Leveling up your landscape is rarely the addition of one element. Rather, it’s how the individual pieces complement and interact with each other to form a gorgeous, cohesive big picture. With that in mind, certain finishing touches can be the cherry on top of your landscape sundae, and water features are the perfect example.

Many high-end landscapes integrate water features to create an elegant, welcoming environment for residents and guests. It’s no surprise that these outdoor water features have the positive effect they do, as they deliver aesthetic beauty and sensory appeal, all wrapped up in a stunning package.

If you are interested in taking your New York landscape to new heights, you should consider the different water feature types to determine which are best suited for your property. With intentionality and the help of an expert, you can transform your landscape with water, creating awe-inspiring vistas right in your backyard.

Learn More About:

Outdoor Fountains
Pond Water Features
Landscape Waterfalls
Streams
Water Gardens
Working With a Water Feature Pro

Outdoor Water Features for the Capital Region of New York

Enhancing your Capital Region landscape requires more than installing a random water feature. You need to be familiar with the types of available water features, choose those right for your property, and ensure that they interact well with your other landscaping elements. Only then can your outdoor fountains and backyard ponds truly shine.

Thankfully, we have decades of experience helping property owners like yourself craft the best version of their property. From visualization to implementation, our design team and landscaping experts can help you transform your landscape for the better, and it starts right here.

The Most Popular Landscape Water Features

The sky (and your creativity) is the limit for your landscape, but it doesn’t hurt to have a foundation of knowledge to build on. Familiarizing yourself with the most popular outdoor water features gives you the basics, and you can develop your personal landscaping style from there.

Outdoor Fountains

When it comes to creating a dazzling landscape with water, outdoor fountains are a great place to start. These eye-catching water features come in a variety of forms, which gives you the opportunity to choose the right option for your idyllic outdoor spaces.

• Tiered fountains. Popular as garden water features, tiered fountains stack basins to create a peaceful, waterfall-like effect. They can be customized to different shapes and sizes, as well as constructed of various materials, making them adaptable to your landscape.
• Wall fountains. This vertical water feature both saves space and creates a striking visual. It is ideal for smaller areas and for turning heads.
• Bubbling fountains. For a soothing sound and unique visual addition to your backyard, garden, or outdoor living space, look no further than bubbling fountains. They come in different shapes, sizes, designs, and materials, so you can find the right fit for your property.

Pond Water Features

If your property has natural water features, you’re ahead of the game. Even if your landscape wasn’t blessed with a pond, there’s no need to fret; you can have one made. Natural or not, a pond water feature can transform your property, giving it a uniquely beautiful focal point.

• Natural ponds. If you’re lucky enough to have a natural pond on your property, you can take steps to make it truly stunning. From tidying up the edges with rocks and boulders to placing plants in and around it, enhancing the natural beauty of your pond is all about intentionality and maintenance. If you choose to put a fountain in your pond, be sure to disguise the pumps and other man-made elements in a clever, natural way.
• Koi ponds. Well-known for their peaceful ambience and undeniable beauty, koi ponds are a popular choice for backyard and garden water features. They can be made in varying shapes, incorporate other water features flawlessly, and serve as either a complementary landscaping element or a focal point.

Landscape Waterfalls

If the idea of a waterfall inspires awe, you’re not alone. Waterfalls are among nature’s most jaw-dropping masterpieces, and adorning your Capital Region property with one is sure to transform your landscape.

• Stand-alone waterfalls. There are few landscaping features that stand out as vividly as stand-alone waterfalls, making them an excellent choice for homeowners looking to add a statement piece. The design and how you choose to integrate your stand-alone waterfall into the rest of your landscaping is up to you, giving you the flexibility needed to imbue it with your personality.
• Hardscape-integrated waterfalls. Integrating waterfalls into your hardscaping is a phenomenal way to seamlessly blend landscaping elements and add a wonderful visual touch. From retaining walls to steps (and everything in between), creative design and thoughtful installation can transform a mundane feature into a focal point.

Streams

• Meandering streams. This landscape water feature involves creating an artificial stream that simulates a real, natural creek. While it relies on infrastructure, like pumps, it can look natural and even attract wildlife, giving your property a special kind of serenity.

• Dry creek beds. For outdoor water features that look great and serve a purpose, look no further than dry creek beds. When they are dry, they look like lovely accents to your landscaping. When it rains or the snow melts, they serve as a drainage system that prevents erosion and transforms into a gorgeous running river.
• Natural streams. Just like having a natural backyard pond, count yourself lucky if your landscape has a natural stream. You can take steps to accentuate it and make it even more alluring. Maintaining the bank, being selective about the plant life that borders it, and ensuring that it does not become a flood risk are all important aspects of natural stream management.

Water Gardens

Taking your water feature design in the Capital Region and cities such as Saratoga Springs, Albany, and Clifton Park to the next level can be accomplished with a water garden. These gardens are built around water features, natural or artificial, creating an oasis on your property.

While the focal point of a water garden can vary, the key is to complement it. From aquatic plants like water lilies to populating the feature with fish to creating a sanctuary for waterfowl, a water garden is as aesthetically pleasing as it is tranquil.

How to Combine Water Features

Many of nature’s most memorable water features are a combination of elements. A stream turns into a waterfall, which ends in an idyllic swimming hole. The outdoor water features on your Capital Region property can mirror this natural occurrence to enhance the appearance of your landscape.

For example, you can integrate a stunning fountain into a natural backyard pond or have a meandering stream lead into a waterfall. The choice is yours, and it is limited only by your imagination.

Choosing the Right Water Feature Types for Your Landscape

All water features have the potential to be showstopping additions to a landscape, but that doesn’t mean that you can force any water feature to blend with any landscape. Working within the bounds of your property, your lifestyle, and New York’s climate are all essential to choosing the right water feature for your landscape.

Before you embark on a significant project, consider consulting with a landscape design professional. You should also take the time to consider your space, the lifestyle priorities that inform your experience, the type of home you have, and the weather conditions common in the Capital Region. From there, you can develop a plan that suits your preferences, needs, and budget.

The Benefits of Working With a Water Feature Pro

If you want your outdoor water features to complement your landscape and enhance your property, working with a professional is the best way to realize that dream. With decades of experience in the Capital Region, Gallivan and its in-house design team can work with you to develop a strategy and implement your water features flawlessly.

It starts with a personal consultation, progresses with 3D visualizations, and concludes with the professional installation of your new backyard water features. With Gallivan by your side, your vision of paradise is within reach. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.