Kathleen and Jim Clement have a spacious backyard and they would like to change the feel of it by creating a dramatic water feature. The plan is to begin by constructing a waterfall at the base of an already existing large property wall. From there, they 'll extend a stream that will eventually drop over a smaller retaining wall, into a shallow pond in their lower patio area. Like most do-it-yourselfers, the Clements love a challenge and hope to save money.
On the first day of construction, the couple creates an outline of the pond using black spray paint. Following the line, Kathleen and Jim then cut out the shape of the pond with a circular saw. Next, they break up the concrete with a sledgehammer and a large crowbar. On the second day, the couple begins forming the base of the waterfall, using the concrete pieces from the patio. Jim's son Josh and Josh's girlfriend Jeni arrive to help form the streambed using small rocks and dirt. Together, the group digs a hole where the pond skimmer will sit. Once this is accomplished, Kathleen and Jim end the day with a kiss and a sigh of relief.
After working for a few more days, the Clements have dug their pond down to 24 inches at its deepest point. The dirt from the hole has been used to build up the base of the waterfall and streambed, and the skimmer and waterfall unit have been set up. Now, Kathleen and Jim divide the stream into three small pools using cinderblocks . From the base of the waterfall to the end of the stream, a pond liner is laid out . Then the couple moves dirt and heavy rocks to form the surface of the waterfall and stream. But by the end of the day, the Clements now realize this project is more than they can handle.
Exhausted, the couple decides they need help. They call on landscape architects Terry Morrill and his son Chad, whose expertise and workmanship prove essential in strategically placing the remaining rocks and stones. After a few weeks of refinement , including the addition of plants and a few koi fish, the water feature is finally complete. Kathleen and Jim feel the time spent was long and arduous, but the end result was well worth the wait.
Resources pond
PondSweep Manufacturing Company
We apologize no further information is available. Guests Terry and Chad Morrill
landscape architects
California Waterscapes Inc.
1538 Idlewood Rd.
Glendale, CA 91202
Phone: 818-247-9595
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