Ponds and Patios

Envision yourself sitting on your new patio listening to the cascade of water tumbling over a ledge rock. Everyone loves the sound of moving water and it is relaxing and soothing to the senses. Creating a water feature of your own has been made relatively simple with the introduction of new Do-It-Yourself components that are easy to install. Recently Rick Bartel, from Savio Precision Pond Products, gave a very informative seminar on some important aspects when planning a pond/waterfall/ stream area.

Rick’s tricks are very fun and creative and he has come up with a neat formula:
R I S E

SIZE…..R….RANDOM
SPACING…..I….IRREGULAR
BOUNDARIES….S….SPONTANEOUS
NO FIXED COURSE…..E….ERATIC

You can create a meandering creek that pours into a large pond deep enough to keep Koi (large pond goldfish), construct a flowing waterfall that will help screen undesirable noises or inlay a small preformed pond to hold a few water plants. Whether it is a large or small element, the sight and sound of running water is the most important impact your water feature will contribute. Even if you do not have a steep grade for your water flow, you can create the gushing sound by using a stronger pump. It is however important to control the splash so you do not waste water; a winding twisting narrow passage also saves water evaporation.

Large boulders and outcropping stone can give a natural feel to your pond as well as create a diversion for water flow and create "action". Line the entire pond or stream with a "row" of stones, then use them randomly for that natural look. Plants can be placed between the stones to soften the look.

Weeping plants look super around a water garden. My favorites are small weeping trees like the pea shrub, larch or hemlock. These work great for hanging over stone and edges. Catmint or hosta (depending on the light) have a natural mounding form and work well throughout the water feature. Contrasting "spiky" plants such as ornamental grasses, Siberian Iris, daylilies and the smaller barberries add interest to the landscape. For softening the border, you can use a number of ground covers to tuck in amongst the stones.

Perhaps you don’t want the care of a pond but still want a water fall. There are now Pond free Waterfall Packages. These are lower maintenance and can be winterized easily. Stop in at Gertens Pond Barn to see the display of various pond packages.

If you keep all of these creative tips in mind when planning your space then you should be able to create an outstanding water garden. A free form look is more commonly used, however many cityscapes use a formal style such as a reflecting pool with a spurting fountain.

Remember to place your water-feature near your patio where you can enjoy the wonderful ambiance that you have created. Patios and water features can be utilized in both the front and back yard. The front yard patio could be a more intimate space with a simple bubbling fountain while the backyard patio could be large enough to hold a crowd and incorporate a waterfall. Patios can be very casual by incorporating natural materials such as pea gravel or flagstone. More conventional patios are laid with brick pavers, cut stone or preformed concrete pieces. Nice additions to any form of patio are sitting walls, pergolas and lattice enclosures for screening. Stop by Gertens Outdoor Rooms for inspiration!

Another new trend is to add an outdoor fireplace to your new "outdoor room". We offer fireplace kits here at Gertens that are very accommodating for the do-it-yourselfer. You could even add an outdoor kitchen. We offer island kits so that your grill can be built right into a counter top.

Many people are choosing to entertain more at home this year. Using water features and patios expand your usable outdoor space and add value to your home. Take advantage of your outdoor living room and incorporate a patio and water feature in your next landscape project.

Karen Jurewicz
Senior Designer
Gertens