We love it when we can make a project look natural — and ‘be’ natural, in the way it cares for the earth. This is one such project.
Collecting the water at the lower level of this lovely water feature (stream and waterfalls) is a pondless reservoir. The Aquascape RainXchange reservoir was designed by Deck and Patio to seemingly disappear into the gravel instead of being collected.
“Totally below ground, this rainwater harvesting reservoir acts as a ‘green’ maintenance-free source for the water feature that can run from March through December, 24-7,” says our Outdoor Living Expert, Bill Renter. “City water is not used. The water is harvested totally from rainfall on the roof of the house. Gravity alone collects it into pipes.”
Our team also believes that any water feature’s rock formations should look like they do in a natural setting. That can be achieved by grouping boulders together and doing plantings around them. The key is grouping boulders so they look like a big piece of stone. This can be done by grouping smaller pieces of stone together tightly. Avoid making such groupings look like a retaining wall – that is, similar sized boulders all in a row.
Because the water stored in the Aquascape RainXchange™ System is constantly moving and being aerated, it naturally becomes a sanctuary for wildlife.
This ‘green’ RainExchange process combines a decorative water feature with a completely sub-surface collection system — thereby creating a beautiful backyard oasis that is very eco-friendly.
Bright plantings with green ground cover and water plants, along with river stone gravel, contribute to the natural look and serenity of this peaceful setting.
Techo-Bloc pavers were used to make this idyllic small patio sitting area next to the water feature. Engineered in Canada, these pavers can well handle the freeze/thaw that occurs in our corner of the Northeast.
Pondless waterfalls cascading over imported moss rock boulders helps eliminates noise. Waterfall’s pristine clear water is collected at end of feature in a pondless reservoir.
[…] Harvesting (Long Island/NY): The Aquascape ‘green’ RainExchange process for this feature combines a decorative water feature with a completely sub-surface collection system — thereby […]