Landscape Transformation: Water Wonderland

An expansive, wooded suburban lot was turned into a watery wonderland by a couple who spent years touring ponds and planning their backyard oasis. They wanted their water garden to possess a magical quality that would entice visitors to linger and explore every twist and turn of the streams and waterfalls.

Mulched pathways and stepping stones invite you to explore every nook and cranny, delighting in all the flora (and fauna) of this wooded paradise. A fire pit is located to the right with ample seating.

The Lovely Lotus

I'm in love with the lotus. Is there any other aquatic plant as beautiful or graceful? It belongs to the genus Nelumbo and consists of only two species ... the yellow-flowered American lotus (Nelumbo lutea) and the pink Asiatic lotus (Nelumbo nucifera). These two species have been grown and bred for centuries, resulting in hundreds of hybrids that range in size and color.

In my mind ... this is what Heaven looks like.

Fountains Aflow in the Garden

We're drawn to the sound of water ... while walking in the woods it beckons us to glimpse a nearby creek. When shopping, we're lured to the center court fountain to sit a spell and rest our weary feet until the next store tempts us to browse new trinkets. In your landscape, a fountain can be tucked into any corner that begs for a focal point.

A grouping of fountain rocks greets visitors near the home's front door. An underground basin holds water that is circulated by a pump up through the rocks, where the water spills over and falls back into the basin, covered with gravel.

We Have a Water Garden Book Winner!

Thanks to everyone who participated in our first blog giveaway! I hope all of you continue to enjoy the water gardening photos on this blog ... taken by water gardeners from across the country. Congratulations to Gabriele who won our two water gardening books ... Water Garden Lifestyles and Container Water Gardening for Hobbyists. The winner was chosen using Random.org. Here are a few more "water garden lifestyles" photos to enjoy ...

Every generation enjoys the water garden lifestyle!

Giveaway: Water Gardening Books

You deserve a little rest and relaxation ... and you have just 2 more days to enter to win 2 water gardening books that will show you how to rest and relax in your very own backyard oasis.  So if you like looking at photos like this ...