Yvonne's stream and pond
Case studies
John and Cordelia's pond
Bob's stream and pond
Yvonne's stream and pond
Yvonne's situation was similar to Bob's - a natural slope leading to a large flat area. This series shows more detail about the stonework.
All of these projects feature a lot of stone in the bottom of the ponds. Many people feel strongly that ponds should have no stone in the bottom, because it makes removing debris difficult. Others love their stone, and don't mind the extra work. We feel that there is a place for both positions. Just keep in mind that stone in the bottom is optional, but if you decide to use it, you may find some ideas here.
Yvonne's yard is similar to Bob's. There is a large steep hill that is ideal for a long stream, and there's a flat area for a pond.
At this stage Yvonne's pond has been staked, edged and lined. Flat shelves have been dug for the plants, and stone has been laid along the vertical surfaces.
It's not necessary to make the stone fit perfectly. The gaps will be filled with smaller stones.
The stones should be placed so that their tops are just above the shelf they are placed in front of. This is to keep the gravel that will be poured onto these shelves in place.
Smaller stones are used to fill in the gaps between the larger boulders.
Gravel is poured into the remaining spaces, making the wall very stable.
Rock-on-a-Roll has been placed along the edges of the pond.
The bottom of the Rock-on-a-Roll will be held in place with gravel and stones.
More stones and gravel have been added.
At this point, all the needed stone for the pond has been placed.
At the bottom of the hill, just above the pond, drainage tubing has been installed. This is needed because the pond is in an area that receives some rainwater runoff. The drainage tube directs water under the stream so that it doesn't pool up, and flow into the pond.
This is the downflow side of the drainage tube.
The pond needs to be washed to remove very fine particles that cloud the water.
The pond liner has been trimmed, and some backfilling has been done.
Here you can see that the backfill is keeping the top of the Rock-on-a-Roll in place, and stones and gravel are holding down the bottom.
Here you can see the stream in various stages of consturction. The lower part has been staked and edged, lined, Rock-on-a-Roll has been put in and a two waterfall stones have been placed.
This is a close-up of where the stream enters the pond.
This waterfall stone has been placed, and bead of black polyurethane foam has been sprayed used to seal it to the bottom of the stream. This keeps water from running under the stone.
However, if we were to run the stream now, water would simply go around the stone rather than over it.
That problem is solved by spraying black foam next to the waterfall stone....
...and placing a small boulder in it before it cures. When this is done on both sides, there is no place for the water to go but over the waterfall stone.
This is the first time the stream has been run. The flexible PVC tubing can be seen next to the stream, going up the hill.
The stones have been placed so that water cascades from one to the next.
The pond and stream has been backfilled and mulched. The landscape plantings are not yet in, but Yvonne's Buddha keeps a watchful eye.
Yvonne's stream and pond are complete and the effect is wonderful.
Yvonne has designed her pond to be enjoyed from many places. This photo is taken from her deck, but she can also sit right next to it to watch her fish and plants grow.