WATER WONDERS : THE ART OF WATERSCAPING IN GARDENS
Mr. Shailesh Chaudhary
Ph.D. Scholar, Dep. of Flori. and Landscape Archi., ASPEE College of Horti.,Navsari Agri. University, Navsari
A garden landscape and its components are more important as they contribute significantly to our well-being and quality of life. The art of landscape gardening was sharpened by using natural components like soil, water and air. Among them, water plays a major role as it is a multidimensional object of research that appears in various fields like environmentally, socially, financially, culturally and aesthetically.
Waterscaping is an art and science of incorporating water features into a landscape. Water feature/waterscape is any indoor or outdoor landscape that incorporates water, wherein planned planting of aquatic and semi aquatic plants in and around water body. Water is the most flexible element that can easily be applied to parks, gardens and urban open spaces, and it also constitutes the focus of attention even in small sized usages.
Water- as a Garden Element
Water has some characteristics such as, ability to change form according to available space and shape, being still and active state, producing various sounds when falling or flowing, have ability to reflect surrounding scenery. Water has many ornamental uses as element in garden including aesthetic and functional purposes. Aesthetically water can be used as focal point in the form of fountains, pools, waterfalls, etc., reflection ability of surrounding nature by giving mirror effect, some unique combination with other garden elements. Functionally it creates microclimate by reducing surrounding temperature and providing cooling effect, create a white noise effect by pleasing dynamic sounds, psychologically enhances positive mood state, reduces stress and feels refreshing on touch, Recreation tool for humans, birds as well animals, most importantly nourish the plant, provides living place for plants, fish and other aquatic life and create aquatic ecosystem.
History of Waterscape in Garden
Waterscape is one of the oldest art of gardening. It has been part of many ancient gardens all over the world. On the walls of tombs of noble Egyptians, water ponds with fish, ducks, and lotus flowers were depicted thousands of years ago and are being oldest representative of the waterscape. Water ponds were an important part of the Roman villas in Pompeii and many later designed gardens. In Chinese gardens and the impressions of the landscape created by Chinese poets, painters, and monks, water is a vital element. Ideal images of natural water scenes were introduced into gardens as ponds, pools, waterfalls, creeks (sometimes dry creeks), fountains and wells. They were used to give structure, to create an illusion of space and mystery. Lakes, ponds, and pools are an important part of French Renaissance gardens as well as British landscapes. Fountains have been important element in Italian gardens since ancient times. In Japanese garden during the Heian period (794-1185 A.D.) the designs focused on water features like ponds with islands, and streams led to waterfalls in many gardens. Aquatic plants like lotus, and water lily were among the earliest flowering plants.
Type of waterscape
First of all, water should be classified for the correct use of water elements in designs. Water may be classified into two general categories according to motion;
1. Static (quiet); Pond, Lake, etc.
2. Dynamic (moving); waterfall, stream, fountain, etc.
Static Water Structure
Static, quiet water is found in lakes, ponds, pools etc. It is peaceful, relaxing, and visually placid with a soothing effect on human emotions. Static water expresses balance and equilibrium with the force of gravity. Historically, the static water structure was an important element in the French Renaissance gardens of the 17th century and English landscape gardens of the 18th century.
They were mainly applied in the outdoor environment as flat, quiet water bodies in the form of pools or ponds.
Pool: Pool is a waterbody placed in a hard, well-defined constructed area. Important factor is that the pools are formed in geometric shape, not natural or soft. Purpose of pool is reflection of sky and nearby elements such as buildings, sculptures, trees etc. or special refracting view with appealing patterns at the bottom using paint, material and texture. Pools are most suitable for urban and limited areas. Historically, pools have been important element in formal styles of gardens like Persian gardens, Mughal gardens, French gardens etc.
Ponds: Ponds are standing waterbody, which differ from pools by being designed to appear natural or seminatural. Shape of pond is typically free-form or curvilinear. Ponds are most appropriate for rural or larger areas. Ponds may used to create feeling of repose and tranquility in outdoor space with its soft, peaceful forms. It also can be used in the landscape to establish a unifying link between different areas of the environment especially in large site covering landscapes.
Lake: Lake is large and deep water body on very large area. Lakes are very similar to ponds but differ by being much larger. Ponds and lakes are important parts of informal gardens like English gardens, Japanese gardens etc.
Dynamic Water Structure
Active/dynamic water is an important design element with its audio and visual effects. In the crowded urban life, moving waters create a more peaceful atmosphere by clearing annoying sounds. Moving water can be in horizontal or vertical movements in various forms such as falling water, flowing water and fountain jets.
Flowing water: Flowing water is water flow in confined, well defined channel towards slope. Streams, creeks and rivers are natural examples of flowing water. Important element in outdoor large landscapes as a kinetic element to express movement, direction and energy. In artificial stream, placing rocks in path or by narrowing the path creates turbulent effect with certain patterns, sounds and small waterfalls. It can be habitat for certain aquatic plants by sides and for wildlife small creatures.
