A Boring Backyard is Transformed with Refreshing Pond and Waterfalls

Spring is here and summer is right around the corner. April is a great month to consider what changes you'd like to make in your backyard. Since we love water features, we can't think of a better way to add beauty and interest to your outdoor living space than with some type of running water. Here's an example of how a boring expanse of grass became a gorgeous oasis in the suburbs of Chicago.

This landscape used to be all lawn and no pizzazz. Now, the homeowner can sit by their watery paradise on a  rustic bench. A variety of plants helps to blend the pond into the surrounding landscape.

A few colorful koi enjoy the cool, clean waters of the pond. When you combine the right balance of fish, plants, filtration, circulation, and rock and gravel ... your pond water will be clean and clear.

Waterfalls aerate the water, providing much needed oxygen for the overall health of the ecosystem pond.

Careful placement of rocks help the water feature appear as though it's always existed in the landscape.

Marginal plants like wet feet and should be placed near the edges of the pond. Not only do they help to filter the water, but they soften the edges of the rock and create a natural look.

Normally, it takes about 3 years for a pond to look fully mature like this one with its lush plantscaping. This gorgeous water feature combines a babbling brook like this along with a larger waterfall.

If you build it ... they WILL come! A friendly frog enjoys a small burrow he found near the stream. He and his friends provide a beautiful chorus well into the evening.

A simple land bridge was added over the stream providing a way to explore and enjoy the pond from all sides.  Be sure to incorporate interactive areas into your pond where you can dangle your feet or feed the fish.

Before and After photos show the refreshing transformation of this suburban Chicago yard. The homeowner will spend less time maintaining the pond than he did mowing the lawn!

Learn more about creating an ecosystem pond that's naturally balanced. You'll spend years enjoying all that nature has to offer when you add a little water to the landscape.

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Beautiful Ponds and Waterfalls for Backyard Living

More and more people are sprucing up their backyards to create outdoor living environments where they can relax, de-stress, and entertain friends and family. We took a virtual trip across the country, compliments of Houzz, looking for gorgeous ponds and waterfalls to share with you.

Traditional Landscape design by Philadelphia Landscape Architect Signature Pond and Patio

Beautiful nighttime waterfall setting! An eclectic Baltimore, MD Landscape design by Premier Ponds

Unique vegetation creates contemporary landscape design by Phoenix Landscape Contractor, The Pond Gnome

Traditional Landscape design by New York Pool And Spa Contractors, Deck and Patio Company.

This is truly the ultimate outdoor living space!

Lovely waterfall design by New York Landscape Architect Acorn Landscaping

Pond stepping stones by Chicago Landscape Contractor, Ponds Inc. of Illinois

Unique use of rock, log, and statues by New Jersey Pond Contractor BJL Aquascapes

Unique waterfall design by San Francisco, California Landscape Architect French's Waterscapes LLC

You can see the wide variety available for your very own landscape! Water features come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. Whether you choose a small fountain or an expansive pond and waterfall, the options are limitless and each one is unique. Be sure to hire a certified pond professional to have the job done right!

The Beauty of an Autumn Pond

Are we really into the month of November already? It seems like August was just yesterday when the waterlilies and lotus were blooming heartily in the water garden. Despite the fading blooms, water gardens still look beautiful during the cooler days of autumn.

This beautiful home is graced with a pond and stream at its entrance.

The orange and yellow koi reflect the colors of the falling leaves.

Shade-loving impatiens will soon be fading.

The stream hugs the front walkway lending a unique landscape element.

A melodious waterfall is nestled to the right of the doorway decked in fall adornment.

The pond will frost over in winter while the koi safely hibernate at the pond's bottom.

They'll return again in the springtime when the days get longer and the ice melts.

For now, it's nice to enjoy the quiet beauty of autumn in the landscape.

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Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home

Inspiration Friday at At the Picket Fence

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

The Pink Lotus

The lovely Lotus is perhaps one of the most stunning of aquatic plants, from bud to full bloom to seed pod. Is there anything more playful yet elegant than a pink lotus on a warm, summer day?

The lotus seed pod.

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Feathered Nest Friday

Pink Saturday

Outdoor Living Spaces

Now that the weather's warming up, it's time to turn a critical eye to your outdoor living space. Flowers, fences, gazebos and benches are all pretty ... but what really makes your landscape a peaceful paradise is the sound of running water in the landscape. Combine a variety of elements in your landscape to create a beautiful outdoor living space you can enjoy for hours on end.

A cottage-style gazebo provides the optimal viewing vantage of this lovely pond and waterfall.

A simple patio with a bistro table creates a cozy, intimate spot for dining by the waterfalls.

You may remember this gazebo, patio, and waterfall from a previous post, which you can see here.

Houzz recently featured it in an article on decks and views.

Click here to see the Houzz article on dream decks.

Lots of shade and cool waters provide sweet relief from summer's heat.

French-style patio furniture fits snugly under a pergola for pondside enjoyment.

Flagstones create a natural-looking patio to complete this ecosystem pond.

Note the large windows for indoor viewing!

The charming gazebo provides an idyllic backdrop for a pond dotted with lily pads.

A grand home deserves a grand, waterfront view.

Settle into a comfy rocker and enjoy the view from your deck!

Linking to ...

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Inspiration Friday at At the Picket Fence

Pond Paradise in the Backyard

Some might view a wooded, sloping lot as a landscaper's design challenge. But when you incorporate water, the solution is quite simple. Work with the natural slope of the yard to create stunning waterfalls, and create twists and turns around trees to provide visual interest. This yard has it all! From a soothing water feature to gazebo to outdoor kitchen, and more!

Just outside the patio door is a stunning fireplace and flagstone patio that cozies up to a

small waterfall and pond. Comfortable seating provides a great place for relaxing well into the evening.

And if dinner is on your mind, these lucky homeowners can take care of that order on the outside grill.

The upper falls and pond cascade into another waterfall, taking advantage of the natural slope.

A lower patio provides yet another vantage point for relaxing and viewing the water feature.

A rustic footbridge provides access from the lower patio over a stream.

Here you can dangle your feet and cool your tootsies.

The water continues its course falling over yet another series of cascading rocks and gravel.

Shade loving plants add softness to the cool stone.

The rustic footbridge leads to a wooden stairway, inviting you to explore more of this beautiful yard.

Stunning waterlilies and colorful koi provide pops of color.

Look closely and you might even find a new friend or two.

With a yard like this, you can enjoy a vacation every day of the year!

Photos courtesy of www.aquascapeinc.com

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