Build-With-Nature

The Natural Pond

(Pond Philosophy)

The sound of the flowing water drifts through the landscape. The turtles splash into the water, as you get closer. The croak of a frog sitting on a floating lotus leaf. The fish school in sweeping patterns patrolling the pond looking for food. It is spring and warm and the iris are flowering.

Relax. Take the opportunity to renew yourself in a serene environment, a piece of nature.

A pond that is designed properly is a part of the environment and requires little care. Once circulation is provided the filtration and oxygenation occur naturally. All that is required is the removal of debris from the pump intake.

On this project we used the individual stepping-stones as a transition into the pond environment. As a visitor walks across the pond, the fish swim underfoot.

The building of a proper pond involves a carefully orchestrated plan. To achieve a natural effect there cannot be any evidence of the construction process once complete.

The circulation system should be simple and trouble free.

The plants should be dependable and tough.

The water environment is an opportunity for a unique plant palette.

The fish require little care and eat insects.

It is important to have a natural looking water-source.

Ponds are usually built in low areas. It is essential to control runoff and erosion into the pond environment to prevent contamination.

Rock ledges were used on this project to retain the grade around this pond. Steps leading to a landing provide access to the pond edge.

A stream meanders between existing plantings creating a low cascade into the pond.

Situations present themselves constantly challenging the imagination.

On this project we created a culvert under the driveway to make it appear as if a natural spring were flowing out. We then installed rock ledges to make cascades flowing toward the house. The stream continues flowing under the house and into this sunken pond.

View of culvert and cascades from under the house (East)

View of sunken pond from under the house. (West)

HOFSTRA BIRD SANCTUARY was originally an empty sand recharge sump located north of Hempstead Turnpike. (The bird sanctuary continues to function for ground water recharge.)

Often water naturally collects in a low area.

To establish a healthy pond environment plantings, fish and water circulation are necessary.

A 15’ high clay dam was installed to close off this ravine and create the lower pumping pond at BOSCOBEL RESTORATION MANOR.

This is a picture of the clay dam after the installation of the overflow and landscape.

During heavy rains the dam overflows down this reconstructed streambed toward the Hudson River.

To make a pond natural you must truly understand the magic of nature.

(View of the lower pond and stream from the woodland trail) At the far end of the pond the clay dam retains the water.