When your backyard is more than just a backyard—when it’s your sanctuary, your retreat, your place to unwind—you want it to feel just right. Adding a pergola and water feature in Person County and Pittsylvania County, VA, creates that perfect blend of relaxation, sophistication, and high-end outdoor living. These elements don’t just transform a space—they elevate it.
Imagine this: A stunning pergola draped with soft string lights, a bubbling water feature creating a soothing ambiance, and a meticulously designed backyard that invites you to stay just a little longer. This isn’t just a dream—it’s what expert landscape design can bring to your home.
With a professional team designing and installing these features, you’re ensuring that every detail—from material selection to seamless integration with existing elements like outdoor kitchens, retaining walls, and seating areas—is executed flawlessly.
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Where to Put a Water Features
A well-placed water feature turns an ordinary backyard into a refined, high-end retreat. The gentle sound of flowing water adds to the ambiance, creating a peaceful setting where you can relax and unwind. But placement matters. A thoughtfully designed fountain, pond, or waterfall should feel like a natural part of the landscape, seamlessly blending with existing elements rather than feeling like an afterthought.
Maplehurst specializes in designing and installing custom water features that enhance outdoor spaces with elegance and sophistication. Every project is tailored to fit the unique character of the home and surrounding landscape, ensuring that each element complements the overall design. Whether integrating a water feature into a pergola, outdoor kitchen, or garden, placement is key to achieving the perfect balance of beauty and function.
Near a Seating Area
Positioning a water feature near a seating area enhances the atmosphere and creates an inviting space to relax. The soft trickle of a fountain or the soothing rush of a waterfall provides an instant sense of calm, making it an ideal complement to a patio, outdoor kitchen, or pergola. When designed correctly, this setup encourages people to linger, whether enjoying a quiet morning coffee or entertaining guests in the evening.
A well-placed bubbling fountain beside a lounge area can set the mood, while a more dramatic cascading waterfall can frame a dining space, creating a natural focal point. Your landscape designer can consider sightlines, sound levels, and material integration to ensure the water feature feels like a seamless part of the outdoor design.
As a Focal Point
A water feature can serve as the heart of the backyard, drawing attention and elevating the entire space. A tiered fountain, contemporary spillway, or dramatic waterfall becomes a statement piece that defines the style of the landscape. In larger backyards, a bold, centrally located water feature can anchor the design, creating a sense of structure and flow.
Placement in a highly visible area ensures that the water feature is always part of the view—whether from inside the home, the patio, or a garden pathway. A designer can craft custom water features that align with the overall landscape design, using premium materials like natural stone, concrete, or modern steel to match the aesthetic of the space.
By a Retaining Wall
A cascading waterfall integrated into a retaining wall serves both form and function. In sloped landscapes, retaining walls are often necessary for structural support and erosion control. By incorporating a waterfall or spillway into the design, the space becomes more visually engaging while maintaining its practical purpose.
Water flowing down a natural stone or stacked stone retaining wall brings movement and tranquility to the backyard. In addition, professionals carefully design these features with proper drainage solutions to prevent water buildup and ensure longevity. By blending natural elements with structural components, a retaining wall water feature becomes a defining part of the backyard’s character.
Tucked Into a Garden
Nestling a water feature among lush plantings creates a tranquil, organic feel. A small pond with aquatic plants, a gentle bubbling rock, or a subtle trickling stream enhances the natural beauty of the space. When surrounded by well-chosen plantings, such as ornamental grasses, ferns, and perennials, the water feature feels like an extension of the landscape rather than a separate element.
A garden water feature works particularly well in areas with mature trees, offering a shaded, secluded retreat. Landscape design experts can select plantings that complement the feature while ensuring minimal maintenance, so the garden stays pristine without constant upkeep. By incorporating stepping stones, a winding pathway, or soft landscape lighting, the space becomes a private sanctuary where homeowners can reconnect with nature.
Easiest Water Features to Maintain
A water feature should enhance your backyard, not become a chore. The sound of trickling water brings a sense of relaxation, but no one wants to spend every weekend skimming debris or dealing with complicated filtration systems. For a low-maintenance yet luxurious addition, choosing the right water feature is key, and providers like Maplehurst can ensure your new addition fits with your aesthetic and lifestyle needs.
