Way More Than a
Water Garden
by Joe Granato
What is it that we all want with our busy
lives? We want to max out the free time we have
and enjoy every second we can. As our lives
get busier, the free time slips away. However,
the free time that we do have should be spent
enjoying life to the fullest. I am realizing that
time is a precious commodity, and we are only
given so much. The time we had yesterday is
gone forever, so we need to use our future time
wisely.
As a dad, I see my children becoming more
and more independent. This reminds me of
the lost opportunities in years past to spend
time just talking. Now it’s Snapchat, Instagram,
Fortnite and Facebook. Everyone is in their own
world. Every family needs a gathering place to
be a family, a place to communicate. It makes
me sad to see families who do not share their
lives.
As I start the next chapter of my life, I see
a need to create a place to gather, to talk, to
laugh, to cry, to write, to draw, to be a family.
This springtime, my life partner and I will begin
construction on a new house, a home for all. A
welcome place for family and friends both old
and new. A warm place with open arms, happy
smiles and no judgment. From pain comes
healing, from judgment comes understanding
and from condemnation comes forgiveness.
Together we seek to love others and conquer
our life and dreams while creating a place to call
home.
Included in the new home construction, I
will do what I do for others, I will build a water
feature, a the landscape element around which
we will gather to contemplate life. A place to
relax from a busy day. A place to meditate and
pray.
Built as a home for lively fish and beautiful
water lilies, the water pond will be constructed
using rubber liner, magnificent weathered
stones and lots of dreams. Surrounding the pond
will be a very natural–styled woodland garden,
heavily planted with lush flowering perennials
and shrubs. Attached to this pond will be a
natural looking stream with many waterfalls
creating a soothing sound and relaxing visual
appeal.
Next to the peaceful, calm water garden will
be a natural stone patio featuring a table and
chairs sufficient for finishing up homework,
reading a book or enjoying a light meal. This
will be our retreat necessary to escape the hustle
and bustle of daily life for a bit to refocus.
Getting out in nature and enjoying the
beauty of God’s creation is something that has
become foreign to many people. To remove
ourselves from the computers, TVs, video games,
social media and cell phones while choosing to
engage ourselves with the trees, birds, fresh air
and a water feature will change our lives. The
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therapeutic nature of being outside as well as
the calming effect with the activity of watching
fish swim is well documented. Also, the sound
of water is known to relax the body, which can
lower heart rate and blood pressure.
As I look back over my life, I recognize the
need for a quiet place to share together with my
family. A place to spend with loved ones and a
place to spend alone with my God. We all need
a place wherein we can escape and refocus for
the next day.
As we celebrate spring of 2020 and you find
yourself needing such a space, a place, a water
feature wherein to refocus body, soul and mind,
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then give us a call. At Star Ridge, we build way
more than water gardens, we build the gift that
gathers loved ones celebrating the seasons of
life. Let’s make it happen! ☐ Call Joe today to
schedule an appointment. See ad above.
Joe Granato is the owner of Star Ridge
Aquatics, LLC in Carthage. Star Ridge
Aquatics, LLC has been building and
maintaining water features for over 26
years. Contact Joe to see what kind of
retreat he can build for your escape.
Phone • 910-947-5333
Email • starridgeaquatics@embarqmail.com
Facebook • Star Ridge Aquatics, LLC
Web • starridgeaquatics.com
Call Star Ridge Aquatics, LLC
to build the water garden of your dreams!
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