Falling water: Falling water occurs when water moves over and down a sudden drop in the elevation of the channel. It expresses force of gravity in more dramatic manner, therefore can be a noticeable focal point in landscape. It includes waterfall and cascade fall. “Waterfall” occurs in place where water suddenly falls over vertical drops in course of stream. It is very popular element in gardens. Waterfall adds unique soothing sound, motion and vitality to garden. It can be multi-leveled, slit-tiered, complex cascade etc. When Series of small waterfalls, consisting water descending over rocks it becomes “cascade fall”.
Fountain Jets: Fountain jets are created by forcing the water up into the air through nozzles in defiance of gravity and then falling earthward. It is most popular and mainly used as focal point in the gardens based on its verticality and interplay with light. There are limitless varieties of shapes and sizes of fountains available in the market. Importance of fountains in the garden as centre of attraction, create relaxed ambiance in around, draw out unwanted noise, Add moisture into the air and provide cooling effect in surrounding environment, also it attract birds into the garden. There are basic four types of fountains based on their form and appearance;
1. Single orifice jet : Simplest, single opening nozzle, produce dribbling sound
2. Aerated jet : Similar to single orifice, larger nozzle, Produces turbulence effect
3. Spray jet : Many small opening nozzles, produce a “Hiss” like sound
4. Formed jet : Jets that are shaped to furnish a special effect, wide range of variety using different sculpture
Waterscape in Different Garden Styles
Informal type
1. Japanese garden
Japanese garden design was based on their respective ideas of heaven. A most important teaching of Japanese garden is possibly that “Unless a garden has an area of peace, it’s not worth a place visiting.”
Major water features found in Japanese gardens are water basins, ponds, streams, waterfalls, fountains, well etc.
2. English garden
English gardens are the most beautiful gardens among all European gardens. Major water features in English gardens are large lakes, streams, fountains, etc.
Formal Type
1. Persian garden
Water was central feature of the Persian garden design with religious symbolism. The main aspect of a Persian garden design was Nahars (flowing canals) of water.
A typical garden is a quadrant pattern with water channels dividing the garden into four sections and this design is called as Char Bagh Design. There was usually a pool at the intersection of the channels.
2. Mughal garden
Major water features in Mughal gardens are the Charbagh concept with running water, a pool etc. Mughal gardens are formal in style, symmetrically designed in rectangular or square plots. The garden area is divided into four plots by running water channels. These four channels represent four rivers of life. The running water provides coolness and freshness to the garden. Reflection of sky and trees provides unique beauty to the eye.
The water pool created in the center with over flowing water serves as central specimen. Fountains, cascades are linked to central pool to create scenic beauty.
3. Italian (Roman) garden
Italian gardens are known for water bodies such as pools with different fountains as water features.
4. French garden
To match with formality of design, the French style of garden designs is very intricate and artificial. Geometric pools and fountains are the prominent water features found in French gardens.
Aquatic Flora
Aquatic plants are plants that grow in water environments such as ponds, lakes, rivers and wetlands. Aquatic plants are essential components of a healthy aquatic ecosystem, providing oxygen, shelter and food for a wide range of aquatic animals.
n Four main categories of aquatic plants are classified based on their growth patterns and physical characteristics:
1. Marginal plants are those that grow at the edge of water bodies, with their roots submerged in water while the rest of the plant is above the waterline. These plants are essential in stabilizing soil, preventing erosion and providing shelter for aquatic animals. Examples of marginal plants include Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus), Blue Water Iris (Iris versicolor), Aquatic mint (Mentha aquatica), Horsetail (Equisetum hyemale) etc.
2. Submerged plants, also called Oxygenating Plants, are plants that grow entirely underwater and are crucial for maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem. These plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which helps to improve water quality and provide a habitat for aquatic life. Examples of submerged plants include Arrowhead (Sagittaria subulata), Eelgrass (Vallisneria spp), Waterweed (Elodea canadensis) etc.
3. Free-floating plants, which float on the surface of the water. These are usually small, with no visible stem or roots, and their leaves float on the water’s surface. They provide shade and shelter for aquatic creatures and are often used in ornamental water gardens. Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), Mosquito fern (Azolla spp.), etc. are free-floating plants.
4. Surface flowering plants or rooted floating plants are those that grow at the bottom of the water body but have their leaves and flowers floating on the water’s surface. These plants not only add color and texture to the water garden but also provide shelter for fish and other aquatic animals. Some examples of surface floating plants include the Lotus (Neelumbo nucifera), Water lily (Nymphaea spp.), and Victoria lily (Victoria regia).
Aquatic Fauna
Ornamental fish, often referred to as living jewels for their beautiful colors and playful behavior, are very popular in garden ponds. Gold fish and koi are among the most popular species.
Importance of having fish in a pond:
They bring joy to people of all ages
Create a sense of attachment with tiny creatures
Enhance the attractiveness of pond with different colors and movements.
Keep the pond clean by eating mosquitoes and other insects.
To maintain a healthy fish population, we need to ensure
Consistent feeding
Sufficient oxygen levels
Prompt removal of dead fish
Properly maintained water temperature
Protection from direct sunlight n
