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Most famous in the countrysides and seasides of Greece, Italy, and France, Mediterranean landscape design has influenced landscapists all over the world.

With their soft colours, brightly patterned tiles, clipped hedges, and gravel paths – it’s an inspiration to design The informal and drought-tolerant plants make Mediterranean landscape design the perfect option for your UAE landscape.

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Aesthetically pleasing to the eye, generally low maintenance, and water-wise, you can easily achieve a Mediterranean landscape design with a little help from the experts at Milestone.

Shaded Seating Areas

A key component to achieving an authentic Mediterranean landscape design is establishing defined seating areas. The UAE climate is so hot that outdoor seating areas are a must!

Shaded seating areas provide a place to unwind from the heat of the treacherous sun. They offer a relaxing place to enjoy a cup of tea early morning or a place to enjoy the sounds of the night once the sun sets. However, the key to outside seating is shade.

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Milestone Project – Backyard design & transformation.

Pergolas provide the perfect shade structure to ensure your seating area is protected from the direct sunlight. Additionally, pergolas provide a lovely decorative accent for your backyard. You can accent your pergola with climbing plants.

For example, Jasmine or Rangoon Creeper (Quisqualis Indica) is a drought-resistant plant, which blooms with perfumed flowers in the spring.

Image credit: pinterest

There are few better ways to celebrate the Mediterranean culture than by dining al fresco with family and friends. Your shaded area is also the perfect place to establish an outdoor dining area.

Gravel Pathways, Pebbles and Cobblestone

Another key element associated with Mediterranean landscape design is gravel pathways and flooring. In Mediterranean areas, property owners have long grappled with too little water for their plants. As such, they have replaced green with more drought-friendly options.

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Milestone Project – Backyard design & transformation.

Mediterranean landscape design often replaces grass with paving, stone slabs, gravel, pebbles, cobblestones, or a combination of these natural elements. The creative experts at Milestone can weave cobblestones and pebbles into intricate designs.

Pebble mosaics were the earliest types of mosaic in all areas of the Eastern Mediterranean. These stunning designs have a rich history that dates back to ancient times.

Image credit: architectureartdesigns

Not only do these stone accents look fantastic, but it also significantly reduces the need for water. Additionally, gravel and other stone elements are low maintenance and long-lasting.

Custom Water Features

Are you considering an ornamental pond, custom fountain, water wall, or full-scale pool? Water features are a must in Mediterranean landscape design to cool the hot summer air. The soothing sounds and gleam of rushing water add a delightful element to any backyard.

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Regardless of which water feature you choose, the sounds and sights of water provide an enjoyable relief on hot summer days. Moreover, the birds and butterflies will enjoy your water features too!

Mediterranean Landscape Design Plants

One of the great appeals to a Mediterranean landscape design within the Middle East lies in the beautiful drought-resistant plants.

From attractive succulents and flowering plants, you simply can’t go wrong with the stunning appeal of Mediterranean inspired plants.

Think agaves with their beauty. Jasmine plants with their serene white fragrant scented flowers. Or, yucca plants with their large leaves and creamy white flowers.

Image credit: agavelandscaping

Clipped hedges are not only pleasing to the eye, but they also add to your garden’s architectural framework.

Tecoma stans, Nerium Oleander, Murraya Paniculata, Thevetia are some of the more common hedges used on Mediterranean landscape design. Very versatile, this evergreen offers height and an element of dramatic flair to your garden.

Additionally, hedges can be added to your garden. These drought-resistant plants offer a year-round element of greenery that also doubles as a privacy fence.

Image credit: privatenewport

Milestone Landscaping

Because of the ideal climate, the people of the Mediterranean lead an outdoor lifestyle. For hundreds of years, they have been gardening, socializing, and dining outdoors. If you are looking to add an element of the Mediterranean to your backyard, you’ve come to the right place.

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Milestone Project – Backyard design & transformation.

