Waterfalls

My younger daughter's favorite destination for many years has been to see waterfalls. We've seen the thundering Niagra Falls, waterfalls in the Rocky Mtns. and many of the waterfalls of Northern WI and MI. Above is Tahquamenon Falls in the Upper Pennisula of Michigan which is the second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi. Below is another waterfall in the U.P. My daughter would spend hours wading in these waterfalls and enjoying the experience. Of course, waterfalls on a smaller scale in the landscape can offer many of the same features of their larger siblings; sound, serenity, movement, wildlife potential, etc. At RBG, we have two waterfalls. One is located in the Japanese garden while the other is in the fern/moss garden. Neither waterfall is large but they are vital parts of their garden in which they are located. As manmade elements, these waterfalls do require maintenance, inspection and eventually replacement or removal. Having a sloping grade of course is helpful for intitiating a waterfall; for instance, the one seen below at the Chicago Botanic Garden. As with any garden feature(s), it is vital to know all the time and cost involved with purchasing, installing and maintaining these elements. Further below are some additional ideas for waterfalls and some nice settings.