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TRYON—Waterscape designer Steve Robbat, of Tryon, shared his expertise on installing waterscapes during the latest Live at Lanier event held at the Lanier Library on Thursday.

Robbat, who runs Waterspirit, LLC, has worked on a range of waterscaping projects, from installations at Disney World and Biltmore Estates to Cancer Survivors Park in Greenville. His passion for creating art with water began in the ‘80s when a small fountain he built caught the attention of a coworker. 

He enjoyed the process of building it so much that he left the computer business and began building desktop fountains full-time. He created a thriving business and began selling them nationally. When asked to make a more prominent feature on a property in Boulder, Colorado, he took a chance and enjoyed it so much that he became a full-time waterscape designer.. 

During the hour-long talk, Robbat shared stories from his 34 years in the business, covering everything from native plants to the best filtration systems to create the perfect waterscape. He emphasized the importance of considering the terrain, sun, and different points of view when designing a waterscape. 

“A successful garden shifts where a person is at,” he said. “They feel a change in their normal feeling and being.”

Robbat also discussed the importance of incorporating local wildlife, rocks and plants into a waterscape design. “The best gardens have layers of time,” he said. “I always ask what can we do to create another layer. You often look for the right piece to tie it together.” 

Those in attendance were impressed with Robbat’s expertise. “I learned so much about the art of waterscaping,” said attendee Samantha Johnson. “I never realized how much thought and planning goes into creating a successful waterscape.” 

The Live@Lanier series is free and open to the public. For more information, visit thelanierlibrary.org.