From koi ponds to cascading waterfalls, Marquis Gardens has spent generations transforming water features into the centrepiece of a space.
By Alyssa Hirose
Many adults who grew up working in a family business might say they spent their teen years “in the trenches,” but for Chris Marchese, the reality is exactly that. As soon as he was old enough, he was digging holes for ponds and plants. His father, Dominic Marchese, and uncle, Morris Marchese, founded Gormley-based Marquis Gardens in 1998. The company began as a one-stop plant nursery and stone supply store, but soon found its niche in water features. And despite the labour-intensive landscaping work of his youth, Chris says he—along with brother David and sister Nadia—never went through a rebellious water features are your dream, not mine phase. The siblings happily became the second generation in the business: “All three of us enjoy doing what we’re doing—it doesn’t feel like a job when you really enjoy your work,” says Chris, who now manages Marquis Gardens and its sister company, Garden Stone.
“There’s nothing that replaces going outside and watching the birds bathe in your waterfall or seeing wildlife you would never see in a typical backyard.”
Being in the water feature business for almost three decades means the hands-on knowledge runs deep. While others in the industry may offer fountains, pumps, or filters as part of a larger inventory of plants or outdoor furniture, Marquis Gardens makes water features its primary focus. It’s fitting, as those features often become the wow factor of the backyards, gardens, and grand foyers they inhabit. They’re so conspicuous, in fact, that Chris can’t help but notice when one fails (on a project he hasn’t worked on, of course). “What I hate the most is when I see a water feature not running,” he says. “It’s like a chair that can’t be sat in; it’s not being used.”
\To ensure Marquis Gardens’ water features are always flowing steadily, the team takes a specialized approach to every project. For example, a client might think they want a classic three-tier fountain for their cottage, but after consulting with Chris and his team, realize that a set of basalt columns makes more sense in terms of maintenance and the surrounding vegetation. Clients dreaming of a koi pond are educated about the responsibility involved (“It’s a pet!” says Chris) and are encouraged to add fish only if it aligns with their budget and lifestyle. “We get to know the client, look at the property, and assess what would work best in that situation,” says Chris. His work goes beyond visually enhancing a space. While aesthetics do matter—stainless steel spheres are trending—it’s equally important that the product functions well into the future.
Longevity is also a focus when it comes to water conservation. All Marquis Gardens water features operate as closed-loop systems, meaning water is lost only through evaporation. Many also use rain exchange systems to capture rainwater for later use. “A water source is the centre point of any natural habitat,” Chris notes, pointing out that supporting wildlife is a bonus. “There’s nothing that replaces going outside and watching the birds bathe in your waterfall or seeing wildlife you would never see in a typical backyard,” he says. Plenty of Marquis Gardens clients have reported dreamy sightings of animals and birds drinking, washing, or playing in the water.
The company sells products both in-store and online, while also offering consultation and contracting services depending on the client’s needs. And if there’s any possibility of a water feature in your future—even decades from now—there’s already a third generation of Marcheses poised to keep the business flowing.
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