over a couple of seasons:** | Season 1 | Season 2 | |----------|----------| | Design + initial construction | Pumps, accessories, plant material | | Excavation, liner, basic structure | Final landscaping to blend feature into existing landscape | ### Why Phasing Makes Design CRITICAL Extending construction over multiple seasons means the **initial design process is essential**: - You're **committing to a long-term plan** in Season 1 - Changes after initial construction are expensive - Plan for what you WILL add, even if you can't afford it yet - Leave space/infrastructure for future components > **NOTE:** Cheap now = disappointing forever. Quality now = satisfaction long-term. --- # 📝 QUICK RECALL Q&A | Question | Answer | |----------|--------| | What's the overarching reason to add water? | Intrinsic beauty and tranquility | | Name 7 functions of water features | Reflections, Motion, Sound, Wildlife habitat, Plant habitat, Focal point, Natural landscape | | What depth triggers swimming pool regulations? | **60cm / 600mm / 2 feet** (many municipalities including Edmonton) | | How much sun do water lilies need? | **Minimum 6 hours direct sunlight** to bloom | | Stocking per m² (90cm deep)? | 1 large lily, 2 bunches grasses/rushes, 2 small fish | | Who do you call before digging? | **One Call** (utility marking service) | | Mirror test is for...? | Checking reflections at proposed site | | Sound test distance? | Hose into bucket from **100-120cm** | | Formal style suited for? | Geometric/manicured gardens near architecture | | Informal style goal? | "Make it look like it has always been there" | | Large vs small maintenance? | **Large = LESS maintenance** (counterintuitive but true!) | | Why do small features need more attention? | Temperature fluctuations, methane buildup, can't assimilate waste | | Can fish overwinter in small ponds? | Usually NO — freezes solid; need DEEP pond that doesn't freeze to bottom | | Why is shade actually good? | Less algae! Many aquatic plants thrive in shade | | Do ALL water features have open water? | **NO** — pondless waterfalls, wall fountains, containers exist | | What happens if leaves accumulate? | Decay → reduces O₂ → harms life → discolors water → clogs pumps | --- # ❓ QUIZ PREP — Common Misconceptions (TRUE/FALSE) | Statement | Answer | Explanation | |-----------|--------|-------------| | Water is the most versatile element you can add | **TRUE** | Works any scale, appeals to all senses | | Water features appeal to all the senses | **TRUE** | Sight, sound, touch — helps recuperate from daily stress | | Water features MUST be in full sun (6+ hrs) | **FALSE** | Only if you want lilies to bloom; shade ponds are valid! | | All water features have large open body of water | **FALSE** | Pondless waterfalls, wall fountains, containers = no open water | | Water features can be formal OR informal | **TRUE** | Formal = geometric; Informal = natural-looking | | Features don't need to match property scale | **FALSE** | MUST match scale — tiny pond in huge yard = "misplaced puddle" | | Some cities require permits for ponds | **TRUE** | 60cm+ depth often triggers swimming pool regulations | | Small features = less maintenance | **FALSE** | **OPPOSITE!** Large = less maintenance due to stable temps & ecosystem | --- # 📋 LECTURE SUMMARY **Water features have gained popularity** because of their versatility and the way water can be used to **create a mood and add to the value of a property**. Mimicking water in the natural landscape, they bring motion, sound, and new plants and animals to a setting while reflecting the surrounding garden and sky. ### Planning Process When planning a water feature, you should **first determine the client's needs and maintenance expectations** while assessing the topography and space available. **Key Planning Questions:** 1. What role will water play? (Focal point vs. hidden oasis) 2. What scale matches the property? 3. What style fits the existing landscape? (Formal vs. Informal) 4. What are the local regulations? 5. Where are utilities located? 6. What plants/wildlife are desired? ### The Four Design Guidelines | Guideline | Key Consideration | |-----------|------------------| | **Style** | Formal = geometric, near architecture; Informal = natural, away from structures | | **Size** | Must match property scale; larger = less maintenance (counterintuitive!) | | **Location** | Safety (60cm rule!), utilities, sun/shade, equipment access, tree proximity | | **Budget** | Phase construction over seasons if needed; never sacrifice quality | ### Critical Numbers to Remember | Value | What It Means | |-------|---------------| | **60cm (2 ft)** | Depth that triggers swimming pool regulations | | **6 hours** | Minimum direct sunlight for water lilies to bloom | | **100-120cm** | Height for sound test (hose into bucket) | | **1 lily, 2 grasses, 2 fish** | Stocking per m² at 90cm depth | ### Key Takeaways 1. **Water features are NOT maintenance-free** — don't let clients believe otherwise 2. **Large features = LESS maintenance** than small ones 3. **Shade ponds are valid** — NOT everything needs full sun 4. **Not all features have open water** — pondless waterfalls, containers exist 5. **Call ONE CALL before digging** — mark all underground utilities 6. **Initial design is critical** when phasing construction --- ## WHAT'S NEXT? Module A2: Most common kinds of water features + comparing characteristics + suitability for different property sizes