From Outdated Water Features to Vibrant Landscape Focal Points
Commercial properties evolve over time, and the landscape features that once enhanced a space may eventually become outdated, difficult to maintain, or no longer functional. But those areas can also present an opportunity to rethink how the landscape supports a property’s appearance and visitor experience.
At Sycamore Commons, two existing water features had reached that point. No longer operational, the fountains occupied prominent areas of the property but contributed little to its curb appeal. Rather than simply removing them, our Charlotte, NC enhancement team saw an opportunity to creatively repurpose the spaces into new focal points that would provide color, texture, and year-round interest.
Finding New Purpose in an Existing Feature
The larger of the two fountains provided an ideal foundation for a substantial raised planter. Before planting could begin, however, the existing structure required several modifications.
The fountain was core drilled with one-inch weep holes along the sides and bottom to ensure proper drainage. Broken tiles were repaired, and the structure was repainted to give it a refreshed appearance. Gravel, landscape fabric, and soil were then added to create an appropriate growing environment for the new plant material.
The team was also able to make use of infrastructure already on site. The fountain’s existing water source and backflow were repurposed to support a new drip irrigation zone equipped with a pressure reducer and filter, providing efficient irrigation for the new landscape.
Designing for Impact
Because the feature sits within a commercial setting, the planting design needed to make a statement without obstructing visibility of the surrounding businesses.
A layered palette of Lemon Lime Nandina, hydrangeas, pink coneflowers, tree-form ligustrums, Blue Arrow junipers, and additional shrubs created a combination of height, color, and texture. Eight landscape lighting fixtures were incorporated to highlight key plant material and extend the visual impact into the evening hours.
The smaller nonfunctional fountain received a transformation of its own. It was removed and replaced with three planters of varying sizes featuring colorful annuals and spiral junipers, creating another distinctive focal point within the property.
Looking Beyond What’s There Today
The finished project demonstrates the value of looking at an existing commercial landscape with fresh eyes. An outdated or underutilized feature doesn’t always need to be replaced with something entirely new. Sometimes, the existing infrastructure can become the foundation for a creative enhancement that better serves the property today.
By repurposing two nonfunctional water features, the team created attractive landscape focal points that significantly improved the property’s curb appeal and gave previously underutilized spaces new purpose. Most importantly, the transformation delivered a more welcoming and visually engaging experience—and a result the client was thrilled to see come to life.
