LOCATION: Nanaimo BC | TYPE: Fountain | COMPLETED: 2023 | CLIENT: Private Residence | Budget: $6,000
Imagine stepping into your backyard and finding a gentle retreat designed for quiet reflection and enjoyment. With the subtle beauty of a Spillway Bowl and Basin, that’s exactly what we envisioned for this installment of our Sandbox Series.
Our goal was to showcase a subtle, tranquil water feature perfect for homeowners looking to enhance a quiet corner of their outdoor space. Unlike dramatic features that demand immediate attention, we aimed to create a gentle oasis that softly invites you to unwind and enjoy nature.
Many homeowners hesitate when considering water features, unsure if a large statement piece is right for their space. Often, they want something beautiful yet unobtrusive, calming yet practical, that complements rather than dominates their landscape.
People sometimes attempt small, store-bought fountains, but these often lack the natural aesthetic and longevity of professionally designed water features. Additionally, DIY installations often struggle with consistent water flow and balancing aesthetics with natural surroundings.
In this Sandbox Series project, we introduced the Spillway Bowl and Basin—a calm water feature offering subtle beauty and gentle sounds. Here’s how we did it:
Installed a spillway bowl and basin system carefully nestled among natural stone clusters to blend seamlessly into the landscape.
Selected plants to surround the feature, emphasizing native species and low-maintenance ornamentals for effortless year-round beauty.
Incorporated strategic lighting, creating a magical nighttime ambiance while maintaining a peaceful, unobtrusive presence.
The completed demonstration perfectly highlights how subtle features can transform your backyard into a calming retreat:
The gentle water flow and peaceful sounds immediately create a serene, relaxing atmosphere.
This feature naturally attracts birds, enhancing the connection with local wildlife and adding an element of delight for homeowners.
The overall design is beautifully balanced, integrating effortlessly with its surroundings, making it an ideal addition to any quiet backyard nook.
Through this sandbox project, we’ve shown how simplicity, subtlety, and thoughtful design choices can make a significant impact on your outdoor living experience.
If you’re facing a challenging view or want to turn your backyard into a peaceful escape, we can help. Whether it’s designing a custom timber arbor or transforming your outdoor space, our expertise in creating beautiful, functional landscapes will make your vision a reality.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start transforming your outdoor space into the private retreat you deserve.
Some landscapes you can take in with a single glance—neat, obvious, done. Others tug at you. You find yourself stepping off the deck, following a curve in the path, drawn by the sound of water or the glimpse of something just out of sight.
Suzanne, a professional working from a home office in Nanaimo, needed a solution to mask the neighbor’s garbage and recycling area visible directly from her office window. She wanted a calming environment suitable for professional video calls and daily work.
Building your watergarden dreams.
Serving:
Qualicum Beach
Parksville
Nanoose
Coombs
Errington
Lantzville
Nanaimo
Cedar
Gabriola
Cedar
Ladysmith
Saltair
Chemainus
Crofton
North Cowichan
Duncan
Nanaimo Watergardens & Landscaping respectfully acknowledges that it operates as an uninvited guest of the Snuneymuxw and Snaw-naw-as people on their traditional and unceded territory.