Contact a member of our team for your landscape design consultation today! We look forward to bringing your vision to life.

The post Mediterranean Landscape Design – Ideas to Make a Lasting Impression appeared first on Milestone.

You placed significant time, effort, and investment into making your villa and landscape look amazing. So why should all of that disappear into the night?

With well-planned lighting system, manual or automated, strategically placed landscape lighting to light up the villa facade, pool features, trees and walls, you can illuminate the darkness to enjoy your yard long after the sun goes down.

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Milestone Project – Landscape design & transformation.

When properly designed, landscape lighting makes your yard functional after sundown. Additionally, landscape lighting can be positioned to highlight specific areas of your yard, such as your home’s architectural features or drawing attention to prized plantings and trees.

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Milestone Project – Backyard design & transformation.

Understand the Purpose for Your Landscape Lighting

Before you invest in any landscape lighting, understand the specific purpose of your lighting from your landscape designer. What’s the purpose of lighting up your backyard?

Perhaps you want to create a soft, cozy mood during the evening hours for intimate dinner parties. Maybe you have shadowy center areas, a water feature, dining and bar area or pathway you want to highlight.

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Milestone Project – Backyard design & transformation.

Beyond setting a specific tone or atmosphere, consider the safety of your property after the sun goes down. Do you need to light up a path leading through your yard or a staircase for safe walking? Perhaps you want motion detectors for the evening hours?

Regardless of the reason, before you start to design your landscape lighting, it’s always best to know what you desire for your backyard.

Whether indoors or outdoors, lighting is typically divided into three layers based on function.

• Overall – overall lighting provides light for an entire room or space.

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Milestone Project – Backyard design & transformation.

• Task – task lighting is used for a specific purpose, such as to light a path.

Image credit: alpacaengine

• Accent – accent lighting draws attention to an object or area, such as a water feature or garden sculpture.

Image credit: outdoortheme

Less is More

When it comes to setting up your landscape lighting, remember that less is always more. It’s best to install fewer lights, which highlight the beauty and appeal of your yard.

Placing fewer lights in the right positions will also keep your yard intriguing. From pathway lights and accent lights to directional spotlights and concealed led strip lighting, you can keep it simple while keeping your backyard engaging.

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Milestone Project – Backyard design & transformation.

Too much light, or poorly installed landscape lighting, can create unwanted light pollution. Light pollution is light that shines into an area where it is undesirable.

You do not want your lighting to shine into an indoor room, to wash out the view of the stars, to create a glare that bothers your guests, or wastes energy.

Schedule a Professional Design Consultation

You know what type of landscape lighting you want. You know what you will use your lighting for.

Now comes the hard part – bringing your plan to life. It’s always best to schedule a professional design consultation to execute your plan. When you contact the experts at Milestone, they will help you create a visual sketch of your yard.

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Milestone Project – Backyard design & transformation.

Typically, design sketches include the existing buildings, benches, water features, outdoor dining areas, existing greenery, as well as the lights you want to add to your landscape.

It’s important to consider the various elements of your existing landscape design, as these items will reflect or absorb light.

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Milestone Project – Backyard design & transformation.

With a little help from the design experts at Milestone, you can add the finishing touch to your exterior spaces with well-planned outdoor landscape lighting.

Contact a member of our team to schedule your free landscape lighting consultation today!

The post Landscape Lighting – Tips to Light Up Your Garden to Increase the Value of Your Property appeared first on Milestone.

A swimming pool is the ultimate backyard addition. With the right pool design in your backyard, your pool can become the center of family life.

Whether it’s a barbecue by water or your children spending their day splashing away the heat, a swimming pool is a stunning, fun addition to your backyard.

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Milestone Project – Pool reconstruction as a part of a whole backyard project.

A stunning swimming pool is not only fun and functional but also a strong visual focal point for your landscape.

Additionally, when pools include unique lighting, water features, stone accents and other stunning design features, your swimming pool can create a powerful influence on your outdoor living space.

