We have seen a significant rise in the interest in "mid level " features. I think it is mainly due to the increase in available /cost effective options. We have seen several manufactures begin producing quality reproductions of features that were once out of most peoples budget.
Aquascape Inc is among the leaders in recognizing this trend. Last year we saw the release of several small resin features that a homeowner could easily install with price points of under $150.
That was followed by the release of the Aquarock series which simplified the install of a small water feature down to the size of a 5 gallon bucket ... ( literally) for around the same price point.
The biggest impact for us at Pondtastic and the Orlando market has been the release of the Slate Stacked Urn. They took a beautiful piece that was hand made by our friends Brian Helfrich and Bj Linger and produced a fiberglass stone composite that has all the natural beauty of real rock with the added durability and light weight of fiberglass, at a fraction of the original cost!Great story on the Urn can be read here :
http://www.aquascapeinc.com/contractors/index.php?page=articles&a_id=106
Available in 3 sizes this piece is a definite hit with our customers here in the Orlando area
Look at these Pondtastic Water Gardens Projects in our Facebook Albums.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=44007117275&aid=283165
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=192871&id=44007117275
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=191286&id=44007117275
We are looking forward to what 2011 has to offer in affordable water feature options.
Thanks for reading!
