HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2001-05-09, Page 14Babbling waterfall
A pond and waterfall constructed by the Burkholders is the
centrepiece of a newly landscaped' rear yard.
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PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2001.
Home & Garden 2001
Creation of natural setting goal of project
By Janice Becker
Citizen staff
On a relatively small lot sand-
Wiched between a house and lame
workshop. Brenda and Bill
Burkholder of Blyth have created a
sanctuary away from the outside
world.
Tired of just grass, Brenda
Burkholder said she and her husband
decided a couple of years ago to
design something different.
"Our goal was to create a nature
retreat of trees, water and plants that
would attract wildlife as well as pro-
vide us with enjoyment and a place
to relax," she said.
After months of searching through
resource material, a final plan was
devised. .
Beginning in 1999, the couple
removed a utility shed from the lot
and built a small deck onto the north
west side of their home. This.provid-
ed a sheltered seating area a few
steps above the rest of the garden and
a great place for a barbecue.
One of the most difficult tasks was
the removal of the sod, said
Burkholder. a job which was com-
pleted manually because of the loca-
tion.
With the grass gone, flagstone was
laid for a path. to define an area for a
rose garden and future three-by-three
pond.
A miniature rail fence and arbor
designed and created by the
Burkholders :livides this small deck
Artful additions
Birdhouses and other orna-
ments made from natural mate-
rials add to the continuity of the
backyard retreat.
and garden from the larger garden
which consumes the lawn north of
the house.
In the spring of 2000, The
Burkholders began construction of a
large pond which would be the cen-
trepiece of the main garden.
"It was important to create and
maintain continuity throughout the
yard," said Burkholder, "so the flag-
stone path was continued beyond the
arbor and led to the pond and water-
fall."
They were careful in their propor-
tioning of the pond and waterfall so
that it would be a prominent feature
of the yard. but not dominate it. The
positioning of the pond was also
important as they wanted it to be vis-
ible from the new deck, side veranda
and back bedroom.
The construction of the pond took
three months with hand digging of
the 10 foot by 15 foot by 3.5 foot
hole. As before, mechanized equip-
ment could not be accommodated in
the yard.
Approximately 10 tons of rock sal-
vaged from a farmer's bush were
trucked in for a natural looking
waterfall.
Because of the enormous size of
base boulders, the Burkholders uti-
lized their two tow trucks and an
assembly of cables and pulleys to
move the rocks into the proper loca-
tions.
The necessity of the rigging
became very apparent when the base
rock for the waterfall, weighing
more than three tons, had to be lifted
so the waterfall area could be dug a
foot deeper for a more natural look.
Burkholder said.
With a fish-friendly liner in place,
two filtration canisters with ultra
violet lights were installed. The sys-
tem helps control algae in the pond
and keep the water clear.
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The 18 goldfish that inhabit the
pond all survived the winter.
With the centrepiece in place,
cedar trees were planted around the
perimeter of the pond for a natural
appearance.
Two-inch thick slabs from a
downed tree were used to create a
pathway behind the pond and
amongst the cedars. This walkway
connects with 12-inch cement step-
ping stones leading to a miniature
yellow rose garden in one corner. An
interlocking brick patio .and path
tilled the space between the house
and pond.
Areas left open for gardens were
covered with landscape fabric then
topped with bark mulch for a very
woodland appearance. Much of this
area is to be planted with perennials
Amongst her pathways, shrub
and blooms, Burkholder has adder
whimsical wooden creations such a
birdhouses, a family of deer and dec
orative angels.
Burkholder hopes that after twc
summers of hard work, her famil'
will actually be able to sit and enjoy
their labours this year.
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Located 2 roads west of Blyth
Watch for our Blue Sign on Blyth Rd.
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Blyth Road
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