Beautiful Noise: How to Create a Symphony in Your Garden
Take your surroundings to another level by introducing the element of sound with ground covers, water features and wind catchers
Jay Sifford
October 7, 2014
Our gardens can be our best teachers. We learn about ourselves and our world from them. Our only prerequisite for this course is our ability to open our senses to the wealth of sights, aromas, textures and sounds that gently engulf us.
Even as I write this ideabook, sitting in my garden, I’m conscious of the sounds that surround me. With the squirrel rustling leaves on the forest floor, the cardinal singing high overhead, the owl vocalizing deep in the woodland background and the waterfall adding its syncopated cadence to the mix, my garden is alive with sound.
Let’s look at how to add another dimension to your garden by introducing the element of sound. You will enjoy your own private symphony when you stop long enough to listen.
Even as I write this ideabook, sitting in my garden, I’m conscious of the sounds that surround me. With the squirrel rustling leaves on the forest floor, the cardinal singing high overhead, the owl vocalizing deep in the woodland background and the waterfall adding its syncopated cadence to the mix, my garden is alive with sound.
Let’s look at how to add another dimension to your garden by introducing the element of sound. You will enjoy your own private symphony when you stop long enough to listen.
Rethink your garden floor. There are things you can do, in addition to designing your garden to attract wildlife, to add the element of sound to your space — starting from the ground up. Your garden substrate goes a long way to set the mood. While concrete and stone are certainly utilitarian, other choices may be more tactile.
Gravel offers a wonderful auditory crunch when walked upon. Your footsteps embed in it while you walk across it. In this way you become one with your garden instead of gliding across the top of it. Additionally, gravel is inexpensive and readily available, and comes in a variety of colors. This is why I love to use it in the garden.
Gravel offers a wonderful auditory crunch when walked upon. Your footsteps embed in it while you walk across it. In this way you become one with your garden instead of gliding across the top of it. Additionally, gravel is inexpensive and readily available, and comes in a variety of colors. This is why I love to use it in the garden.
Have you ever been hiking in a forest and could hear the palpable silence? Consider mulch as an option for the more informal paths in your space. The experience of walking on a mulched path is quite different from that of walking on a concrete sidewalk or an asphalt driveway.
Shredded mulch is readily available, inexpensive and likely the by-product of industry. It may need to be replenished annually and can adhere to shoes, so it’s a better choice for outlying areas of your garden.
Shredded mulch is readily available, inexpensive and likely the by-product of industry. It may need to be replenished annually and can adhere to shoes, so it’s a better choice for outlying areas of your garden.
Thoughtfully add some water. Water features have become an expected element in well-appointed gardens. Before you run to the nearest garden center and purchase the ceramic kit with a pump, add water and connect the power, consider what you want your water feature to do for your space. The water velocity, volume, length of drop and depth of the reservoir all will affect the sound of your feature.
The feature shown here is commonly referred to as a deer catcher, as historically the sound was employed to chase away deer. The sound created by this type of feature is more of a solitary, hollow and contemplative one. It would be most appropriate for a small courtyard garden or for a philosophical one.
See how to make your own tranquil garden fountain
The feature shown here is commonly referred to as a deer catcher, as historically the sound was employed to chase away deer. The sound created by this type of feature is more of a solitary, hollow and contemplative one. It would be most appropriate for a small courtyard garden or for a philosophical one.
See how to make your own tranquil garden fountain
This type of water feature is a series of spillways, or rills. The sound is similar to that of a chorus, as opposed to that of a soloist. Each spillway has a different tone, due to the width of the opening and the length of the drop. Adjustments in both may be incorporated into the design to achieve the desired effect. The wider the opening and the longer the drop, the deeper and fuller the resulting sound will be.
A traditional waterfall allows for some fine-tuning after installation. By installing a ball valve on the outlet portion of your pump, you can adjust the water flow to provide the sound that pleases you. Never install the valve on the intake portion of your pump, as this can significantly shorten the life expectancy of your equipment.
The addition or subtraction of rocks at the base of your waterfall can significantly affect the quality of the sound it produces. Adding rocks will brighten the sound and create splash. For ease of maintenance, be sure that doing this will not cause your feature to lose water.
The addition or subtraction of rocks at the base of your waterfall can significantly affect the quality of the sound it produces. Adding rocks will brighten the sound and create splash. For ease of maintenance, be sure that doing this will not cause your feature to lose water.
Design with plants that respond to the wind. Certain plants respond to wind to produce sound in a way that can be thoughtfully orchestrated. Consider planting grasses en masse in a sunny area of your garden that receives a consistent breeze.
