Mankind is attracted by water probably because it is the one element that we can survive the shortest period of time in abstinence.  Thirst is the strongest of human urges.  In addition to the biophysical attraction to water, however, most of us have an emotional attraction to water elements as well.

Water has a soothing and meditative ability to calm us and to distract us in a positive way.  It’s reflective quality may be what draws us in one situation.  The loud bubble of a city fountain that drowns out the noise of buses and car horns on a spring afternoon might draw us in a totally different capacity in another. 

Many of our garden projects will revolve around some central water feature.  Fountains are considered more architectural features with filtered clear bubbling water in motion.   

Waterfalls are similarly in motion but are designed to mimick natural settings.  They usually will be combined with aquatic plants and/or fish with natural, slightly murky water. 

Ponds may be small or large—built on concrete foundations, using rubber liners, or excavated with naturally clay fill and keyed dams.  Whatever their structure, they are normally a more static body of water with a more natural acquatic habitat. 

Bog gardens are usually built for low spots that normally don’t dry out.  As a result they require and produce a unique microclimate of plants and animals. 

Spas are obviously more recreative than contemplative.  They can be either part of an existing swimming pool or a free standing unit where space and maintenance needs are more restrictive.  They too can be more architectural or more natural in their appearance.  Yet their hydrology is usually the same—purified water with jets, pumps, heaters, and filters.   

Swimming pools can be built in almost any setting with the technical advancements of the past twenty years.  John Strauss Associates specializes in making a swimming pool unique to a specific setting and owner needs.