HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2008-05-08, Page 20PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2008.
There’s a soothing quality to the
sound of water. It stirs images of fish
gliding lazily along a brook. Close
your eyes and let the soft gentle flow
transport you to a place where
butterflies flit along stream-side
flora, where birds accompany the
trickling tune.
Landscaper Jamie Rogers says,
“Water has always been an
attraction. Whether it’s the beach or
a stream, people like being around it.
For many people the sound is the
attraction.”
While ponds are quite popular, for
those who want the benefits without
many of the extra responsibility.
“Pondless waterfalls are a great
option for people who don’t care
about fish or ponds. They require a
lot less maintenance.”
Rogers said pond kits purchased
from a reliable company can
simplify DIY projects. “Look for
one that puts together everything
you need like pipe, liner, biological
filter, lights and transformers.”
“You want lights because these
days evening is often the only time
people get to finally sit and relax.”
The easy-to-follow instructions
for pondless waterfalls or ponds
make installing the basics fairly
simple, said Rogers, but beyond that
a little creativity is important.
“There is a right and wrong way to
place rocks to make them look
natural. The best compliment is
when people say that it looks as if
it’s been there for 25 years.”
The creation of berms is just one
of the ways to naturalize the water
feature into the landscape, he said.
“It’s a lot of fun to build and very
gratifying when done.”
For the bold, ready to take on the
entire challenge of creating a pond,
Rogers said it’s important to be
realistic about the amount of rock
the project may require.
An average 11’x16’pond with 10’
stream and 2’high waterfall would
require six-and-a-half to seven tons
of rock for the best aesthetic appeal.
“It’s a lot of back-breaking work,”
he cautions.
The cost of a pondless waterfall
averages about $5,000 while one
with an average pond is comparable
to a hot tub, said Rogers, about
$7,500-$8,000.
With his installations, Rogers said
a pond skimmer is incorporated,
along with biological filters. “We
rock everything so you don’t see any
liner and use pea stone to plant any
of the water plants. This also gives a
home for beneficial bacteria which
won’t grow in a liner but will grow
in the cracks and crevices of pea
stone.”
If fish and other aquatic life are
what you’re looking for, Rogers said
a pond need not be any deeper than
two feet. Many municipalities, he
said, have regulations prohibiting
ponds any deeper than that.
Continued from page 19
stonework at the front of the house.
The rest of the work was and is
being done by Mitchell.
The waterfall’s upkeep is
relatively minimal, says Mitchell,
noting that she has to top up the
water from time to time if it’s been
dry and remove the pumps for the
winter.
She also covers the waterfall in the
early fall to keep it clear of leaves
which can plug the flow.
The effect has been welcome with
her guests, and her husband, wiling
away quiet hours on the deck
accompanied by the sweet song of
water.
“I wouldn’t change a thing about
the way it’s been done.”
Upkeep minimal on waterfall
Bringing water’s soothing sound to yard
Babbling on
Landscaper Jamie Rogers stands before a pondless
waterfall, a perfect alternative for those with limited space
or interested in a low-maintenance water feature for their
yard. (Bonnie Gropp photo)
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The Citizen
Continued on page 21