Avia Collinder, Outlook Writer

Dr. Maynard McIntosh, athlete, ophthalmologist and landscaper.

Marie Hofer, Gardening editor, HGTV.com notes, "nothing can quite transform a landscape like a water feature. Whether it's a dramatic waterfall or aquiet pond, water works its magic on any garden, providing a focal point and soothing the soul. Moving water provides delightful background music and masks traffic noise."

In Kingston, ophthalmologist Dr. Maynard McIntosh has also discovered that water features are his favourite outdoor creation in a landscaping hobby which has turned into a secondary career."

He explains, "I am quite relaxed by the sound of water. With water features, I introduce water, fish and plants into areas which are normally barren."

Rocks are a significant element in his creations and despite his busy schedule, he will drive miles into rural Jamaica just to find the perfect specimen.

But, it all begins with sketches - artwork which is reflective of whatever he conceives in his garden. Rock formations and features are done with the natural environment and residential surroundings in mind.

"You can't put something in a space, which is not ready for it."

His home in Jack's Hill has several examples of his imaginative approach. Water features have been created on the front lawn, to the rear around his swimming pool and inside the house underneath the stairs!

"I bought this house at the cost of a townhouse I owned previously. Nobody wanted it then. But, look at it now," he boasts about the property in which traditional design has been softened outside by his landscaping genius, while, inside, the hand of interior designer Angela Moore has created another transformation.

On an upstairs patio we find a pretty glassed-in patio table which the ophthalmologist reveals was once an old satellite dish.

"I like to do that kind of thing, take old things and use them to create something beautiful," the medical doctor says.

He has also turned his artistic eye to creating backyard barbecues - popular for at-home entertaining - which adds to the beauty of the natural surroundings.

The company Dr. McIntosh has created, Maynestream Designs, fixes gates, gateways and patios if these do not compliment the work the ophthalmologist has inmind.

But, water features are his speciality.

He comments, "They (water features) bring movement and life into the environment. They are pretty much self-maintaining, too, but we do check to see that they are in good shape from time to time."

Email Dr. Maynard McIntosh at macth20@cwjamaica.com