December 12, 2011
Magical Water Garden
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For my boyhood friends and me, our playground revolved around the water.
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Throughout history, water has been an important feature in many cultures across continents. It is a source of life. Civilisations have always developed and remained close to natural sources of water like rivers and lakes.
It is also a source of spiritual fulfilment and symbolic of life that represents mystical power. Many traditional beliefs and practices are still centered on water today.
During my childhood in the village, our lives revolved around water. Mornings involved getting up to fetch water from the well to start our day. It sustained our padi fields and the streams and rivers provided fish for food.
For my boyhood friends and I, our "playground" revolved around water. Catching fish in the streams, wading through the padi fields and playing along the river, these are cherished memories.
When life progressed to more urban dwellings, people stayed further away from water in its natural setting, unless you count the manmade lakes, drains and monsoon culverts. Water, is no longer a "playground".
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Children are attracted and fascinated by water features. It’s like a magnet to draw kids to explore.
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Beauty of water in the home
People today who live in sprawling suburban homes and condominium units still have a deep-seated feeling to be near bodies of water, or at least the illusion of such a sentiment.
Though we cannot relive our childhood days, modern compact gardens offer practical solutions for incorporating water in our lives through manmade ponds, pools, pots, fountains, water spouts and more. Aquatic plants such as the lotus and water lily also enhance and reflect nature’s beauty.
If you have an open body of water, it can attract frogs or dragonflies, creating a garden that truly interacts with nature.
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Beautiful aquatic plants enhances and ushers in nature’s beauty.
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Homeowners with the privilege of bigger space have the opportunity for a more elaborate water feature, where koi and other fish can be kept. And a wider variety of water plants can be grown, utilising more natural elements in your garden.
But don’t despair if you lack space in your home, even the smallest balcony can include a water feature, and I’m sure Feng Shui masters would agree that even the smallest form of water can usher in fortune and luck.
Magic of a water garden
Water can have magical qualities and a therapeutic effect on us. Trickling sounds of water can "melt" and "wash away" the stress of each day, providing a respite from our busy lives.
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Water can have magical qualities and a therapeutic effect on us. It can melt and wash away the stresses of each day, providing a relaxing escape from our busy lives.
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I remember one such evening when I strolled through my garden. It had been a particularly stressful day and I was ready to explode at the slightest provocation. As I was seething, I stopped by the pond and took a deep breath. Slowly, the gurgling sound of the fountain began to resonate within my dark thoughts.
The fountain also created a soothing sound when water fell on the leaves of the water lilies. Occasionally, a breeze would carry a mist from the fountain on to my face, as if washing away my weariness.
After a while, I found myself feeling lighter and the corners of my mouth tempted to curl upwards. I realised the absurdity of allowing the trivialities of the “rat race” to have such an effect on me. Then my wife called me to dinner and I knew I was alive and loved. I went inside feeling happy and relaxed. My little water garden had worked its magic once again.
Neo Nusantara creates beautiful landscapes for Malaysian homes. Tel: 03-7880 8018. Website: www.neonusantara.com or www.terragarden.com.my.
More articles on landscaping by Desmond Ho:
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