Here are a few tips to create the perfect pool design.

Create a Recessed Lounge Area

Talk about an attention-grabbing addition to your pool design! In fact, a recessed lounge area lets your guests sit in the pool without getting wet.

Image credit: signaturecustompools

This unique pool design feature lets you add a recessed seating area “inside” the pool so your guests can enjoy their pool even if they don’t want to get wet.

Pool Design with a View

If you have an amazing view, you need to make the most of it. Whenever possible, your pool design should take advantage of your view.

Consider adding steps to a raised seating area to allow your friends and family to enjoy the stunning views.

Not only will your friends and family be able to enjoy the fresh water, but they will also thank you for the view.

Image credit: torrebisenzio

Nighttime Appeal

There is nothing quite like swimming under a starry sky. With the proper lighting, you can create an entire ambience dedicated to your nighttime dinners and entertaining. LED multicolored lights add enhanced color to the nighttime feel.

Image credit: pinterest

Consider adding a stone fireplace or firewall next to your pool for an additional natural element to take your pool design to the next level.

Image credit: nextluxury

Cascading Waterfalls and Water Features

Adding water features to your swimming pool adds both elegance and excitement to your custom pool. Your choices of water features are endless. In fact, your choices are limited only by your imagination.

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Very few things enhance the fun and excitement of your pool design like a custom water feature. With the right water feature, you inject new sounds, sights and excitement to your pool design.

Image credit: triadassociatesinc

From cascading waterfalls and pool gushers to swimming pool scuppers, natural rock walls, and stunning grottos, a custom water feature will take your pool design to the next level.

Natural Surroundings

When planning your pool design, it’s important to consider all the factors that may impact how your pool interacts with the surrounding landscape. Additionally, natural plants and greenery will enhance your pool design.

Image credit: parkerdesignbuild

Adding natural rocks, beautiful flowering plants, and lush greenery will enhance your pool design. These natural elements will also help your pool to seamlessly blend in with your landscape to create a stunning, fluid outdoor space.

Zero-Edge Infinity Pools

When you are inside an infinity pool, the water appears to go over the edge,  disappearing into the landscape. With an infinity pool, you don’t feel the traditional boundaries of a swimming pool.

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Milestone Project – Pool reconstruction as a part of a whole backyard project.

You can even add custom glass tiles to surround the entire raised exterior of the pool. This added touch will enhance the visual effects of your zero-edge pool design. Not to mention, an infinity pool adds a dramatic element to any backyard.

Image credit: spikemilliganlegacy

When it comes to creating a custom pool design, the design experts at Milestone have the experience and professional design tools to create a one of a kind swimming pool to take your backyard to the next level.

Contact a member of our team to schedule your free design consultation.

The post Pool Design Ideas – Amazing Pools Guaranteed to Make a Splash! appeared first on Milestone.

Forget the clutter. Modern landscape design is known for a clean, minimalist look. A naturalistic landscape design emphasizes wavy borders and free-ranging plantlife.

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Milestone Project – Villa in Palm Jumeirah, backyard landscape transformation.

In contrast, a modern landscape emphasizes geometric shapes and straight lines. Modern design elements are meant to reflect and relate to the surrounding architecture.

One of the key ways to know if your modern designs are successful is when every element in the landscape is imperative. Even so, when you get rid of the clutter, the simple beauty and sleek, sophisticated style of modern design shines through.

Here are a few tips to set you on the path to creating the sleek, clean, modern design landscape you have been dreaming of.

The Importance of Geometric Shapes in Modern Landscape Design

Let’s get geometric! When designing your modern landscape, think triangles, rectangles, squares, and circles. Not only are all of these shapes key pieces in modern landscape design, but they also look fantastic.

Aside from adding a clean-lined modern look, these geometric shapes allow you to create defined areas in your garden.

