Water in the landscape is a vital element in a balanced native garden. Providing fresh water offers an important resource for garden animals that are a key component in a healthy native garden. Clean, fresh water is often the hardest necessity for birds to come by. Water keeps the garden alive with birds and other critters and is an amazing magnet for butterflies. Place resting rocks or other resting spots in water for birds and butterflies to rest. A recirculating stream or pond is a must in the native garden. Consider a fountain. Water features offer the only interactive part of a garden which creates, sound, sight, and provides much need water to quench the thirst of nature’s creatures. The sound of running water will attract hummingbirds and goldfinches. Water features such as a water garden will bring the kind of wildlife into your yard which will allow the homeowner to experience a deeper connection with nature and soothe the soul. Installing a water garden in the native garden will bring in an elements of granite boulders, and rocks.