At Eagleson Landscape Co., we like to think that landscaping unifies people. However, not all couples initially agree on a design. Our clients came to us looking to create a small water feature in their backyard. The wife had wanted one for years but had not been able to convince her husband. This year, she finally won him over – or perhaps he decided to acquiesce to “receiving a water feature” for Father’s Day. Regardless, both ended up happy with the result.

The challenge with this water feature design was the space – it was only about 6ft deep, 10-12 ft wide and perfectly flat. The question was how we were going to create the elevation needed to create flow – a key aspect of a water feature! The husband was keen to know what the project would look like before we started. While we usually have a landscape design ready for approval before we break ground, water features are completely different. Each one is unique, based on the available space and stone. And, in small spaces, each rock is critical. We could not answer his question about how things were going to look until the project was complete. Fortunately, he trusted us.

We ended up using a 6-ft steam kit with unique modifications. We placed extra pieces of the water base liner in the design to create a longer stream bed. The liner keeps the water from soaking into the ground. There were concrete stoops on both sides of the space, so we used those to help create elevation. We built up one side about 15 inches to create enough rise for the first waterfall into a basin. We created a secondary waterfall into another basin set 5” below grade. Sandstone boulders and several buckets of varied sizes of flat stones were used to build the waterfalls and basins. We also installed a large stone for the grandkids to sit on and dangle their feet in the water.

The scale of the stones is important in all water features, but especially in smaller spaces. We had to be cognizant of choosing stones that did not overwhelm the design or take up too much space. Our goal is always to enhance the natural landscape, not make something that looks forced in. Designing with the scale and surroundings in mind allowed us to find the perfect balance for this water feature.

In the end, our design delighted the whole family – the wife finally had the water feature she always wanted, and the husband received a Father’s Day gift he loved. Seems landscaping does unify!

If you have been dreaming about having a water feature in your backyard, reach out to us. Send us an email or give us a call at (317) 997-4803.