Image credit: architectureartdesigns

For example, a straight-lined stone path can lead you to an outdoor seating area. You can further define this area by adding a squared boxwood enclosure. Consider circular stepping stones leading to an outdoor pool area, or perfectly placed sculptural accents.

Image credit: houzzhome

Geometry goes beyond ground cover and stones. You can also use it in the plants you add to your modern landscape design. Additionally, concrete and gravel are hallmarks of modern design.

Consider pavers with alternating lengths to create interesting movement within your space. The possibilities are endless.

Manicured Gardens

Inside a modern villa, everything has its place. Clean lines dominate, and clutter is strictly forbidden. These same design concepts should be applied to create a modern landscape design.

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Milestone Project – Villa in Palm Jumeirah, backyard landscape transformation.

Unlike a traditional English garden, where it’s elegant to let plants roam free and wild, a modern landscape is very controlled. For example, the modern garden design includes clean lines, and minimal manicured plants, with every element distinctly placed.

Image credit: gardendecors

Choosing the Right Plants

Plants in a modern landscape are manicured and clearly defined in tidy spaces to create the pristine look most other landscape designs fail to achieve. Additionally, modern landscape design uses symmetrical rows of grasses and shrubs to create a sleek appearance.

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Milestone Project – Pergola and backyard landscape design & build.

It’s best to choose plants that are open to pruning. Here are a few modern garden plants to consider:

• Ficus Bonsai, Boxwood and shaped plants
• Ground cover plants like Carissa, Rheo, Wadelia
• Hedges like Bamboo, Thivetia, Jetropha, Caecilpinia, Murraya jasmine
• Bushes like Sesevaria, Leucophyllum, Ixora, Jasmine sambac,
• Succulents and Cactus
• Reeds and grasses like Cyperus, Pennisetum Rubrum, Pandanus, Haemaenocalis

Japanese boxwood is a modern landscape design favorite because it can be clipped and manipulated into different shapes. However, soft-textured plants, spiky plants, and any plant with a bold visual impact can create the right effect for modern landscape.

Stone and Ground Cover to Shape Your Garden

Stone and ground cover are essential tools to create a modern landscape design. These items can be used to divide your landscape into areas. Additionally, they lead the eye from one section of your landscape to another.

Consider a low strip of planted ground cover Carissa to create a modern border around a garden pathway or pond. What’s more, concrete can be used to create a squared path to a pool. However, these accents don’t necessarily have to lead you somewhere.

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Milestone Project – Pergola and backyard landscape transformation.

Instead, you can use these elements as visual tools to pull your design elements together.

Add a Touch of Zen

Many modern landscape designs include zen elements. Including a square sand garden with a few well-placed rocks is the perfect modern element to enhance your landscape design.

Not to mention, it’s a unique focal point for your space. Rake lines into the sand garden, swirling them around your stones. This will create a soothing and modern landscape design element.

Image credit: pinterest

As you can see, a modern landscape design includes many distinct elements. If you remember to include clean lines, stone paths, lots of geometry, and distinct borders, you’ll be on the right path to creating a modern outdoor space.

Image credit: pinterest

Need a little help? Contact the design team at Milestone to schedule your free consultation.

The post Modern Landscape Design Tips to Transform Your Backyard appeared first on Milestone.

Planning a garden in limited square footage, like a terrace or balcony, can be challenging.

Not only can it be difficult to come up with imaginative ideas to create a fantastic balcony garden, but also it’s difficult to execute your ideas within the tight confines of a small area.

Image credit: home-designing

However, you can take advantage of the opportunity to create a terrace garden masterpiece right in the comforts of your cosy balcony.

If you are limited to a balcony garden, it doesn’t mean you can’t be original to create a unique outdoor space. Here are a few ideas to inspire you!

Think Beyond the Tiles

When you are designing a balcony garden in a small space, skip the tiles. Instead, consider adding a simple floor with a decorative rug.

You can also get creative and add an artificial green carpet or turf rug to imitate the look of a lush lawn.

