K-State horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini says water features don’t have to be large and complex.
Adding a waterscape could improve your garden space
K-State horticulture expert says the presence of water in a natural space can benefit mental well-being
At a glance: Gardeners should consider accessibility, interactivity and maintenance when deciding how to incorporate a water feature into a landscape.
More information: Cynthia Domenghini, Cdom@ksu.edu
Related: K-State Horticulture Newsletter
Feb. 8, 2024
By Maddy Rohr, K-State Research and Extension news service
MANHATTAN, Kan. – Limited by space in your garden? Looking for a new project to enhance your space? Wanting to attract birds and pollinators to your garden?
Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini suggests adding a water element to the garden.
“Preliminary research suggests the presence of water in a natural space can benefit mental well-being. The sound of running water helps reduce noise pollution and provides a relaxing escape,” Domenghini said. “Water attracts birds and other pollinators which also contribute to positive well-being. Whether a bubbling rock, pond or waterfall, sensory interests are piqued by waterscapes in the landscape.”
Domenghini said water features don’t have to be large and complex, making it a great weekend project consisting of a container, water tough or large flower pot to hold water, or creating a larger reservoir to invite wildlife.
“There are myriad designs of fountains and ponds that will fit into any size garden,” Domenghini said.
Consider accessibility, interactivity and maintenance when deciding how to incorporate a therapeutic water feature into your landscape, she adds.
“Though an isolated water feature can become a destination where visitors may venture to seek refuge, if it is too inconvenient to access it, the feature loses efficacy,” Domenghini said.
She recommends positioning a water feature close to pathways that are frequented regularly so more people can enjoy the benefits, also making it easier to monitor the feature for maintenance concerns.
When adding movement to the water feature, people can interact through the calming effect of the noise the waterscape makes. Depending on the type of feature, it may be possible to allow play in the waterscape, Domenghini said. Consider adding stepping stones up to the feature, but always consider safety and follow necessary precautions when adding a water feature to the landscape.
“Incorporating a water feature into the landscape will have limited benefits to well- being if it requires intense maintenance,” Domenghini said. “Enter into this project with the understanding of the required maintenance and start small as you learn the basics. Don’t allow this therapeutic feature to become a stress-inducer.”
Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State's Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens. The newsletter is available to view online or can be delivered by email each week.
Interested persons can also send their garden and yard-related questions to Domenghini at cdom@ksu.edu, or contact your local K-State Research and Extension office.
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K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county extension offices, experiment fields, area extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit www.ksre.ksu.edu. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.