This small tract home backyard was transformed into a lively breathable garden. A new outdoor living room was created, with silver-grey brazilian slate flooring, and a smooth integral pewter colored concrete wall defining and retaining earth around it. A water feature is the backdrop to this outdoor room extending the flooring material (slate) into the vertical plane covering a wall that houses three playful stainless steel spouts that spill water into a large basin. Koi Fish, Gold fish and water plants bring a new mini ecosystem of life, and provide a focal point and meditational environment. The integral colored concrete wall begins at the main water feature and weaves to the south west corner of the yard where water once again emerges out of a 4” stainless steel channel; reinforcing the notion that this garden backs up against a natural spring. The stainless steel channel also provides children with an opportunity to safely play with water by floating toy boats down the channel. At the north eastern end of the integral colored concrete wall, a warm western red cedar bench extends perpendicular out from the water feature on the outside of the slate patio maximizing seating space in the limited size garden. Natural rusting Cor-ten steel fencing adds a layer of interest throughout the garden softening the 6’ high surrounding fencing and helping to carry the users eye from the ground plane up past the fence lines into the horizon; the cor-ten steel also acts as a ribbon, tie-ing the multiple spaces together in this garden. The plant palette uses grasses and rushes to further establish in the subconscious that a natural water source does exist. Planting was performed outside of the wire fence to connect the new landscape to the existing open space; this was successfully done by using perennials and grasses whose foliage matches that of the native hillside, blurring the boundary line of the garden and aesthetically extending the backyard up into the adjacent open space.

Bill Bibb, Designer Archiverde Landscape, buillt by Pool Environments This water feature and teal diamond glass firepit sit at the back of the property and overlook the golf coarse. The molded copper water basin gently spills into a rill that is lined with pebble glass tile to echo that of the main pool. The rill is equipped with LED lighting.

This small New Berlin, WI backyard features a Bluestone patio with Germantown paver border, a spacious firepit using Winnebago boulders and a custom water feature, nestled among existing Austrian Pines. The patio is framed with ornamental grasses, Japanese Maples and Winnebago outcropping boulders to create seating stones. Design by: Eric K Weishaar Installation by: Breckenridge Landscape Design, Construction & Maintenance, LLC Photos by: Eric K Weishaar

Custom waterfeature in wall with Acid stain finish, provides screening from a neighbor as well as reduces traffic sounds. Chartreuse colored bamboo in rusted steel planters screens the neighboring house.

This small tract home backyard was transformed into a lively breathable garden. A new outdoor living room was created, with silver-grey brazilian slate flooring, and a smooth integral pewter colored concrete wall defining and retaining earth around it. A water feature is the backdrop to this outdoor room extending the flooring material (slate) into the vertical plane covering a wall that houses three playful stainless steel spouts that spill water into a large basin. Koi Fish, Gold fish and water plants bring a new mini ecosystem of life, and provide a focal point and meditational environment. The integral colored concrete wall begins at the main water feature and weaves to the south west corner of the yard where water once again emerges out of a 4” stainless steel channel; reinforcing the notion that this garden backs up against a natural spring. The stainless steel channel also provides children with an opportunity to safely play with water by floating toy boats down the channel. At the north eastern end of the integral colored concrete wall, a warm western red cedar bench extends perpendicular out from the water feature on the outside of the slate patio maximizing seating space in the limited size garden. Natural rusting Cor-ten steel fencing adds a layer of interest throughout the garden softening the 6’ high surrounding fencing and helping to carry the users eye from the ground plane up past the fence lines into the horizon; the cor-ten steel also acts as a ribbon, tie-ing the multiple spaces together in this garden. The plant palette uses grasses and rushes to further establish in the subconscious that a natural water source does exist. Planting was performed outside of the wire fence to connect the new landscape to the existing open space; this was successfully done by using perennials and grasses whose foliage matches that of the native hillside, blurring the boundary line of the garden and aesthetically extending the backyard up into the adjacent open space.

Custom large scale residential swimming pool with custom spa & a natural water feature created with harvested natural boulders and fieldstone from the property.

The water feature is 24” deep 500 s.f. and filled with 6” of Black Mexican beach pebbles. Multiple Techobloc Raffinato planters each equipped with drip irrigation. Plantings were installed by our client. Six sheer descent waterfalls and multi-colored underwater lights are controlled from the clients mobile phone or iPad. All the paving is a Turkish Travertine with a connecting floating bridge that leads to a more private sunken patio/pavilion area, where one can sit and enjoy the tranquil sound of sheer descent waterfalls. The addition of the contemporary sculpture and a bubbling granite boulder completes this backyard transformation!

Chalice water feature showing its setting in a beautiful English garden
Traditional exterior in Oxfordshire.

