| Water feature landscaping is enjoying immense popularity as homeowners incorporate waterfalls into garden pools, writes T. Nandakumar. |
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.
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