Water gardens have popped up everywhere it seems, this relaxing hobby has transformed landscapes from a stagnant environment that is dependant on the wind and rain for movement to an inviting water world of ebb and flow.  The sounds of running water are essential to funneling out the bustling of traffic or noisy neighbors; they attract wildlife and open the flood gates of aquatic plants into a gardener’s vocabulary.  Your weekends are spent lackadaisically drifting with the gently gurgling of your outdoor haven.  Then comes Monday and that fantastical world of chaise lounges and pin-pointing cloud figures while settling down next to your water garden is another five days away.

But wait…we uncovered a handful of local businesses that yearn for that daily grind to don a softer edge, these forward thinking pioneers of commerce have brought that soothing sound indoors and to a business near you.  From the ultra-sleek designs of a water wall to a two story Kansas creek recreated in the confines of four walls, the following businesses take catering to their employees and customers to a new and quite civilized level.

Modern Edge

When Wilkerson, Anderson & Anderson, DDS remodeled their dental offices they urged  builder, Gene Fritzel, to add a water feature to aid in comforting patients in what can often be a scary, painful and otherwise grueling experience of visiting the dreaded dentist.  The flat wall of water at the end of the hall of dental chairs creates a tranquility and beauty to the office with its simplistic styling and clean lines.  Patients who have yet to reach those teen years flock to the water’s gentle flow, transfixed at the splashes created by the plummeting sheet of water.  Dr. Justin Anderson says, “We make a concerted effort to provide as enjoyable an experience as possible for all our patients.  Little things like the water feature, wireless headphones, or the fish tank, anything to make the environment as comfortable as possible, we’ll use.  After all, we know the dentist’s office is not everyone’s favorite place so we go out of our way to make it a pleasing experience.”

When the University of Kansas purchases a building just west of Kasold to house the Continuing Education department, they not only inherited a gorgeous structure reminiscent of an alpine lodge with its open floor plan and gently sloping ceilings, but they found themselves amongst an indoor oasis of sorts.  With a sun-drenched atrium, big potted plants, and a suspended walkway that gives employees and visitors a bird’s eye view of their enormous water wall.  The vast water feature is centrally located in the middle of the unique building, its water flows from the copper topping on the first floor filled with offices, meandering down through the rocks and landing in a large rectangular pool which runs parallel to the wall on the lower level where the common’s area is located.  Jim Peters, Director of Marketing, beams, “If you were to poll our employees, they would admit that we are extraordinarily lucky to have such a beautiful place to work.  In fact, few visitors leave without commenting on the waterfall and the magnificence of the structure.”

Walk on the Wild Side

While some businesses opt for sleek water features for the ambiance of sound and the architecture of the building, others go for that wild, natural look that brings the outdoors in.  Pines International makes wheatgrass, barley grass and other health foods.  The companies goal is well-being therefore they are quite conscious of keeping the body and mind in top physical form.  One way they have found to de-stress the work environment is through their massive waterfall.  Marisa Ford, US Accounts Manager for Pines International, explains the inspiration, “We basically told stone artist Keith Middlemas, how big it could be and he took it from there.  He wanted to create the illusion of a pool of water below a spring coming out of limestone rock.  Over the past 15 years, the waterfall has become more natural looking and appears to be typical of a setting along a stream here in Eastern Kansas.  Of course, the plantings of papyrus and tropical plants, along with the goldfish are not natural to Kansas, but we hope the overall effect will allow one to be transported to such a place.”

Susan Davis, Co-Owner of Water’s Edge, knows the attributes of having an indoor water feature, after all her life’s work has been to introduce the passion of water gardening to the Lawrence masses.  It is not just a way to exercise your green thumbs in the winter months, flowing water is also known as an ancient art of relaxation.  She says, “We’ve heard from others who have water features at work that when work gets too difficult, they take a few minutes by the water to de-stress and get ready to re-enter the battle again.”  Davis admits that even with all of her knowledge of water flora, it was difficult to find plants that would thrive indoors.  But with the right lighting and the naturally vigorous growers that aquatic plants are, those woes were soon solved and their indoor water feature is teaming with growth, and not just of the plant variety.  Davis elaborates, “One year we watched a water dog metamorphous into a salamander during the winter and we’ve watched pollywogs metamorphous into frogs in the shop pond.”

And while Water’s Edge is having an up close and personal biology course each winter nestled in their cozy retail area, tending to the tiny creatures and aquatic plants as the snow falls outside.  Galen Tarman, Owner of Blue Heron Furnishings, is more concerned with keeping a level head, taking time to smell the roses and just making sure that life is savored with every passing day.  He feels the enduring water feature at Blue Heron helps to facilitate the pace of life he rolls with.  Tarman says, “I was inspired to put the permanent fountain in our store from another business establishment.  I think as we endure more stress and busyness in our lives our bodies and senses really respond to atmospheres that encompass subdued lighting, candles, water and incense accompanied by invigorating or soothing music.”  Certainly, when shoppers are perusing for a couch or that perfect chair the melodic sounds of trickling water might make them linger a little longer, sit, relax and just be even if for just a moment.

Artistic Footprint

Mick Ranney, Owner of Footprints, dreamed up a fictional story a few years back that was inspired by a Ginko Tree in his front yard.  He started thinking about how Ginko Trees are ancient and how they might have been around in the age of the dinosaurs, soon he’s imagined a rare dinosaur discovery that was uncovered with the head the shape of the Birkenstock Arizona variety…drum roll…Birkosaurus is born!  When you enter Footprints it is a shopper’s and art lover’s delight, big murals by Missy McCoy are covering the walls, tile work by Steve Smith is abundant, even the doorknobs are pieces of artwork.  The stores water feature takes up a back corner of the retail space; it is whimsical, unexpected and beckoning for further inspection.  A giant metal Birkosaurus hangs above the pool of water, he has crafted-metal Ginko leaves hanging out of his mouth as he nibbles on an afternoon snack.  The water filters through the Birkosaurus’s mouth as drips cling to each Ginko leaf, dropping to the next and the next until finally the water splashes into the basin below.  It is a fantastical delight for the senses, an eyeful with the artistic touches, a symphony for the ears with the water coyly brushing each leaf as they travel to the large pool below.  Ranney says, “Customer’s ask about the pond, our murals and the bathroom several times a day.  I subscribe to the notion that a store should provide not only goods and services but be a fun shopping experience.  Every time I hear customers laughing and enjoying the features of our store, it makes me delight in being in business that much more – after all life should be relished not endured.”

Ancient Notions

It is a wonderful idea that many businesses are not only about the exchange of goods and services but believe that it is the journey as much as the destination that amounts to a successful endeavor.  In Asian cultures water has been used throughout homes and businesses for centuries, the art of feng shui.  Water is used to either slow down or activate one’s ch’I which is believed to direct our health, wealth and relationships.

Indoor water features are also highly accommodating to relaxation with their soothing sounds.  They are abundantly useful in the winter for hydrating a home and working as a humidifier as well as decreasing dust, pollutants and static electricity.  Flowing or moving water also increases negative ions (which are created by pollution and other factors) that can result in sickness and depression.  Moving water aids by balancing the negative and positive ions in the air.

Bringing the concept of the outdoors in, creating little biospheres of life, keeping your green thumb entertained over the winter months, aiding in keeping your skin subtle and the air fresh, or if it is just an excuse to relax…flowing water indoors is a wonderful way to express yourself and as these local businesses have shown a magnificent attribute to any space.