Landscape Design Ideas for Waterfront Properties

Native Buffer Zone

• Whatever landscaping design is used for a waterfront, both the Washington State Department of Ecology and the University of Minnesota encourage property owners to grow native vegetation at the shoreline. This "buffer zone" reduces erosion and creates habitat for aquatic life close to shore. The buffer zone does not mean a wild, unattractive plant thicket. It means selecting non-invasive plants with ornamental features and ground-holding root systems. These plants absorb any rainwater runoff and fertilizer residue from the upland areas before they reach the lake or pond. Divide the waterfront zone into three areas: riparian, lower bank and upper bank. Riparian extends two feet back from water's edge. The upper bank is the transition area from the formal garden landscape to the natural landscape abutting the water. The lower bank is sandwiched in between those two zones; it's a moist area, but not wet, so plants should be chosen accordingly. Both upper and lower banks provide a transition from shorter plants to woody shrubs.

Raised Walkway and Deck

• Use hardscaping to draw attention to your waterfront. Build a wooden walkway that leads to a deck or dock on the water's edge, allowing you to enjoy the approach to the water and to give access to it. Small decks attached to the walkway network provide areas for entertaining or special water views. Be sure to check and follow any local zoning and building laws before setting down the first plank. Issues like property setbacks and local ecological guidelines guide the size, location and overall safety considerations in design and construction. For example, the Pleasant Bay Resource Management Alliance of Harwich, Mass., mandates no planks are to rest on the soil surface, and walkways must be at least three feet above the soil or water line. To finish the project, plant densely to cover exposed soil around walkway piers and construction access areas. Bare soil on slopes leads to erosion and loss of habitat for wildlife on the water's edge.

Framed Views

• Like a picture, the landscaping in your back yard needs to be framed. This is especially important when you're framing a view of the water or a lake vista. Large shrubs or trees need to frame and accentuate the view, not block it. From windows in the house and from walkways and seating areas in the garden, the landscaping needs to open up glimpses of the natural water and lure you closer. The same is true when you're framing the water view with an area of turfgrass, vegetable garden or mixed shrub and perennial border. "The Home Landscaper" lists themed gardens associated with natural bodies of water, including an Asian garden, ornamental grass garden with evergreen shrubs, wildlife garden, or a garden with a chain of ponds and waterfalls that visually connect to the main body of water.