Initial Consultation

This Client had dead grass and, due to the drought, wanted something more water friendly.  Most people believe that a pond or water feature uses more water but, in fact, a pond will typically use at least 50% less water than turf in the same area.  We discussed a pond and the idea of using the two trees in the distance to picture frame the waterfall, however, the area towards the corner was actually lower than the grade of the pond near there patio.

Start Project 

The solution was to build an interlocking block wall at the back area for support of the waterfall.  This also allowed us to use the soil from the excavation process to create a natural slope for the waterfall and stream.

Work in Progress

As the soil was located against the wall, boulders were used to provide terracing planters around the waterfall for eventual landscaping.  Also, the boulder walls hide the wall so all of the rock work ties through the stream to the pond.

Completed

Once the landscape is in and the pond cleaned the look has completely changed.  All of the terrestrial plants are irrigated using drip, which uses far less water, and there is no grass to mow.  Over time, as the plants grow around the pond and waterfall, this backyard will look better and better!