As innate as our reliance on it may be, the human attraction to water is more than just physical. There’s something deeply spiritual about being close to a body of water as well. Think back to the last ocean or lakeside vacation you were on, and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about: water does more than rejuvenate, it resuscitates. Its calming influence is undeniable, and living here in landlocked Alberta, it’s something we prairie dwellers get far too little of.

Maybe that’s why here in Calgary’s red-hot real estate market water gardens are gaining popularity. In a construction climate of “anything goes”, including an outdoor water feature on your property doesn’t seem all that unreasonable – it’s merely an extension of the landscaping.

“Outdoor water falls and ponds is a relatively new market in Calgary,” says Will Wilson, owner of Babbling Brooks Ponds and Waterfalls. “There’s just a handful of us in the business right now, and the demand for our work is really starting to grow.”

Aesthetic appeal is the biggest bonus a water feature brings to a home. “The curb appeal a well designed water garden lends to your property is priceless,” says Wilson. “It becomes the central attraction on the block and definitely differentiates your home from your neighbours’. They are certainly a good property investment.”

In addition to looking great, water gardens create a mini self-contained ecosystem, attracting all kinds of birds, dragonflies, butterflies and other friendly creatures to your backyard. There’s a common misconception that water features are a breeding ground for pests (mosquitoes top the list, and with West Nile virus on everyone’s mind the last few summers, it’s a notable concern.)

In truth, mosquitoes can only breed in standing water. Because man made water gardens are on a flow system whereby the water is constantly moving and filtered, the little zappers don’t stand a chance.

While they may look complicated to the untrained eye, the system underneath the beauty of a water garden is really fairly straightforward and relatively easy to install.

The process begins with siting: scoping out the position of the flow stream, pond location and style, rock placement and waterfalls. “Stream direction is a huge factor in enjoying your water feature,” Wilson says. You want to be able to hear the sound of the running water as much as possible from wherever you are, even if you’re inside standing in front of an open kitchen window.”

After sitting comes design – planning the actual layout the water feature will follow, as well as deciding on extras that may enhance things both visually and interactively. “Always make your water garden as interactive as possible,” suggests Wilson. “It’s one thing to sit back and admire it from a distance, but quite another to be able to walk across or sit above it. Stepping-stones, for example, put you right in the mix of things – you become part of the design. A bridge or an overhang are good choices too; anything that allows you to move through or around the pond will heighten your enjoyment of it.”

Next, you dig. Land grading may be necessary to accommodate the design and pool placement, but this is usually only a factor for very large projects. It’s at this stage that the ground liners, pumps and filtration system are installed – the real nuts and bolts of the project. Once that’s been accomplished, edging and landscaping can be tackled, bringing the water feature to life in the way your mind’s eye envisions –lush, green and inviting. There are dozens of plant varieties that thrive in and around water features, to the extent that even a prairie yard can take on the appearance of the more tropical west coast. Floating flowers are what most people associate with water gardens – lilies, lotuses and water poppies are all classic choices. But don’t overlook grasses, reeds and water shrubs. They’re easily planted into the base of the pond to grow up out of the water, adding a feeling of natural authenticity to the design.

The time needed to complete a water garden project is of course contingent on size, but a standard backyard job can usually be done in a single day. “Our company motto is: Here today, pond tomorrow,” says Wilson. “I’ve done surprise packages where the homeowner leaves in the morning and comes back to find their yard transformed at the end of the work day.”

While the idea of a water garden is more than inviting, the practical side of maintaining it turns some people off – usually before they know how little is actually involved. In fact, a reputable installer should offer affordable maintenance packages as part of their service, covering everything from spring clean up to filter checks, skimming and winterization.

Cost for a typical backyard water feature starts around the $4,000 mark, but as with anything else in today’s home market, it’s possible to spend as much as your budget will allow. Still, if you’re one to devote a good portion of time outdoors in the summer and fall, a water garden could prove to be a highly enjoyable investment. “If you want to make the most of your yard, really enjoy it and take full advantage of the short season in Calgary,” Wilson says, “a water garden is the way to go.”   NL