Lecture A1 - Water in the Landscape Notes

Page 1 LHAP 302A Water and Light | Lecture A1: Water in the Landscape 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 Page 1 Page 2 LHAP 302A Water and Light | Lecture A1: Water in the Landscape FUNCTIONS OF WATER IN THE LANDSCAPE THE BIG IDEA Water = most versatile element you can add. Works ANY scale (balcony fountain to recreation pond). Appeals to ALL senses. The 7 Functions 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 is 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 are 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. Page 2 Page 3 LHAP 302A Water and Light | Lecture A1: Water in the Landscape TEST TIP "Why add water?" -> List these 7 functions Page 3 Page 4 LHAP 302A Water and Light | Lecture A1: Water in the Landscape SITE ASSESSMENT 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 MODULE SCOPE 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 ambiance extend into outdoor AND interior living spaces? A water feature can easily DOMINATE the landscape - consider how far the ambiance extends! KEY POINT The role water will play 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 limitations Can do almost any feature type Small/confined Wall fountain Needs electrical outlet nearby Small/confined Container feature Any location - sun OR shade Small/confined Japanese water flute Sight + sound, easy to manage Page 4 Page 5 LHAP 302A Water and Light | Lecture A1: Water in the Landscape KEY POINT Small/confined spaces can STILL enjoy all the benefits water adds! "All water features have a large open body of water" = FALSE! Pondless waterfalls, wall fountains, containers have NO open water. 3. Maintenance Requirements 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 clients are NOT fooled into thinking they just fill it and walk away! (More in Module A4) Page 5 Page 6 LHAP 302A Water and Light | Lecture A1: Water in the Landscape DESIGN GUIDELINES Four factors: Style, Size, Location, Budget 1. STYLE: Formal vs Informal Water features - large or small, prominent or secluded, near a structure or freestanding - should blend seamlessly into the landscape. Key question: formal (geometric), informal (natural), or a mix of both? FORMAL Water Features Shape: Symmetrically shaped with geometric circles or angles Best Suited For: - Settings where walkways/planting beds are geometric, manicured - Gardens with repeating shapes from 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: Smooth transition to remaining garden is sometimes not easily obtainable INFORMAL Water Features Shape: Irregular, organic - looks like it could have 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. Construction: - MORE DIFFICULT to construct than formal features - Requires careful, thorough, and thoughtful planning - Extra effort pays off with fluid water-to-land transition - Uses rocks, bog-dwelling plants, moisture-loving plants for natural edges Advantage: More adaptable to a wide range of settings Placement Tip: Place some distance away from existing architecture for best effect KEY PHRASE Informal = "make it look like it has always been there" Page 6 Page 7 LHAP 302A Water and Light | Lecture A1: Water in the Landscape 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. LARGE Features (Advantages) Less Maintenance: 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 volume provides more stability. (Balancing discussed in Module A4) Methane Assimilation: Organic matter 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, methane can reach concentrations high enough to HARM FISH. 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. 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. 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 m2 surface, 90cm deep) - 1 large water lily - 2 bunches of grasses or rushes - 2 small fish Scale Examples Property Type Best Feature Size Why Vast acreage lawn Large pond Tiny pond = "misplaced puddle" Country + clay + spring Recreation pond Swimming, skating in winter Page 7 Page 8 LHAP 302A Water and Light | Lecture A1: Water in the Landscape Urban lots Small/container Space constraints, still get benefits Small city garden Hidden oasis A delight to visitors 3. LOCATION Safety First! Water features must be placed with consideration for safety of children and visitors. The 60cm Rule (CRITICAL!): Many cities consider features deeper than 60cm (about 2 feet) as SWIMMING POOLS: - Safety fencing requirements - Placement restrictions - Building permits required - Regular inspections City of Edmonton Pond Permit Example Requirement Details Depth trigger 600mm (24 inches) = building permit required What it covers Ponds AND water landscape features Above-ground May need BOTH development + building permits AB Building Code Water 2 ft+ = treated same as swimming pool Safety standard "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 - Choose a safe location from the start REAL EXAMPLE "Baby Jesse Update: Pond in Violation of City Bylaws" (Business Times, June 18, 2012) ALWAYS check with local authorities for local codes and regulations BEFORE finalizing design! 