Hively Landcapes http://www.hivelylandscapes.com/ Project Entry: Stairway to Heaven 2013 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential Up to $15,000 Award Level: Bronze Project Description: Battling age arid multiple sclerosis would not deter these homeowners from a relaxing and interactive backyard getaway. It was important to block the nearby homes from the view, while creating an open environment for neighbors to meet and socialize. Their love for landscaping and birds, needed to be joined with a relaxing water feature that could be enjoyed from desired locations inside the house as well as outside. I wanted to incorporate plants they liked, that would work on such a tough slope, and provide year-long interest. By making the water feature the prominent piece in the garden I had to make it naturalize into the hillside, as if it was always there. By the end, a never ending and insurmountable hillside was transformed into their, "stairway to heaven." This new home construction left little quality topsoil with large amounts of fill soil to stabilize for a successful water feature. Topsoil and mushroom soil were used to amend planting holes for plants, and proper base materials were used for water feature and stairs. Such a steep hill makes equipment difficult to manage. By setting equipment on top of the hill, we were able to drag/winch materials up the hill to put in place. Due to health conditions of the client, navigation of the hill would require a more functional access. Natural steps and materials were the clients desire, and Techo Bloc's Rocka steps filled both needs. The water feature was constructed with a natural stone bridge to cross and flat stones strategically placed as foot holds. The pondless water feature is constructed using Aquascape's engineered system for filtration and flow. Waterfall rocks are from local quarries to ensure blending and natural elements. Plants were selected to have multiple aesthetic features along with a habitat for many birds. Color was necessary from the first bloom on the Phlox to the first snow dancing on the Miscanthus plume. To meet the client's budget, we designed the garden, planted the trees, supplied the plants and placed the plants for the client to install. The homeowner had the railing and smaller steps installed by others. With the clients uplifting attitude and determination they became the ushers of the development to welcome new families into the area. Their peaceful transition became a weekend and holiday hotspot where adults can appreciate the beauty while the children playfully splash each other in the stream. Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating disease that can confine your life experiences. Their dreams and conviction led to a therapeutic garden that appears to disappear into the sky. This illusion has brought joy to them and others and trademarked their slogan, "stairway to heaven." Photo Credit: Hively Landscapes

This small New Berlin, WI backyard features a Bluestone patio with Germantown paver border, a spacious firepit using Winnebago boulders and a custom water feature, nestled among existing Austrian Pines. The patio is framed with ornamental grasses, Japanese Maples and Winnebago outcropping boulders to create seating stones. Design by: Eric K Weishaar Installation by: Breckenridge Landscape Design, Construction & Maintenance, LLC Photos by: Eric K Weishaar

San Rafael, CA / photo: Jay Graham
Mid-sized transitional backyard partial sun formal garden in San Francisco with a water feature and natural stone pavers for spring.

This small tract home backyard was transformed into a lively breathable garden. A new outdoor living room was created, with silver-grey brazilian slate flooring, and a smooth integral pewter colored concrete wall defining and retaining earth around it. A water feature is the backdrop to this outdoor room extending the flooring material (slate) into the vertical plane covering a wall that houses three playful stainless steel spouts that spill water into a large basin. Koi Fish, Gold fish and water plants bring a new mini ecosystem of life, and provide a focal point and meditational environment. The integral colored concrete wall begins at the main water feature and weaves to the south west corner of the yard where water once again emerges out of a 4” stainless steel channel; reinforcing the notion that this garden backs up against a natural spring. The stainless steel channel also provides children with an opportunity to safely play with water by floating toy boats down the channel. At the north eastern end of the integral colored concrete wall, a warm western red cedar bench extends perpendicular out from the water feature on the outside of the slate patio maximizing seating space in the limited size garden. Natural rusting Cor-ten steel fencing adds a layer of interest throughout the garden softening the 6’ high surrounding fencing and helping to carry the users eye from the ground plane up past the fence lines into the horizon; the cor-ten steel also acts as a ribbon, tie-ing the multiple spaces together in this garden. The plant palette uses grasses and rushes to further establish in the subconscious that a natural water source does exist. Planting was performed outside of the wire fence to connect the new landscape to the existing open space; this was successfully done by using perennials and grasses whose foliage matches that of the native hillside, blurring the boundary line of the garden and aesthetically extending the backyard up into the adjacent open space.

Pondless Waterfalls, Monroe County, Rochester NY, Water Features NY, Pond Less Check out our website http://www.acornponds.com and give us a call 585.442.6373. Landscape Design plan for this home in Brighton NY included a new Outdoor Living Area. We added a new Paver Patio, Sitting Walls, Pillars, LED Low Voltage Landscape Lighting, Low Maintenance Rock Garden and Steps. Sign up for your personal design consultation here: http://www.acornponds.com/contact-us.html To learn more about this project please click here: https://www.facebook.com/notes/acorn-landscaping-landscape-designlightingbackyard-water-gardens/backyard-waterfalls-water-feature-paver-patio-landscaping-landscape-design-brigh/421691824534612 Click here for a free Magazine all about Ponds and Water Features: http://flip.it/gsrNN Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls 585.442.6373 http://www.acornponds.com

Nick Straabe (Landscape Photographer)
Mediterranean garden in Orange County with a water feature.

Interior Water Feature in Foyer
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary foyer in Atlanta with white walls, a double front door, a glass front door and slate floors.

William Ripley
Photo of a large traditional backyard partial sun formal garden in Cincinnati with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Backyard Patio with Water Feature. http://earthscapeblog.ca/?p=2481

This pool and spa is built in an affluent neighborhood with many new homes that are traditional in design but have modern, clean details. Similar to the homes, this pool takes a traditional pool and gives it a clean, modern twist. The site proved to be perfect for a long lap pool that the client desired with plenty of room for a separate spa. The two bodies of water, though separate, are visually linked together by a custom limestone raised water feature wall with 10 custom Bobe water scuppers. Quality workmanship as required throughout the entire build to ensure the automatic pool cover would remain square the entire 50 foot length of the pool. Features of this pool and environment that enhance the aesthetic appeal of this project include: -Glass waterline tile -Glass seat and bench tile -Glass tile swim lane marking on pool floor -Custom limestone coping and deck -PebbleTec pool finish -Synthetic Turf Lawn This outdoor environment cohesively brings the clean & modern finishes of the home seamlessly to the outdoors to a pool and spa for play, exercise and relaxation. Photography: Daniel Driensky

Traditional backyard garden in Seattle with a water feature and river rock.