Image credit: rusticroom

If artificial turf isn’t your style, you can also apply wooden tiles for a natural look.

On one hand, artificial turf provides the illusion of a vivacious green lawn. On the other hand, there is something to be said about the rustic element of natural wood.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.

Image credit: shakemyblog

Potted Plants and Flowers

Rather than placing large pots in every square inch of floor, the design experts at Milestone suggest creating a display of various potted plants in one small area.

Image credit: claudiagoedke.wordpress

Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different size pots and various heights to add dimension.

You can even refurbish household items such as watering cans or decorative vases for an original take on the traditional pot.

Hanging Baskets are a Must for Balcony Gardens

When it comes to balcony gardens, hanging baskets are a great way to add a wide variety of plants while saving space.

Wonderfully-designed hanging baskets allow you to add plants at higher levels. Not only do they look amazing but they also lend the illusion of more space.

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Hanging baskets are simple, yet they create a striking impact without consuming all of your balcony garden space.

They offer a great alternative to add texture and colour to your balcony garden while maximising your space.

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Not to mention, several herbs, vegetables, and flowers thrive in hanging pots.

Just be sure to hang your plants at a height that makes them easy to water and maintain.

And don’t forget your terrace railings. Consider installing hanging flower boxes on the outside of your balcony railings to create more space for lush plants.

Think Vertical Walls

A vertical green wall is a perfect way to enhance your balcony garden. If you space permits, consider creating a small structure for support or install a trellis for climbing plants.

Image credit: eucapricho

Lush vertical gardens are an excellent way to maximise the space of your balcony garden.

Think Outside of the Box

If hanging baskets and potted plants aren’t really your cup of tea, there are plenty of other exciting and imaginative ways to decorate your balcony garden.

Think custom water features, decorative sculptures, or mini rock gardens. Not only does this inject your personal taste to your balcony, but also makes your terrace garden more welcoming.

If you can dream it, we can design it!

Image credit: casa.abril

If your terrace space permits it, place a small table with two chairs for a cosy seating area.

Not only will this little area be the perfect place to sip your tea on a warm afternoon, but also it creates the perfect place to take in some fresh air before you start your day.

You can even get creative. Consider refurbishing an old shelf or bookcase against the outside wall.

This is a great way to showcase your potted plants and other favourite garden decors. The possibilities are endless.

Image credit: homedeco

Milestone Gardens & Interiors

Designing and planning a balcony garden can be challenging.

Not to worry, the experts at Milestone are here to help. From small terrace gardens to complete landscape overhauls, we know landscape design.

Whether you know exactly what you want or need a little inspiration, our team has the experience and knowledge to make the most of your terrace.

Together we will transform your balcony garden into your dream space! Contact a member of our design team to schedule your free design consultations.

The post Balcony Garden Ideas to Create a Unique Outdoor Space appeared first on Milestone.

Green walls are becoming more popular in both villas and offices. Their attention-grabbing allure and eco-friendly appeal create an exceptional design accent for businesses and homes alike.

Not to mention, green walls full of lush plants create a warm and inviting environment for both staff and clients.

Here’s everything you need to know about green walls. We’ve also included a few design ideas to provide a little inspiration for your space!

Image credit: doba

What are Green Walls?

Green walls are exactly what they sound like. They are walls covered with green plants and flowers.

Also called living walls or vertical gardens, green walls include all the materials needed to help your plants thrive, including soil, custom lighting and an irrigation system.

You can design your living wall for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Living walls create a stunning, eco-friendly work of art to enhance any area with plant life.

Additionally, living walls have many other added benefits.

Image credit: alfredthe

The Benefits of a Green Wall

From green walls to interior gardens, the benefits of working and living in a space surrounded by plant life are vast.

In fact, in a study completed by the New University of Technology Sydney, plants were added to offices for a three-month period.

The research showed employees with plants in their workspace experienced a 30-60% reduction in stress levels.

