The Country Water Gardens and Nursery - Cedar Park

The Country Water Gardens and Nursery - Cedar Park

Written by Autumn Rhea Carpenter Sunday, 07 May 2006

Creative outdoor design flows with water gardening

Water is a valuable commodity. The precious natural resource is an important element in fostering a flourishing landscape. Hill Country Water Gardens & Nursery teaches customers how to utilize water in unique ways to create tranquil, restorative outdoor designs.

Steve Kainer, owner of the seven-year-old water gardening resource, launched the company with his wife, Christie, after working in landscaping as a high school student and as an aquatic plant wholesaler during college.

“The introduction of water into landscapes is a new trend,” Kainer said. “People lead such busy lives, and water features offer tranquility in a home setting.”

The company’s 16-person staff offers turn-key design and installation of koi ponds, water gardens, water features, as well as service, maintenance, and pond cleaning. They offer an array of retail services, but emphasize their focus is teaching do-it-yourself landscapers and gardeners how to complete projects.

In keeping with sharing helpful tips, the company hosts weekly events and seminars to discuss different gardening topics, such as waterfall and pond building, disappearing fountains, and repotting aquatic plants.

Kainer leads a seminar that teaches how to build disappearing fountains, using containers such as urns, vases, or drilled boulders. Water pours out and disappears into the ground into a reservoir, and then drains back into the receptacle. The water feature creates a peaceful ambience with very low maintenance.

When a customer is interested in adding a water feature or pond, Kainer encourages them to determine their motivations.

“Some people want the sound and movement of water and are better served with a water feature,” he said. “Others are prepared for the time and maintenance that a living pond requires.”

Checking references and work samples are good ways to research a landscaping company’s expertise, according to Kainer. Hill Country Water Gardens & Nursery invites customers to visit their outdoor showroom, where they can see eight pond examples.

“Many companies define pond building as digging a hole, lining it, and adding a pump,” he said. “Our ponds promise much more finesse.”

In addition to design services, the company consults and offers general service for pond leaks, pump replacement, filter service, and kit materials.

Additionally, Hill Country Water Gardens & Nursery sells locally grown plants, not found at larger retail stores. They also feature hardy and tropical water lilies, bog plants, lotus, ornamental goldfish, and Koi.

Pond Building Basics:

• Location – Most aquatic plants prefer direct sun to maximize plant growth and blooms. Position your pond to receive at least five hours of sun per day. If sun is not an option, don’t be discouraged, as many shade tolerant plants are available.
• Size and Depth – If you plan to include koi, consider making your pond at least 10 x 6 x 2. Smaller, shallower ponds are usually adequate for goldfish.
• Pre-form or Liner – There are several choices when deciding materials to use for your water garden construction. We recommend rubber liner and pre-form fiberglass.
• Pump and Filtration Systems – Choose a pump that will circulate the water in your pond once every hour to hour and a half. Your water feature (waterfall, fountain, etc.) will also help to determine what size pump is needed.
• Estimating Number of Gallons in Pond– Average width x average depth x 7.5 = estimated total gallons

The Country Water Gardens and Nursery, 1407 North Bell Blvd., Cedar Park, TX, 512-260.5050, www.hillcountrywatergardens.com