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Rock Castles News
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Rock Castles owner, Max Phelps, not
only designs and builds water features and naturalistic low
maintenance landscapes, but also authors a column semi-monthly on
various landscaping topics. If you would like to see your newspaper
carry this column, print out this page and send it together with a
note of request to your favorite newspaper. (Currently running a few
small Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee Papers.
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Yards to Paradise
Bi-Weekly column by Max Phelps
Waterfalls Becoming Common Landscape Feature
While many a nice yard may have a swimming pool or a hot tub, a
growing number of yards are sporting new waterfalls and ponds
filled with koi, goldfish, and water lilies.
Maybe this is a fad, but I believe it reflects the need of a
generation that is growing older and wanting to find it's roots
and to get back to nature and the wilderness. Rather than pack
up and move far from the conveniences of the city, a lot of
folks are "getting back to nature" by bringing those features in
nature they like to their homes in or near cities. Trees, shurbs
and rocks are standard in a lot of landscaped yards. Waterfalls
and watergardens are highlights in the landscape of a growing
number of folks. |
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Perhaps it's
the phenomenon known as "cocooning"(staying at home and spending
leisure time with family and friends) that is responsible for
the trend to create and enjoy "paradise" at home instead of some
crowded tourist destination. Waterfalls are a rapidly growing
part of this recreating at home.
Some homeowners who desire a waterscape hesitate for fear of
upkeep. Others for initial cost. But you can have a high-quality
low-maintenance waterfeature, including pond, waterfall, maybe a
stream, for probably less than the cost of a pool or hot tub.
And it is likely to bring longer-lasting and more frequent joy
than either the tub or pool.
Considering what it costs for a family of four to enjoy a week
in Myrtle Beach or Florida's Disney World, for a growing number
of homeowners investing travel dollars at one's home makes real
good sense. (And the enjoyment is substantial and often--not
just once a year!)
A waterfall and pond are more carefree than you might think,
especially if they are well-built.
Think about the time spent mowing, or tending a flowerbed. With
a waterfall and pond you eliminate some yard...and the small
amount of pond maintenance will be fun compared to lawn mowing.
If this sounds like something for you, think carefully before
jumping headlong for one of these water features for your yard.
Type, size, location need planning. Consider the lay of the
land, the amount of sunlight, the view from inside, the view
from the deck or patio. (Improperly built or too-small will lead
to rebuilding later.)
There are do-it-yourself kits, but unless you have a knack or
love for learning and doing new things, you'll probably want to
have someone with experience create your new residential
waterfeature.
Happy "pondering" in your paradise!
The author is a freelance writer and landscaper. Your
suggestions are welcome. Contact by visiting
www.rockcastles.com and
leaving a message. |
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