Not only do green walls reduce stress and increase happiness, but they also can improve a person’s overall health and wellness.

Restaurants, hotels, and offices that include living walls enjoy a wide range of benefits.

• Green walls create a warm and calm space for staff and clients. Furthermore, adding plant life to indoor spaces improves visual appeal.
• Living walls create a lovely, eco-friendly accent guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
• Plants improve air quality. In fact, the presence of plants improves air quality by filtering toxins and removing harmful particles from the air.
• Living walls create a natural noise barrier.
• Plants are proven to increase health and wellness. In fact, green plants and flowers make people healthier, more productive, and happier.

Image credit: pinterest

Don’t Forget the Water Features

Green walls can also include custom water features. Living walls are the perfect place to create a focal point with a soothing fountain or custom water feature.

Green walls with waterfalls and water features have the double benefit of injecting the soothing sights and sounds of water in your space.

In fact, living walls coupled with water walls add to the unique visual appeal of bringing elements of the outdoors into your interior design.

Image credit: nedlawlivingwalls

Milestone Gardens & Interiors

At Milestone Gardens and Interiors, our design team plans and builds custom living walls for interior and exteriors.

Whether you desire a traditional green wall, wish to create a living wall in a unique space or want to get creative with wrap around corners, the options for adding plant life to your space are endless.

Contact a member of our team to schedule your free design consultation.

The post Green Walls – Design Ideas to Leave a Lasting Impression in Your Business or Villa appeared first on Milestone.

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I am often asked: “How do we save costs on our landscaping?” A smart way of approaching this is by thinking about reducing long-term expenses, even if this means that the initial costs of your garden might be higher. A good approach to designing a low-maintenance, low-cost garden is a combination of hardscape and softscape. The garden can be 70 per cent hardscape (water features and paving, for example) and 30 per cent softscape (plants and trees). Flamed granite, which is sturdy and not very porous, can be used for tiling and will last for years; slate and porcelain are also good options. Keep trees and plants to a minimum. If you want a lawn, consider artificial turf – some varieties look natural and help save on water. Install an automatic or subsurface irrigation system, which is eco-friendly because it returns water to the soil. Don’t forget to add a barbecue grill, comfortable seating, and spike or pole lights. Remember: LED lights might cost more initially but consume less electricity. Make your garden an extension of the home – which the whole family can enjoy.

* Sejal Nagjee, founder of
Milestone Gardens & Interiors,
www.landscapingdubai.com

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By Sejal Nagjee
CEO, Milestone Landscaping and Interiors

1) Choose the correct light for each element in your garden, e.g. spotlights for plants/trees, underwater lights for water features and so on.
2) Save power, energy and money by installing solar and LED lights, which use lower power, instead of halogen lights.
3) When buying lights, think lumen not watts. Lumen tells how bright a lighting fixture is. The brightness you need may vary according to where you install it.
4) Pick the right voltage for the area where you need the lights, e.g. lights lower than 12V are safe for water features, or plants and trees near water.
5) Distance matters. Maintain a 2.5 to 3-metre distance when lighting plants. Pathways can be lit every 2 to 3 metres.Spotlights need to be at least 50 centimetres away.

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By Sejal Nagjee
CEO, Milestone Landscaping and Interiors

1) When building a water feature (pond, fountain, waterfall, pool), make sure you have a drainage system in place to make cleaning much easier.
2) Ideally, you should clean the water feature every 10 days to avoid algae from forming. Cleaning means replacing the water, removing leaves or reverse osmosis.
3) For pools, ensure to check its pH and chlorine levels to kill diseasecausing elements and maintain cleanliness.
4) Install the correct mechanical system for your water feature. Use filters, pumps and chlorine-dosing units if necessary.
5) Fountains and waterfalls add character to any outdoor space; thus, it is best to keep them running all the time. Not doing so can leave the area dirty, which can clog the pumps.

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