Relish the magic of water in
your courtyard
| Water feature landscaping is enjoying immense popularity as homeowners
incorporate waterfalls into garden pools, writes T. Nandakumar. |
– Photo: S. Mahinsha
Dual role: The water in a fountain acts as a natural humidifier, moisturising
the air.
The gurgle of a waterfall, the trickle of water cascading
into a pool, the gush of a fountain, the sparkle of sunlight on the spray –
it’s easy to be enthralled by the beauty and sound of moving water.
The capital city has a number of fountains in public places such as the
Kanakakunnu palace, the museum grounds and the Legislature complex. But
unfortunately, most of them are either in disuse or are seldom operated. The
dysfunctional fountain inside the museum boasts of a cast iron spout and a
cement tank with underwater lighting.
The old fountain on the north of the Kanakakunnu palace grounds was
dismantled for renovation works. a new one with a number of spray heads has been
installed but this one too is seldom operated. The children’s park by the side
of the Observatory hills boasts of a series of cascading waterfalls and
fountains. But except during the festival seasons, the system is not operated.
Aural charm
Apart from the visual and aural charm, there is something else about a
fountain that makes it so attractive. Chances are your knowledge of ions are
confined to the textbook at school which describes them as electrically charged
molecules found in abundance in the atmosphere. Scientists now tell us that some
of these minute particles are capable of easing tension and making us feel
refreshed. Thousands of experiments in ionisation support the conclusion that
proliferation of negative ions in the proximity of a waterfall, a windswept
beach or the gushing fountain in the midst of a bustling urban centre leaves a
beneficial impact on physical and mental health.
It is also the reason why a thunderstorm leaves the air fresh, clean and
invigorating and most of us feel at peace with the newly washed earth because
lightning leaves a tranquilising overdose of negative ions that ease tension and
leave us full of energy. The fact that the Niagara falls is the most stupendous
negative ion generator in the world may be the reason why it has been a
honeymooners’ paradise for almost as long as the area has been accessible.
Leave all the theory of ionisation to the scientists, anyone who has
experienced it will tell you that all it takes to unwind after a hectic day is
to relax in front of a softly gurgling fountain, enjoying the play of light and
colours through the spouting water.
Soothing backdrop
Relaxing and soothing, water sounds add a calming backdrop, ideal for rest
and meditation. The water in a fountain acts as a natural humidifier,
moisturising the air.
Fountains are emerging as a popular feature in large gardens as well as back
yards and inner courtyards of office complexes and houses in the city. The
pleasant flow of water helps block background noise and enhance the tranquility
and peacefulness of the premises. The basic constituents of a fountain are a
water reservoir and an electric pump, generally contained inside the feature.
Filters are used to ensure water quality and prevent turbidity. Underwater
lights or skylights that bring in natural light add drama to the scene.
Outdoor cascades which simulate a natural waterfall look and feel great in
any garden or backyard. Water flows down in sheets as it makes its way into a
large pool.
Landscape feature
Water feature landscaping is enjoying immense popularity as homeowners
incorporate waterfalls into garden pools and courtyards. Integrating a water
feature into landscape design can be a daunting task, but prefabricated products
are available. Fountains, waterfalls and cascades can be manually constructed
using a variety of natural and synthetic materials like polysterene, rock,
granite or concrete. Waterfalls can be built to cascade over rocks into a pool.
A skilled landscape architect can blend a water feature into the design of a
garden or courtyard with minimum manipulation of the elements.
A water feature can include fish and also attract birds to a garden to
provide hours of entertainment for those with a fascination for living things.
Courtesy:
Property Plus, The Hindu
