Melanie Jones

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Great gardens and backyard spaces are truly a feast for the senses, from the breathtaking sights of fall’s blazing hues, to the sweet smell of success of a rose garden, to the taste of a salad fresh from the veggie harvest, to the tactile pleasure of new foliage. And thanks to trickling streams and bubbling fountains, water features are the ultimate treat to the ears, producing relaxing sounds and creating tranquil atmospheres for homeowners to enjoy.

	You would never guess that this lush patch of paradise is located within a bustling city neighborhood, but Pat Brown’s waterfall in the backyard of his Candlewood Estates home in Fayetteville is part of a larger landscape—waterfall flows into the hot tub, which in turn flows into the swimming pool, all of which is crafted of fieldstone to duplicate the appeal of a real swimming hole. Implementing materials such as native stone is an ideal way to maintain the natural beauty of such a space. The project was designed by Travis Brooks and EB Landworks, Inc., both of Fayetteville, and the pools itself was created by Seaside Pools of Springdale.
	In Randy Jeffrey and Scott Shepard’s urban backyard, a wide variety of flora species surround an equally freeform and creative water feature. The koi pond, framed with traditional red brick and accented with a mosaic design hand-applied by Jeffrey, boasts a fun fountain shaped like a fish out of water, the perfect complement to the numerous orange and white koi residing in the pond. Even better, the water feature lends a soothing touch to the nearby seating area in this Little Rock garden.
	Mary Ellen and Bob Warner’s formal garden in Jonesboro boasts an elegant 5,000-gallon brick and granite koi pond as its centerpiece. The oversized nature of the water feature is perfect, since both the living room and entertainment area of the historic home’s guest house open onto the garden, providing an instant breathtaking view. Aquatic plantings, understated water spouts and statuary accent this delightful backyard spot.
	To ensure water features can be enjoyed both day and night lighting is essential. Built by Joe Barnett of Little Rock Land Design, the natural stone waterfall at the home of Bob and Helen Adkins is visible to guests entering the front hall and makes for a dramatic greeting during evening gatherings, thanks to tree-mounted spotlights that expertly illuminate the waterfall and koi pond below.