May 12, 2025
This week on the podcast, Joanne Shaw speaks with Ernest Williams from Aquascape about the popularity of water features in landscaping, including pondless designs, fountainscapes, and natural swimming ponds.
Here are some of the topics discussed in this episode:
- Pondless Water Features in
Landscaping
- Increasingly popular in landscaping for their low maintenance and safety
- Enhances curb appeal and attracts wildlife
- Provides the sound of water without the upkeep of traditional ponds
- Preferred by homeowners seeking aesthetics and simplicity
- Pondless Water Features Design and
Functionality
- Mimics natural water flow; includes bubbling elements and disappearing streams
- Built with similar mechanics as ponds but without standing water
- Water recirculates through a hidden basin, minimizing runoff
- Can integrate downspouts and rainwater harvesting for stormwater management
- Design and Maintenance
- Mini spillway and aqua basin designs allow features to fit any yard size
- Water should remain in basins during winter to prevent cracking/freezing
- Maintenance includes removing pumps before freezing temperatures
- Naturalistic design is achieved using varied rocks
- Proper maintenance and design extend feature lifespan
- Noise Reduction
- Water features help block unwanted sounds (e.g., traffic)
- Creates a soothing outdoor environment
- Watching water can lower blood pressure and heart rate
- An affordable and visually appealing way to improve outdoor spaces
- Installation
- Both professional installation and DIY options are available
- Certified landscape companies offer installation and customer service
- DIY products available for homeowners
- The Aquascape University program provides contractor training and certification
- Aquascape YouTube channel offers homeowner experiences and advice
- Construction and
Materials
- Quality materials (granite, field stone) prevent calcium buildup and algae
- Kits are available for efficient construction
- Not all yard rocks are suitable for ponds
- Existing ponds can be converted to pondless features for less maintenance
- Aqua blocks allow efficient use of space and are load-bearing
- Pondless Features and Natural
Pools
- Redesigning or converting old ponds to pondless features reduces maintenance
- Existing rocks can sometimes be incorporated into new designs
- Recreation ponds (natural swimming ponds) are eco-friendly pool alternatives
- Suitable for swimming and environmentally conscious homeowners
- Many specialized contractors are available in Ontario and Quebec
- Water Conservation in Yard
Design
- Pools can be converted into natural swimming or recreation ponds
- Water collection systems (e.g., aqua blocks) help manage yard water issues
- Systems collect/filter water, reduce stormwater runoff, and address muddy yards
- Emphasizes the importance of water conservation and management in landscaping
To learn more about pondless water features and everything Aquascape offers, visit them at www.aquascapeinc.com and view their videos on YouTube.
Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss?
Email your questions and comments to downthegardenpathpodcast@hotmail.com, or connect via her website at down2earth.ca.
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We'd love to have you on the show! Click here to learn more.
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Down the Garden Path Podcast
On Down The Garden Path, professional landscape designer Joanne Shaw discusses down-to-earth tips and advice for your plants, gardens and landscapes. As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for over a decade. She does her best to bring you interesting, relevant and useful topics to help you keep your garden as low-maintenance as possible.
In Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and fellow landscape designer Matthew Dressing distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. Get your copy today on Amazon.
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