Landscaping by water comes with certain responsibilities, much like traditional landscaping. However, there is a double duty as you must also stay aware of the wildlife and ecosystem below the water’s surface. From encouraging wildlife to low-maintenance, here are some tips.
Manage the Submerged Ecosystem
Landscaping a pond or lakefront property can be beautiful and eco-responsible at the same time. There are some practices that you must keep in mind, as even the smallest change can have a big impact on the local ecosystem, above and below the water. Responsible maintenance such as lake weed control helps when caring for the shore line of a pond or lake. However it also helps manage water health and promotes the growth of native shoreline plants.
Landscaping by Water for More Wildlife
Wildlife is delicate in some areas, as shown by the bee population. Some local pollinator populations have declined by up to 60% over the past 20 years. With proper procedures and mindfulness, you can encourage more wildlife in and around a water space like a pond:
- Even something as simple as a board bath can attract local fowl for your pleasure.
- Encourage biodiversity at all levels with bee hotels and environments for local animals.
- Be careful with strong water features that can discourage wildlife and harm insects.
Choose Suitable Water Features
Water features can bring a garden to life for you! While something like a small fountain generally won’t do any harm, larger ones might. However, even smaller water features come with risks to the space, such as discouraging certain insects. This might be convenient for you, but a low insect count means less food for other animals, such as birds and frogs. It is recommended that you choose water features that are unlikely to harm the local ecosystems around your garden.
Think About the Sounds of Water, Too!
Okay, so you have chosen a water feature and everything is looking great. But what about the sounds? A garden for you to relax in should take all senses into account. Do you really want a rushing cascade when you are trying to meditate in peace? Or is a trickle of water more suited to your needs? Consider the sounds any landscaping will create and especially consider any water features. While they look nice and pretty, some can be pretty loud and very distracting.
Landscaping by Water with Natural Materials
Lakeside homes are popular, at least in the US, with over 94,000 listed for sale in 2024. However, you might want to renovate after moving into one. When landscaping any natural feature, such as a lake, it is better to consider the most natural options for design and balance.
Rocks and stones
A variety of rocks and stones don’t just look good, they can be used for safer pathways. However, they will also provide sanctuary to wildlife and don’t disturb the natural look of a pond.
Natural wood
Wood is excellent for edging and fits naturally into the look of water landscaping. You can extend the natural feel with wooden fences that can keep your outdoor space safe for your kids.
Bamboo and other plants
Bamboo is one of the most sustainable materials available and can be used for almost anything. It also looks great with native plants for a diverse and eco-friendly landscape.
Landscaping with natural materials offers many benefits apart from looking great. With wood and stone, any garden design helps promote biodiversity and sustainability. However, they also allow water to permeate the soil more, reducing flooding and encouraging more plant life.
Consider How It Affects You
With so much time and money going into creating your perfect outdoor space near water, it helps to really think about how the design will affect you. Serenity and tranquility are usually the primary reasons for such a space. So, design the sights, sounds, and even smells around relaxation and a deeper connection to nature. Addressing these aspects of a biophilic design means you won’t be disappointed after the landscaping and renovation are finally completed.
Improve for Sustainability
While you may put a lot of thought into how your new waterside space makes you feel, there is also an environmental responsibility. Landscaping near water in the wrong way can have a disastrous result on local wildlife and the nearby environment, which will detract from your experience, too. However, water features can help increase air humidity, and evaporation helps cool the garden, which promotes the growth of a wide range of plants in your waterside oasis.
Low-Maintenance Landscaping by Water
A UK survey found that Brits spend at least 2 hours per day stressed out, so something needs to be done about it! Everyone should feel relaxed at home, or what’s the point? While a lakeside oasis is stunning, the last thing you want is to stress about keeping it well-maintained:
- Choose water features that can be accessed and maintained easily enough.
- Design your waterside area so it doesn’t require a lot of maintenance all year round.
- Landscape the area to a size and shape that you can easily manage to maintain.
Be Mindful of the Local “Residents”
Creating your perfect outdoor space is a dream come true for most people. Some would kill for a garden, never mind a personal pond or lake. However,as amazing as something like this is, it helps to be mindful that any change you make has an impact on something else. In this case, the local wildlife. From the smallest aphids to animals such as deer, you could upset the natural order of things when creating a stunning space for yourself, so always keep this in mind.
Summary
Consider the submerged ecosystem of a lake or pond when landscaping by water, or you could upset the balance of local nature. Using natural materials will add a pleasing look, but it also appeals to wildlife and helps you stay sustainable. Further to wildlife, remember that even the smallest changes to an outdoor space can have a big impact on the welfare of local animals.