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 Greater distance = more expensive and complicated Planning Factor utility runs into budget from the start Page 8 Page 9 LHAP 302A Water and Light | Lecture A1: Water in the Landscape Underground Utility Lines (CRITICAL!) Any excavation requires the identification and marking of underground utilities PRIOR to any digging. ONE CALL Call the local ONE CALL service to mark lines BEFORE committing to a final location for the water feature! Equipment Access 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 After landscape matures, can equipment get through? Future planning Don't trap yourself - consider future projects Proximity to Trees & Debris Water features placed close to large trees will suffer from constant contamination of falling leaves. A pond skimmer helps but does not eliminate the problem. The Organic Debris Chain Reaction: Leaves fall in -> Sink to bottom -> Decay -> Reduces oxygen levels -> Harms aquatic life -> Discolors water -> Clogs overflow channels & pumps -> General nuisance 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 - visit near human activity Amphibians Prefer some distance from humans Small mammals Prefer some distance from humans Sun vs Shade Decision Two key questions: Is the site in sun or shade? Is it sheltered from prevailing winds? Light Condition Plant Options Pros Cons Full sun (6+ hrs) Lilies BLOOM! Classic pond look More algae Partial shade Some lilies Balance Limited blooms Full shade Many aquatics LESS algae! No lily blooms KEY NUMBER Most water lilies need MINIMUM 6 hours direct sunlight to bloom Page 9 Page 10 LHAP 302A Water and Light | Lecture A1: Water in the Landscape If lilies are your goal: - Locate pond away from trees that cast shadows - Avoid tall shrubs that create afternoon shadows If lilies are NOT a priority: A shade pond is a great option! Less algae is a major advantage. Pro Tips for Choosing Location Mirror Test: Lay a mirror on the ground at proposed site. Step back. What reflections do you capture? - Good: sky, garden elements - Bad: ugly fence, shed (screen with plantings or move location) Sound Test for Waterfalls: Set garden hose to flow into bucket from 100-120 cm height. Step back and judge sound. - 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. Don't compromise on quality! 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 in stages over a couple of seasons: Season 1 Season 2 Design + initial construction Pumps, accessories, plant material Excavation, liner, structure Final landscaping to blend feature Why Phasing Makes Design CRITICAL: - 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 NOTE Cheap now = disappointing forever. Quality now = satisfaction long-term. Page 10 Page 11 LHAP 302A Water and Light | Lecture A1: Water in the Landscape QUICK RECALL Q&A Cover the right column to self-test! What is the overarching reason to add water? Intrinsic beauty and tranquility Name 7 functions of water features Reflections, Motion, Sound, Wildlife, Plants, Focal point, Natural What depth triggers pool regulations? 60cm / 600mm / 2 feet How much sun do lilies need? Minimum 6 hours direct sunlight Stocking per m2 (90cm deep)? 1 lily, 2 bunches grass, 2 fish Who do you call before digging? ONE CALL (utility marking) Mirror test is for...? Checking reflections at proposed site Sound test height? Hose into bucket from 100-120cm Formal style suited for? Geometric gardens near architecture Informal style goal? "Make it look like it was always there" Large vs small maintenance? Large = LESS maintenance Why do small features need more attention? Temp fluctuations, methane, can't assimilate waste Can fish overwinter in small ponds? Usually NO - freezes solid; need deep pond Why is shade good? Less algae! Many aquatic plants thrive Do ALL features have open water? NO - pondless waterfalls, wall fountains, containers What happens if leaves accumulate? Decay -> reduces O2 -> harms life -> discolors -> clogs Page 11 Page 12 LHAP 302A Water and Light | Lecture A1: Water in the Landscape QUIZ PREP - Common Misconceptions TRUE/FALSE - know WHY each answer is what it is! 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 - recuperate from stress Features MUST be in full sun (6+ hrs) FALSE Only if you want lilies; shade ponds are valid All features have large open body of water FALSE Pondless waterfalls, wall fountains, containers Features can be formal OR informal TRUE Formal = geometric; Informal = natural-looking Don't need to match property scale FALSE MUST match - tiny pond in huge yard = "puddle" Some cities require permits for ponds TRUE 60cm+ depth triggers swimming pool regulations Small features = less maintenance FALSE OPPOSITE! Large = less maintenance Page 12 Page 13 LHAP 302A Water and Light | Lecture A1: Water in the Landscape 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: 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 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 Size Must match property scale; larger = less maintenance Location Safety (60cm rule!), utilities, sun/shade, equipment, trees Budget Phase over seasons if needed; never sacrifice quality Critical Numbers: Value What It Means 60cm (2 ft) Depth that triggers swimming pool regulations 6 hours Minimum direct sunlight for 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 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, containers) 5. Call ONE CALL before digging - mark underground utilities 6. Initial design is critical when phasing construction WHAT'S NEXT: Module A2 - Types of water features Page 13