6 Zen-Inspired Design Ideas for a Relaxing Patio and Pond in Waunakee WI
If the world seems to be spinning faster and getting crazier day by day, it’s nice to come home to a soothing retreat in your own backyard. Transforming your backyard into the perfect getaway takes just a few steps. Few natural elements are as soothing as water. Whether you choose the melodious sounds of waterfall spilling into a pond or the stillness of a reflecting pond, there are a few ways to make your pond and patio area pure zen. Here are 6 zen-inspired design ideas for a relaxing patio and pond in Waunakee, WI.
Related: Incorporating a Pond Into a Zen-Inspired Backyard Aesthetic in Fitchburg and Madison, WI
1. Proximity
Having a pond close to the patio can make it feel like you’re enjoying the tranquility of a lakefront retreat. The patio and pond can become “one” if the design incorporates gentle curves rather than straight lines and angles, and you soften the transition with natural elements like boulders and plants.
2. Comfort
While water naturally attracts young and old, it’s nice to have a place to sit by the water’s edge. The perfect relaxation spot could be a pebble beach with a fire pit and a few Adirondack chairs; a small pergola with a hammock; a comfortable bench; or a few cushioned lounge chairs.
3. Moving Water
A still-water pond is serene, but you can take it to the next level by adding moving water in the form of a waterfall or fountain. A bubbler fountain in the center of the pond aerates the water and creates visual interest along with the delightful sounds of moving water. At night, the bubbler could be illuminated to create a dramatic focal point.
A waterfall helps bring a natural feel to your pond. Its white noise masks nearly all sounds in the environment. And, you can get as creative as you want with the placement of stones to alter the sound of the falling water. The waterfall could be as subtle as a babbling mountain stream, or as majestic as a miniature Niagara Falls.
For a more modern look, you could opt for a more structured waterfall using stone slabs as ledges; the water could fall as a sheer drop over these ledges, or fall onto rounded rocks below. The sound quality will be very different with even the most subtle changes.
4. Serenity Around the Pond
There are two types of people: those who feel at home in nature and appreciate its randomness; and those who feel more at peace when they are surrounded by structured elements. Edging the pond with boulders and aquatic plants creates a natural vibe. Or, you could create a masonry edge to the pond and use straight lines to give the pond a more formal look.
5. Subtle Colors
A monochromatic planting theme will add to the zen-like atmosphere. Monochromatic plantings are anything but boring, because your attention is drawn to texture, shape, tones, density, and size.
Using a monochromatic theme on your patio pavers can also add to the zen. Avoid contrasting borders and accents; using the same color throughout is more soothing.
6. Fire
Placing a fire pit near a pond creates a cozy spot to relax by the water’s edge. The reflections of the flames on the water are beautiful, and the warmth of the fire opens up opportunities for enjoying your pond well into the colder months.
About the Author
With over two decades in business and maintaining an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau the entire time, Proscapes LLC is a leading landscape company in the Madison, WI, area. As a Unilock Authorized Contractor, we are recognized as the best-of-the-best in our craft—earning numerous awards along the way.