Bamboo is an excellent choice to introduce into your garden for the purpose of creating sound. Its dry leaves and hollow stems respond well to breezes. It grows well in sun to medium shade. Take precautions by installing a bamboo barrier to keep it from aggressively spreading.
Add some wind chimes. Historically I’ve hated wind chimes, because the small ones from the dollar stores have a pitch that seems abrasive to my ears. The larger, more expensive wind chimes currently on the market have forced me to change my mind.
Chimes made by companies such as Corinthian Bells and Music of the Spheres have deeper, melodious tones that erase the stress of the day. Many of these can range up to 90 inches in length and have a wide range of resonance that resembles that of a pipe organ. Most are also tuned to specific keys and continue to vibrate long after they are struck. Be prepared to make an investment, as many of these chimes can run well over $500. I did, and I’ve never regretted it.
Chimes made by companies such as Corinthian Bells and Music of the Spheres have deeper, melodious tones that erase the stress of the day. Many of these can range up to 90 inches in length and have a wide range of resonance that resembles that of a pipe organ. Most are also tuned to specific keys and continue to vibrate long after they are struck. Be prepared to make an investment, as many of these chimes can run well over $500. I did, and I’ve never regretted it.
Many of the chimes manufacturers also produce bells that can be combined in various configurations to give you the sound you desire. A single bell can create a contemplative mood suited for a meditation garden, while multiple, compatible bells give off a vibe that is suited for the garden of the entertainer or extrovert. Experiment until you discover a configuration that works for both you and your space.
More: Get Your Garden Moving for a Magical Mood
More: Get Your Garden Moving for a Magical Mood
We are a family owned business with four generations of experience in whole house remodeling. For over 25 years,... Read More
Related Products
We specialize in custom cabinetry, but we also do interior trim & millwork. The quality of our work, the look of... Read More
Related Stories
Porches
Porch of the Week: Catching a Breeze in Austin, Texas
By Becky Harris
The new screened-in space has a beautiful fireplace as a focal point and includes lounging and dining spaces
Full Story
Before and Afters
Before and After: 4 Landscapes That Bring Resort Style Home
Stunning fire pits, luxurious pools, elegant entertaining zones and other relaxing spots give these yards vacation vibes
Full Story
Before and Afters
Before and After: 3 Exuberant, Wildlife-Friendly Landscapes
By Elena Vega
Ho-hum expanses give way to colorful meadow-inspired gardens that encourage butterflies, birds and bees to stay awhile
Full Story
Landscape Design
7 Key Features to Include in Your New Landscape Design
By Kate Burt
Looking to create a gorgeous outdoor space that suits your home and lifestyle? Start by considering these options
Full Story
Events
Outdoor Flooring, Turf and Tile Products for 2024
By Julie Sheer
See the latest materials for patios, decks and yards displayed at the recent Surfaces trade show
Full Story
Saving Water
10 Gardens That Capture and Drain Water With Style
Landscape pros design beautiful and hardworking gardens that effectively drain and manage rainwater and runoff
Full Story
Before and Afters
Yard of the Week: Ranch Home Opens Up to Indoor-Outdoor Living
A home and landscape makeover near Denver creates harmony and connection between interior and exterior spaces
Full Story
Patios
15 Outdoor Spaces That Rock Permeable Paving
These patios, paths and driveways showcase beautiful and integrated drainage solutions
Full Story
Outbuildings
Family Gatherings in Argentina Inspire a Pavilion and Guesthouse
By Becky Harris
A new yard adds room for hosting, swimming and bringing part of one homeowner’s culture to her family’s Seattle home
Full Story
Gardening Guides
What Will We Want in Our Landscapes in 2024?
Discover seven trends that landscape designers predict homeowners will be bringing into their outdoor spaces this year
Full Story
We have a small, sloping hill directly beside our back deck. We'd like to utilize this natural slope by building a waterfall that trickles over rocks into a pond and then use a pump to recycle the water back around again. Neither DH nor I have ever done anything like this before, so we're at a loss as to how to plan this. What are the most important things we need to take into consideration when planning this? Any help or suggestions anyone can give us in the planning stage of this, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Hi Sydney. If you haven't built something like this before, please hire a reputable company to do it for you, and find a company whose work you like. I say this because most water features look less than natural. If you have a slope, you're already ahead of the game. Doing this yourself can be an expensive experiment and a source of frustration, both now and in the future. It will likely cost you from $6-15K, depending on size, amount of boulders required, etc., but it will be well worth the money.
It's nice to know that paying more for bigger wind chimes is a good investment. I want some in my backyard. The sounds wind chimes make can be quite relaxing. http://www.llgiftsnmore.com/Mobile/productList/list-30090-Wind-Chimes