How a Pondless Waterfall Created an Outdoor Retreat

Newlyweds living in the suburbs of Chicago yearned for an entire backyard makeover after moving into their first home together. The landscape was typical of most homes in the area ... a patio with an expanse of grass. The couple added a fence to the yard but didn't realize their dreams of an outdoor retreat until the addition of a beautiful Pondless Waterfall!

A Pondless Waterfall is basically a waterfall without a pond.

The couple's new waterfall hugs the patio so that it can be enjoyed up close and personal.

By using rocks of various shapes and sizes, the waterfall appears as though it has always been there.

Moss covered rocks lend an aged appearance to the water feature.

Proper biological filtration ensures the water stays clean and clear.

The couple enjoys listening to the soothing sound of running water in their landscape.

A Patio Pond with aquatic plants was cleverly added to the edge of the waterfall's stream.

The couple's Pondless Waterfall provides a refreshing background while enjoying summer days out on the patio. Instead of watching the grass grow, they now enjoy the beauty and sound of running water!

*Water feature installed by Aquascape Designs.*

A Boring Backyard is Transformed with Refreshing Pond and Waterfalls

Spring is here and summer is right around the corner. April is a great month to consider what changes you'd like to make in your backyard. Since we love water features, we can't think of a better way to add beauty and interest to your outdoor living space than with some type of running water. Here's an example of how a boring expanse of grass became a gorgeous oasis in the suburbs of Chicago.

This landscape used to be all lawn and no pizzazz. Now, the homeowner can sit by their watery paradise on a  rustic bench. A variety of plants helps to blend the pond into the surrounding landscape.

Beautiful Ponds and Waterfalls for Backyard Living

More and more people are sprucing up their backyards to create outdoor living environments where they can relax, de-stress, and entertain friends and family. We took a virtual trip across the country, compliments of Houzz, looking for gorgeous ponds and waterfalls to share with you.

Traditional Landscape design by Philadelphia Landscape Architect Signature Pond and Patio

Freshen Your Landscape

Nothing makes a landscape sing like a melodic waterfall, babbling brook, or peaceful pond. That large expanse of grass in your backyard can be freshened with a breathtaking water feature - and let's face it - you hate mowing the grass anyway.

Here's your typical suburban yard ... well manicured green lawn with trees, shrubs, patio, and decorative fence. Not bad, but not great either.

Come Set a Spell

A charming bench awaits your company. It's calling your name, beckoning you to make time for yourself and drink in the view of the peaceful water garden. You answer the call and set a spell while the stress of the world slides from your shoulders.

Lush greenery and a soothing water garden help cool the climate.

Outdoor Dining by the Pond

Dining outdoors is a refreshing experience, especially when you have friends, family, a beloved pet, and a beautiful view of a pond filled with koi and waterlilies!

Gazebos and Water Gardens: A Match Made in Heaven

If I moved into a new house and were granted 2 wishes for the landscape, I would choose a water garden and a gazebo. Both remind me of a fairy tale garden ... or the type of garden you'll see in Heaven. My grandmother in Williams Bay, Wisconsin had an adorable "summer house" in her yard that I loved playing in for hours. She also had a crystal clear stream running through her backyard where we'd catch minnows, search for pretty rocks, and pretend we were in another world altogether. What's not to love about Gazebos and Water Gardens?

A garden bench tucked inside a pondside cottage gazebo makes for the perfect reading spot to refresh your mind and soul.

Outdoor Spaces: A "Peace" of Paradise

With the financial stress of today's economy, we could all use a little "peace" of paradise to calm our nerves and lift our spirits. Investing in a small (or large) water feature is truly an investment in your health. Listening to the melodic waterfall while sitting by the pond's edge is sure to lower your blood pressure and improve your outlook on life.

Placing your water garden near your house allows you to hear your waterfall through open doors and windows. When time allows, pull up a chair and sit a spell outside.