Karen Wight -- NO PLACE LIKE HOME

The pitter-patter of light rain on the roof, the consistent pulse of

ocean waves, the babbling of a forest stream: water elements are one of

Mother Nature’s most soothing and peaceful components.

We are, after all, comprised mostly of water. We begin our journey

floating in a secure water world for nine months. The Earth is largely

covered with water. It is no surprise that we seek to bring water

features into our environment to satisfy our thirst for nature.

For centuries, the Chinese and Japanese have been using water, stones and

plants to create balance in their homes and gardens. Romans used

fountains and stairstep pools to cool off hot summer Mediterranean

nights.

Water elements can be as simple as a birdbath or as complex as a

waterfall or koi pond in the backyard. Developers in the Western world

finally caught on to the intrinsic connection between the human condition

and the water world. Take a look at almost any shopping mall.

Fountains are prominently displayed and serve as focal points. South

Coast Plaza’s fountains run through the center of the pedestrian areas.

Running water provides a backdrop of “white noise” that promotes a

feeling of well-being.

When Fashion Island had a face-lift several years ago, the Irvine Co. got

smart and added water elements that increase the shopping and browsing

enjoyment of visitors. The koi pond was joined by some complex and

creative water displays.

In an effort to reproduce the simplicity of nature, some of these

fountains have computerized timing systems to simulate ocean waves, or

syncopated rhythms for pop jets.

Kids love them, adults love them. Water just works.

Water components for your home are a great investment in time and energy.

It’s as easy as a concrete birdbath in the front planter of your home.

Most feathered bathers prefer one to two inches of water to splash around

in; they add a lovely display of sights and sounds to a garden.

Next on the scale of effort is a running fountain. Adding this to your

landscape plan will take some time and energy, but the effort will be

exponentially returned.

You will need to provide electricity for a motor and if you really want

to do the job the right way, think about adding lighting so your efforts

can be seen as well as heard in the evening hours.

If you have a place for a free-standing fountain, be sure to provide a

planter at the base to maximize the impact. Adding greenery or flowers

enhances your decorative accent.

A patio or courtyard is a natural place to add a water element. Be sure

to position your fountain so it can be seen and heard from as many rooms

as possible.

Do you have a place that will provide your bedroom with the relaxing

sound of trickling water? This is a great enhancement to your personal

retreat.

Do you have a window by your kitchen sink that you stare out of for hours

during the day as you take care of your chores? Another prime location.

For centuries, formal pools in geometric shapes were the norm in a proper

European garden. Pools such as these can be sunken, raised or

semi-raised. Plantings around the pool can increase the feeling of

formality. Incorporate a boxwood hedge or use rows of flowering plants in

graduated heights.

For a more tropical feeling, consider a water garden with water lilies,

poppies, lotus or water hyacinths. Water lilies are easy to grow,

dependable bloomers and are unusually beautiful. Umbrella plants are fast

growers and provide height and texture to a water setting. Water gardens

need at least four to six hours of sun each day, so a sunny location is a

prerequisite.

A koi pond is an interesting addition. Aficionados swear by these

ornamental carp. Owners claim the fish are outgoing and affectionate. Koi

owners describe their fishy friends as “spunky” and are considered family

pets. These creatures outlive almost any other kind of pet -- up to 60

years. Be careful, they might outlive you.

Ponds such as these require careful planning. Requirements include a

shallow area for feeding, a deeper area for protection from the elements

and occasional visiting mammals, a filtration and aeration system, and

protection from weather extremes.

Have you seen the water elements for desktops? Miniature fountains for

your office are popular and come in a variety of forms and complexities.

Water, water everywhere.

Add an element of the elements to your corner of the world. Water is

relaxing and refreshing. Make waves.

* KAREN WIGHT is a Newport Beach resident. Her column runs Saturdays.