Water and fire features make for backyard bliss

By Christa Buchanan
C & G Staff Writer

Much has been said about the oft-touted concept of curb appeal — creating an aesthetically pleasing landscape design that leads directly to the front door.

But what about backyard appeal?

Sure, you may have a patio, but do you have a built-in fire pit? What about the soothing sounds of water and lush foliage?

Backyards are taking a turn for the better as more and more people are creating backyard living spaces and taking their “vacations” at home.

“In general, people are staying home more, with the economy and whatnot. … People are doing more gardening and creating these outdoor living spaces — there’s been a big transformation in landscaping, ” said Karl Bednarowski of Lone Star Landscaping in Shelby Township.

A big part of that “transformation” is the installation of water features.

“It’s really the way people are going. Everyone’s trying to put water and movement back into their lives. With the economy … it’s a stressful time now, and the sound of water tends to slow people down a bit — it’s just very relaxing and soothing, and it kind of de-stresses,” said Martha Wright of Splashy Designs Inc. in Farmington Hills, which just hosted its grand opening celebration May 17-18.

From full-fledged ponds to pottery fountains, and particularly, the latest trend of “pondless,” or “vanishing” waterfalls, water features are available to fit any style, or budget — from around $50 and up for smaller pottery fountains to thousands of dollars for large, fully landscaped ponds with streams and waterfalls.

Part of the attraction to pondless water features, said Kara Mulligan of Mulligan’s Landscape and Garden Center in White Lake, is that “you can get the water sound without all the maintenance. All you have to do is put the pump in in the spring, take it out in the fall and occasionally check the water levels.”

Pondless water features re-circulate the existing water, so unlike ponds, there is no need to clean the filter, administer algaecide treatments, drain the water, or in the case of larger ponds, install an aerator for winterization.

“Ponds require at least 10-15 minutes a week for maintenance. … With pondless water features there is no liability with standing water … (and) you still get the enjoyment of dragonflies, frogs and birds,” said Wright.

“If you like the subtle sound of water splashing on rocks and don’t want maintenance, you could go pondless, but with ponds, you can have fish, coi, lilies and cattails. It’s a nice hobby to have — you can toy around in the backyard for hours,” said Bednarowski.

“Having a pond is a great outdoor hobby. It gives you something to tinker with — you can change up the plantings every year, throw the fish a bit of food … the right mix of plants and fish helps keep the water clean,” said Mulligan, who suggests adding lighting for maximum enjoyment.        

“Definitely, the underwater lights — lighting up the waterfalls extends the enjoyment when you get home at night,” said Wright.

“Beauty, safety and security,” said Bednarowski of outdoor lighting. “You can light the steps and walkway; it deters prowlers. …  You get a very beautiful effect by up-shining lights on the waterfalls, sticking path lights in the surrounding landscaping and up-lighting trees.”

To complete the look, said Mulligan, many people are creating “garden rooms,” using brick pavers or flagstone to create garden walkways and patios to further enjoy their outdoor spaces.

“Brick pavers are the most elegant and are virtually maintenance free.  There are so many colors and styles to choose from … you can create pathways leading to benches overlooking the garden, planter boxes, walls, pillars, boxes around hot tubs — the sky’s the limit,” said Bednarowski, who suggests using flagstone “for a different, unique look.”

No outdoor room is complete without a fire feature; however, it’s important to note that different municipalities have various restrictions on backyard fires and how they must be contained, so before installing or purchasing an outdoor fire pit or fireplace, it is recommended that homeowners check their local city ordinance to see if any restrictions apply.

“The latest trend is outdoor fireplaces and built-in barbecues or fire pits made out of decorative stone or boulders,” said Bednarowski, noting that while outdoor fireplaces are by far the most aesthetically pleasing, built-in fire pits are the most affordable option.

Built-in fire pits not only complement the beauty of any water feature or garden area, said Mulligan, but also extend outdoor enjoyment, as do personal putting greens — a growing backyard trend.

“We’ve been doing a lot of putting greens lately. A lot of people are looking to do more outside, and this gives them something to do and a way to entertain family and friends,” said Mulligan, noting that the use of synthetic turf makes for low maintenance, and therefore more time for pleasure.

For more information on water features, gardening and backyard design, call Lone Star Lansdscaping, (586) 991-0210; Mulligan’s Landscape and Garden Center, (248) 698-4741; or Splashy Designs, (248) 478-6450.

You can reach Staff Writer Christa Buchanan at cbuchanan@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1061.