A Precious Resource

It’s human nature: We often neglect the quality and profound importance of that which fulfills our most basic needs.

At a minimum, we expect breathable (if not clean) air, abundant food, warm beds, companionship, clothing and, especially, clean water. We take these and other “commodities” for granted because they come in abundant supply — so when issues arise, they tend to slip under both our individual and collective radar.

To state what should be (but often isn’t) obvious, water sustains us at the most basic of levels. Without it, life as we know it simply would not exist, and our bodies and our world itself could not function. Water quenches our thirst, cleanses our flesh, transports our cargo and safely removes our waste. It is the first ingredient in any agricultural endeavor and the most basic element of infrastructure in all societies.

Yet for all that, we seldom step back and consider just where we would be without that cold glass of water on a hot afternoon. And far too seldom do we consider this soothing drink a blessing from God or a gift of nature. When we do, that’s maybe when we recognize the miracle that is water.

I know I have considered that in my own life, and it’s amazing how doing so changes the way I look at things.

Those of us in professions that design and craft watershapes and landscapes are tasked, I think, with the job of promoting and teaching a better awareness of water. We are on the front lines with consumers, commercial entities, institutions and civic organizations — those who benefit most directly from the wise use of this precious resource.

Although I’ve witnessed many a garden allowed to wither because of water restrictions placed on irrigation in times of drought (in Southern California, in my case), it’s ironic that one of the biggest problems in exterior contexts is over-watering. In other words, it’s not a lack of water that’s the problem, but instead our collective ignorance and indifference when it comes to its proper use.

Indeed, a large percentage of water waste in watershape and landscape settings has to do with the fact that too few of us appreciate how better irrigation techniques and water-management strategies can help reduce the demand on our precious water resources and also make our gardens nicer and healthier — a true win/win situation.

In other words, by conserving water we enhance our ability to enjoy it — the soothing sounds and currents that help to wash away a day’s tension, for example, and offer a retreat from worldly cares. I like this feature of what we do and, in fact, point out to my clients that I and my fellow watershapers and landscape artists are in the business of installing facilities that offer permanent vacations.

Part of my design process is about developing a firm awareness and understanding of my clients’ favorite things, and using that knowledge to bring a little piece of their dream vacation or ideal environment to them for their ongoing enjoyment. And because water is almost always at or near the center of these “dreamscapes,” I take advantage of the opportunity to educate them any way I can as a means of further enhancing their appreciation of the value of having water around.

As I see it, this is a great time to be a watershaper in particular because we have a number of relatively new techniques and technologies that allow us both to conserve water and to beautify our surroundings without compromising on the artistic impulses that drive our projects.

In this, I’m thinking of such features as pond-less waterfalls that are used for water recycling as well as storage. I’m also thinking, in a completely different context, of hydrotherapy and the benefits it delivers to those who need to exercise in the buoyant near-weightlessness of aquatic environments. And in yet another realm, I’m thinking of waterparks and the fun they offer to kids of all ages.

I could go on, but I trust my message is clear: As watershapers and landscape artists, we serve as water’s ambassadors.

To that end, I personally believe that by way of our professional guidance and advocacy, we can all work to ensure that there’s enough of our precious water for everyone to use and enjoy. On that level, watershaping in particular is more than a hobby or occupation: It is a serious discipline, and it is of the utmost importance that we become and remain outstanding at what we do.

We are necessary and important parts of our communities, and our value stems from our direct involvement with water in the environment as it relates to human existence and enjoyment.

Although it may be possible for us to live in a world that is square, flat and monotone in color and sound, the notion is nightmarish. Humans need more environmental stimulation to thrive, and I can only conclude that our world is a far better place because of the talents we’ve developed in wielding the magic of H2O.

We all would do well to recognize that, as watershapers, we share a common cause in water, its conservation and its appropriate, considerate use. And although the significance of this may be lost in our day-to-day activites, all of us should be pleased and proud that as professionals, we work so closely with the precious material that makes all humans who we are.

Lyle Lavietes is president of Lyle Lavietes Landscape Contractor Inc., a Southern California-based firm that designs and builds complete landscape environments — including wateshapes, hardscapes, ornamental and sustainable gardens, and environmentally friendly irrigation systems.