design element Water Features

Water features bring motion, sound, and atmosphere to landscapes. Through pools, ponds, fountains, or waterfalls, they add visual interest and the calming presence of moving water, enhancing both the character and everyday experience of outdoor spaces.
A carved granite bird bath fountain provides subtle water sound while supporting birds and wildlife, adding charm and ecological value to the garden.

water features for shape and sound

Water features enrich a landscape by shaping how an outdoor space looks, sounds, and is experienced over time. Beyond their visual presence, elements such as fountains, ponds, and waterfalls introduce consistent, ambient sound that brings a sense of calm and helps soften background noise from roads or neighboring properties. Water also reflects light and surrounding plantings, adding depth and seasonal variation throughout the day and year.

When designed with the site in mind, modern water features operate efficiently, blend naturally with stone and planting, and require surprisingly little maintenance, offering a long-lasting source of relaxation and interest unlike any other landscape element.

common water feature questions

1. Are water features safe for families and pets?
Shallow basins, controlled spillways, and professional design allow water features to be both visually engaging and family-friendly.
2. What materials are most durable for outdoor water features?
Natural stone, granite, concrete, and high-quality masonry hold up well to freeze-thaw cycles and long-term outdoor exposure.
3. How do I choose the right water feature style for my home?
The best water feature complements your architecture, landscape style, and how you use your outdoor spaces, from quiet gardens to entertaining areas.
4. Are water features high-maintenance?
Modern water features use efficient pumps and filtration systems, making upkeep minimal when installed correctly and serviced seasonally.
Twin stone water walls bring clean lines, sound, and movement to this modern Dover pool, adding a refined focal point without visual clutter.

see examples of our work

This rectangular granite basin fountain pairs clean stone detailing with subtle water movement, adding a refined focal point that enhances circulation, sound control, and visual balance within the garden.
A natural woodland pond framed by stone paths and layered plantings adds movement, wildlife habitat, and a calming focal point to a Boston-area garden.
This stone waterfall blends architecture and landscape, using natural masonry to create a soothing backdrop that elevates everyday outdoor living.
A hand-built stone wall waterfall enhances this patio with gentle sound, visual texture, and a seamless connection between hardscape and surrounding landscape.
Lily pads and a natural waterfall create a layered pond ecosystem that cools the landscape, supports wildlife, and adds seasonal interest.
A stone spillway seamlessly connects pool and landscape, delivering gentle sound and visual flow suited to a refined coastal Duxbury setting.

for a healthier landscape

In addition to their visual and acoustic appeal, water features contribute to a healthier, more dynamic landscape by supporting local birds and wildlife with a reliable source of hydration. Moving water can encourage activity and life within the garden while reinforcing a sense of balance and connection to nature. From subtle fountains to more immersive pond features, these elements bring depth and purpose to outdoor spaces.

Contact us to learn more about water features and how a Blade of Grass can design and install a solution that enhances both the beauty and experience of your landscape.
This custom stone wall waterfall channels water through a sculpted granite basin, creating gentle movement and sound while reinforcing clean circulation and a refined focal point within the surrounding patio and planting design.

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what our clients say

review - a blade of grass landscape designer Boston review
“Exceptional vision coupled with practical advice. The team worked hard under difficult conditions, the job was done in a timely manner and the outcome surpassed my very high expectations.”
Kathy H.
West Roxbury, MA
“What a great company. The people we work with are responsive, knowledgeable and a delight to work with. They meet with us each year at the beginning of the season to understand our needs and they make sure they meet those needs.”
Helen S.
Concord, MA
“They listened to what we wanted and created an oasis where each month we saw different plants blooming with different colors. Our designer was a joy to work with and she truly taught us about plants and flowers through this experience.”
Jaimin P.
Sudbury, MA
“Their creative vision, thoroughness, and professionalism exceeds all expectations. Further, the Blade of Grass team is exceptionally friendly, responsive and easy-going.”
Lindsey M.
Dover, MA
“They gave me an accurate budget and timetable up front and pretty much stuck to it - much to my husband's delight. They are not pushy about their services which I truly appreciate and which is why I continue to use them for maintenance, new plantings etc. Would highly recommend them!”
Sunitha D.
Newton, MA
“a Blade of Grass was a joy to work with from beginning to end. They were focused on us the entire process from brainstorming, designing, selecting and installation. We love our new landscaped backyard and know you will too!”
Pamela D.
West Roxbury, MA
“a Blade of Grass transformed our front yard from a barren wasteland of wood chips to a stunningly gorgeous garden. In late 2012, we embarked on a major project to rebuild our backyard and add a pool and patio. The result far exceeded our expectations. Heather and her crew maintain all of our gardens throughout the year, and are very responsive to our questions and requests.”
John H.
Weston, MA
“When designing the space Tom considered every detail including privacy concerns, colors, the reuse of existing plants, our likes and dislikes, cost, placement and size of walkways and stairs, shape of pool deck and where snow would be plowed in the winter. The result is a yard we enjoy all year-round. Since its design, the maintenance team at a Blade of Grass has maintained the yard's beauty.”
Dave H.
Waltham, MA
“Joanna had an encyclopedic knowledge of every plant we looked at. The installation crew led by Joel was also terrific. In fact, despite oppressive heat, they removed some old stones in the way and used them to repair and extend a fallen wall - a really thoughtful touch that went above and beyond the plan.” 
Betty T.
Lincoln, MA

enhance your property with a water feature.

Contact us today to discuss how our award-winning landscape designers, gardeners, installation, and maintenance teams can design and install a beautiful water feature for your property.
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