*Private residence, Penn Valley, California. Design/build by Wu-Way Landscape.*

Water is wealth itself. Not a claim on wealth like money, but the nonfictional stuff that allows civilized, or for that matter uncivilized life to happen. With water we have the possibility to flourish. Without water? Soon we shall be searching for a source.

Like light or breath, water’s actuality is like magic. Water in the garden, in our homes, is elemental. The tactile presence of water in our daily lives can be at once the simplest or grandest touchstone to recollection of true, overflowing abundance. That, I submit, is why visible, touchable, audible water in the garden is such a delight. It requires no introduction. We have arrived; we are at home. This kin with water may through conceit be blurred, but ultimately, like with the world of plants, we too are inseparable from water.

While we do not have a fountain at our home, we do have two rather large vessels and one small one which we fill with water just for beauty and charm. Birds come to drink and bathe; deer, raccoons, foxes, ring tails, neighbor cats, various insects and who knows what else share these sanctums. We don’t recirculate or filter the water; we just keep it a while then ladle it out to water adjacent plantings and then refill. In summer the water gets turbid faster, but most of the year it takes care of itself rather well. We have built or installed similar vessels for clients—some even considerably larger—that we have hooked up with drains which on demand, flow effortlessly out to plantings, thus utilizing the water without waste.

*Private residence, Folsom Lake, California. Design/build by Wu-Way Landscape.*

A little water in the garden, or a lot? As a boy, I recall my mother showing me pictures of the fountains of Trevi in Rome. Wow! That’s a lot. But a little bird bath carries the same sovereignty. And of course, there is much in between. For the sake of consideration, fountains may be categorized with a few generalizations. Is the water going to recirculate? Are there plantings, fishes or amphibians involved? Do you want to be able to put your feet in the water on a hot day? Is a simple fountain or urn that bubbles or spills water into a hidden catchment for recirculation desired? Or is something larger more appealing?

These and other possibilities are all matters to ponder. A basic distinction to establish is whether the fountain is to be a recirculating system with only a minimal need for new, fresh water, or a system with the need for frequent additions of supplemental water. If water is lost only by splashing or evaporation, then with treatment (chemicals, ultraviolet, filters, ionization, aeration, biota, etc.), less water may be required to refill. Chemicals may be considered a “simple” solution, but this then may exclude any plantings or creatures from the waters. For some types of fountains or small pools, this seems suitable, the water is clear and can be used [nearly] indefinitely. It is likely, however, that at some point this treated water will require removal and then depending upon the chemicals used, one needs to consider a proper place to discharge the water.

Now a fountain is not quite the same as a water garden, a reflecting pool, or a lily pond. But a fountain may be a part of or in relation to any of these. A smaller or larger vessel can have some plantings, some fishes, and a splashing or gurgling of water and may still be called a fountain; or perhaps it may then better be called a water feature or a water element. Along with plants and fishes comes a distinction in regards to maintenance. Basically, plants and fishes require for someone, a greater degree of involvement. Filtering, cleaning, being aware of nutrient loading, algae, and various water clarity issues all become concerns. Some of this may be ameliorated by clever mechanical systems and a greater or lesser tolerance for water clarity.

Fountains may be purchased at nurseries and garden centers, outdoor living and furnishing establishments, at antique and garden architectural dealers like the marvelous Eye of the Day, or at catalog retailers and specialty artisans and manufacturers like Stone Forest. These then may stand alone or be integrated into a setting, a garden, an entry courtyard, a park, patio, a boardroom, a playground—any place where a touch of lively repose is imagined. Fountains may also be built onsite with stone, concrete, tile, brick, metal, wood, plastic, old bathtubs, urns, and I suppose with anything that will hold water.

Cost is almost always an issue. Gorgeous antique limestone catchments and sculpted statuary can cost tens of thousands of dollars. A bubble of water out of the head of a little concrete image of Hotei or Cupid might cost $85 with a pump included. Generally, except where antiques or fine statuary or stone carvings are purchased, site-built fountains or small water features are likely to be more expensive than pre-made ready to install units. Custom designed elements need to cycle through conception, design detailing, and careful cost estimating before an accurate price can be established. Timing, site conditions, clients wishes, budget, and maintenance all need to be blended into a workable arrangement. As with most areas of garden building, if a fountain or water feature looks expensive, it probably is.

Expense is of course a relative matter, but cost is likely going to be related to size, materials used, technology employed, site conditions, and a host of other variables. Mechanical supports like durable automatic water fill devices, lighting, copious water displays, cleaning and filtering systems—these all influence cost. These costs ripple through design, installation, operation (energy) and maintenance.

With this talk of complexities and cost, don’t lose site of where this started: water. A single dewdrop is of the same nature as the ocean. The liveliness, the sparkle of water is not revealed by breadth or depth, but, by wetness. The important thing in considering a water vessel of sorts, is to get the scale and positioning right: this becomes the task. Proportionality, positioning, style: these are the recurrent elements of pattern requiring careful consideration. This ability, like other garden design capabilities, involves a blend of study, practice and skill.

First, give a little thought to the variables as mentioned regarding maintenance, plants and fish (or no plants and no fish), and a little reflection on the ways of perceiving the water. Do you want to see it, hear it, attract wildlife? Look at pictures in books and periodicals, find and talk with a competent designer, landscaper /garden builder or architect, look on the internet—but don’t let the internet be your only source. Nose around regionally. Perhaps there’s a center or a destination nursery that may be visited for inspiration and ideas or actual ingredients for your garden.

In addition, try to make a few distinctions regarding the size and type of water in the garden. Then, consider possibilities for placement and a rough budget and you are on your way. For complex, custom or larger installations, be prepared for more design decisions, mechanical and maintenance considerations and, greater cost. Budgeting for all these components and considerations is always a bit awkward, since it is generally difficult to know how to realistically budget without first getting some sense of relative value. Getting a sense of relative value takes some study of differing creations.

Often times, clients don't know what they are willing to spend until they first get a sense of where the market is. Once a person gets a feel for various types of small pools or fountains, and a sort of horseback sense of installation cost and maintenance requirements, they are then able to move along with greater assurance and increase the likelihood of a successful undertaking.

A garden is not a singular thing. In point, nothing is truly singular. When we touch the horn of a rhinoceros, we touch the whole rhinoceros. Water is a non-denominational talisman that all creatures intuitively honor. Be it ever so humble, with water we can have a measure of craft and the divine in our daily life.

Water does not represent qualities of the miraculous and beautiful. It does not symbolize something else, nor does it stand in for something vast and unobtainable. It is our companion, our kindred element. With water, we are at home, we may stop our restlessness. Our search ends, right amidst the forget-me-nots.