Self-Contained Fountains
A self-contained fountain is one of the simplest water features to own. These systems recirculate water within a built-in reservoir, meaning they don’t require additional plumbing, ponds, or complicated filtration. With just an occasional rinse and a quick water top-off, they remain a hassle-free yet elegant addition to any patio, garden, or outdoor living space. From sleek, modern spheres to timeless tiered stone fountains, self-contained designs add instant charm without extra work.
Pondless Waterfalls
For homeowners who love the sound of cascading water but don’t want the upkeep of a pond, a pondless waterfall is an excellent choice. Water flows over natural stone or a custom-designed spillway and disappears into a hidden underground basin, where it’s continuously recirculated. This eliminates stagnant water, making maintenance significantly easier while keeping the natural, serene effect of a traditional waterfall. Since there’s no standing water, concerns about mosquitoes, algae buildup, or frequent cleaning are minimal.
Bubbling Rock Features
A bubbling rock feature offers a subtle yet mesmerizing water effect with almost no upkeep. Water gently bubbles over the surface of a large natural stone, creating a tranquil atmosphere without requiring an exposed pond. The water cycles through a hidden reservoir below, reducing evaporation and preventing debris buildup. These features blend beautifully into garden landscapes, adding movement and sound without overwhelming the space.
Disappearing Streams
A disappearing stream mimics the natural flow of a small creek, allowing water to trickle over strategically placed stones before vanishing into an underground reservoir. This setup provides all the beauty of a running stream without the maintenance of a traditional pond. Because the water continuously circulates, there’s little risk of algae growth or stagnant water. Thoughtfully designed with native stone and plantings, a disappearing stream creates a serene, low-maintenance backyard retreat.
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What To Put Around a Water Feature
A water feature is more than just a decorative element—it should feel like an organic extension of the landscape. The right materials, plantings, and design details ensure that a fountain, pond, or waterfall blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Whether it's a modern spillway, a naturalistic pond, or a cascading waterfall, the space around it should feel just as intentional as the water feature itself.
Natural Stone
Stone is one of the best ways to integrate a water feature into the landscape. In Person County and Pittsylvania County, VA, locally sourced materials like Virginia fieldstone, bluestone, and limestone complement the regional aesthetic while providing durability against seasonal weather changes. These materials create a timeless look that blends effortlessly with both contemporary and rustic backyard designs.
Boulders and stacked stone walls can frame a pond or waterfall, while smooth river rock can soften the edges of a small stream or bubbling feature. Whether used for structural support or as decorative accents, natural stone connects the water feature to the surrounding landscape design.
Drought-Resistant Plants
The right plantings enhance the beauty of a water feature while making it feel more natural. Ornamental grasses, ferns, and low-maintenance perennials work well around ponds and fountains, adding soft textures and movement that complement the flow of water.
Since Virginia’s seasons can be unpredictable, selecting plants that handle temperature fluctuations is key. Hardy species like Japanese irises, sedges, and creeping groundcovers thrive near water features, adding visual interest without requiring constant upkeep. In areas with high sun exposure, drought-tolerant plants like lavender, echinacea, and Russian sage provide color and contrast while thriving with minimal watering.
For a lush, tropical feel, plants like hostas and elephant ears flourish in the moisture-rich environment near a pond. Thoughtfully chosen greenery doesn’t just soften the space—it enhances the sensory experience of being near water.
Lighting
A well-placed water feature is just as stunning at night as it is during the day when lighting is done right. Strategically positioned landscape lighting can highlight the movement of water, cast shimmering reflections, and create a dramatic evening ambiance.
Underwater lights in a pond or stream create a soft glow, while spotlights aimed at a cascading waterfall make the movement of water stand out. Pathway lighting leading to the water feature makes it an inviting focal point after dark. By integrating lighting into the design, a backyard water feature becomes a relaxing and beautiful feature day and night.
Seating and Pathways
A water feature shouldn’t just be something to look at—it should be something to experience. Incorporating seating and pathways encourages interaction with the space, making it a true destination within the backyard.
A stone bench beside a pond creates the perfect spot to enjoy the peaceful sounds of running water. A winding flagstone path leading to a bubbling fountain invites guests to explore the space. Adirondack chairs, built-in seating walls, or even a pergola-covered lounge area transform the area around the water feature into a dedicated retreat.
How To Make a Pergola Look Better
A pergola is already a striking addition to any backyard, but with the right enhancements, it becomes a true focal point. Whether the goal is to create a cozy retreat, a stylish gathering space, or a seamless extension of an outdoor living area, small upgrades can make a significant impact. From greenery to lighting, thoughtful additions turn a pergola into a space that feels both functional and visually stunning.
