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Pondspectives with Mike
Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, 12 a.m. EST
Water Conservation Through Design
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By Mike Garcia
 Water conservation is everyone's concern. Saving water in the landscape goes beyond saving native plants, though this is part of the whole. Saving water starts with nature appreciation and the design process.
- Site Inventory: Take note of what the property contains. Consider viewpoints and utilities. The home's color and architecture also play an intrinsic role in artful design of a native garden.
- Site Analysis: Consider what’s important in creating a native garden. For example, does the homeowner want to attract wildlife? Gaining a clear understanding of what the homeowner's motivation is for adding a pond and native garden is important to the design process.
Water is an important element in a balanced landscape. Providing fresh water offers an important resource for garden-friendly animals that are a key component in a healthy native garden.
Clean, fresh water is often the hardest necessity for birds to come by. A fresh water source attracts butterflies and and keeps the garden lively with birds and other animals.
The sound of running water will draw hummingbirds and other backyard birds. Water, birds and butterflies bring to the garden the elements of sound, song and emotion. This allows the homeowner to experience a deeper connection with its natural inhabitants.
Statistics show that decades of unchecked, rampant development have impaired our quality of life and polluted much of the natural habitat that provides food, water and protective cover for native wildlife.
As landscapers and backyard builders, we need to take action. We can be part of the solution by inviting change into our designs with native plants and water features.
What are some ways you have incorporated the elements of nature as a whole into you pond and water garden designs?
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