Lush Greenery
Climbing vines and cascading plants soften the structure of a pergola, giving it a natural, organic feel. Wisteria, jasmine, and climbing roses not only provide shade but also bring in seasonal color and fragrance. For a low-maintenance option, ivy or Virginia creeper creates a beautiful, textured look year-round. In Person County and Pittsylvania County, where summers can be warm, working with a landscape designer to incorporate greenery also helps to naturally cool the space beneath the pergola.
Built-In Lighting
A pergola becomes even more inviting when it’s well-lit. Integrated LED fixtures, soft string lights, or hanging lanterns add warmth and ambiance, allowing the space to be enjoyed well into the evening. Recessed lighting in the beams or post-mounted sconces provide a polished look, while twinkling bistro lights draped across the top add charm and personality. Lighting design should enhance both aesthetics and functionality, ensuring that the space feels welcoming without being overly bright.
Outdoor Drapery
Sheer curtains or UV-resistant fabric panels bring a touch of elegance while also serving a practical purpose. Light, flowing fabric provides privacy and shade, making the pergola feel more intimate. In breezy weather, curtains sway gently, adding movement and a resort-style atmosphere. For homes that experience strong sun exposure, heavier outdoor-rated curtains can block glare and create a cool, shaded retreat during the hottest parts of the day.
Ceiling Fans or Heaters
A pergola should be comfortable in every season. Installing a ceiling fan under the pergola provides airflow on hot summer days, keeping the space cool and pleasant. In colder months, infrared heaters or mounted gas heaters extend the usability of the space, ensuring that outdoor gatherings remain comfortable even when temperatures drop. Thoughtful climate control features allow homeowners to enjoy their pergola year-round without being at the mercy of the weather.
Integrated Seating
A pergola isn’t just for shade—it should be a place to relax. Built-in seating, such as a custom bench along the perimeter or a cozy porch swing, makes the space more functional and inviting. Incorporating plush outdoor cushions and weather-resistant furniture enhances comfort while adding style. In a backyard design that includes a fire pit or outdoor kitchen, seating arrangements should be planned to encourage conversation and connection, making the pergola a natural gathering point.
Keeping a Pergola Stay Up All Year
A properly designed and installed pergola is built to withstand the elements, making it a year-round feature in any backyard. In Person County and Pittsylvania County, VA, the key to long-term durability is selecting high-quality materials that can handle the region’s seasonal shifts. As landscape designers, we carefully choose materials that balance strength, aesthetics, and low maintenance, ensuring your pergola remains a beautiful and functional part of your outdoor space in every season.
Choosing the Right Material for Year-Round Durability
Not all pergolas are created equal, and the material used in construction plays a major role in how well it holds up over time. Cedar and redwood are excellent choices for wood pergolas, offering natural resistance to moisture and pests. These hardwoods perform well in Virginia’s humid summers and fluctuating temperatures, requiring occasional sealing or staining to maintain their rich color and longevity. You can work with companies like Maplehurst to discern what would work best for your needs.
For homeowners looking for a low-maintenance option, aluminum and steel pergolas provide unmatched durability. A powder-coated metal structure resists rust, warping, and fading, making it a long-lasting option that requires little upkeep. Vinyl is another popular choice for its ability to withstand moisture and seasonal temperature fluctuations without cracking or fading. It offers a crisp, clean look that remains intact throughout the seasons without the need for staining or sealing.
Seasonal Care for Long-Term Maintenance
While a well-built pergola is designed to handle the elements, a little seasonal maintenance helps maintain its appearance and structural integrity. In the fall, clearing away fallen leaves and debris prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to mildew or staining, especially on wood pergolas. Checking for loose connections or minor repairs before winter ensures the structure remains strong.
Snow is uncommon in this area, but if heavy accumulation occurs, gently brushing it off can prevent excess weight from straining the structure. Climbing plants should also be pruned to prevent unnecessary weight.
Keeping a Pergola Looking Its Best
Spring and summer upkeep is minimal. A seasonal wash removes pollen, dust, and any mildew buildup that may have settled over the cooler months. Wood pergolas benefit from resealing or staining every few years to keep them looking fresh, while metal and vinyl structures typically only require a rinse to maintain their appearance.
With the right materials and proper care, a pergola remains an elegant backyard feature through every season. Whether used as a shaded retreat, a complement to an outdoor kitchen, or a focal point in a landscape design, a well-maintained pergola adds value and beauty to outdoor living year-round.
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