Help planning layout for large pond with bog filter in two-tier backyard

[twd000]

Trying to figure out a layout that makes sense for my backyard pond.

Desire to incorporate these elements:
-20'x30'x3' pond
-10'x15'x3' planted bog filter
-meandering stream near the porch steps
-waterfall facing the patio/house
-wood deck overhanging deep end of the pond

I read the Aquascape design guidelines and agree with bringing the pond as close to the house as possible. They recommend bringing the water level to within 2" of the patio.

The viewing points will be:
-back patio
-screen porch
-kitchen window

The double-trunk maple tree will be removed of course.

There is a significant 4'+ dropoff you see from the patio to the lower lawn. I thought this would be an advantage but now I'm wondering how I will get enough fill to build the berm on the backside, while blending it into the landscape? The waterfall should be on that backside facing the house which means I need to build up that berm significantly higher than the front.
I also can't figure out where to site the bog filter. I plan to fill it with plants so it will look appealing. Should that go near the front of the screen porch? I will have to fill that area to get it to gravity drain back into the pond.

Desire

 

[Mmathis]

Hello and welcome!

Just curious, but why does Aquascape recommend putting the pond as close to the house as possible?

 

[twd000]

Hello and welcome!

Just curious, but why does Aquascape recommend putting the pond as close to the house as possible?

paraphrasing here, but the idea is that you spend most time in or near the house. Some people put the pond far away and don't use it/ enjoy it as much

 

[j.w]

@twd000
I agree I like my pond right near our front door w/our covered porch facing it so I can sit and relax and enjoy to my hearts content! Love the sound of the waterfall!

 

[Mmathis]

paraphrasing here, but the idea is that you spend most time in or near the house. Some people put the pond far away and don't use it/ enjoy it as much

I can see that, but I would be worried about possible foundation issues if it was too close to the house (but maybe, that depends on where you live — we have clay soil and a high water table, so…..). One thing to keep mind is to leave plenty of room around all sides of the pond so you’ll have room to walk around and take care of any maintenance issues. That is going to be an awesome pond, and can’t wait to see it as it progresses!

 

[addy1]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[twd000]

any ideas about cutting and fill a berm on the back side? Concerned that the soil won't be compacted and may move over time with the weight of the water behind it
would really prefer the natural look of a soil mound over a block retaining wall, but don't want to risk a berm collapse

 

[GBBUDD]

to figure out a layout that makes sense for my backyard pond.

Desire to incorporate these elements:
-20'x30'x3' pond
-10'x15'x3' planted bog filter
-meandering stream near the porch steps
-waterfall facing the patio/house
-wood deck overhanging deep end of the pond

I read the Aquascape design guidelines and agree with bringing the pond as close to the house as possible. They recommend bringing the water level to within 2" of the patio. THE PATIO AND POND SHOULD BE LIKE ONE IF THE POND IS FAR FROM THE PATIO/ KITCHEN NO ONE WILL WANT TO ENTERTAIN AND DRAG EVERYTHING WAY OUT BACK TO THE POND. AND ONCE YOU HAVE THEM BOTH IN YOUR BACK YARD YOULL FIND YOUR WAY OF LIVING WILL CHANGE WAY MORE TIME HANGING IN THE BACK YARD AND LOVEING EVERY MINUTE.

The viewing points will be:
-back patio
-screen porch
-kitchen window

The double-trunk maple tree will be removed of course.

There is a significant 4'+ dropoff you see from the patio to the lower lawn. I thought this would be an advantage but now I'm wondering how I will get enough fill to build the berm on the backside, while blending it into the landscape? The waterfall should be on that backside facing the house which means I need to build up that berm significantly higher than the front.
I also can't figure out where to site the bog filter. I plan to fill it with plants so it will look appealing. Should that go near the front of the screen porch? I will have to fill that area to get it to gravity drain back into the pond.
YES IT IS NICE TO HAVE THE POND UP FLUSH TO THE PATIO BUT THERE ARE WAYS TO MAKE A TERRACED YARD EVEN NICER IF DNE RIGHT. THERE IS A VIDEO I SAW RECENTLY ON YOU TBE SLOPED JAPANESE GARDENS I BELIEVE IT WAS, A GOOD START ON WHAT I'M REFERING TO. ARE THERE WAYS TO BUILD UP THE 4 FEET SURE BUT IT IS NOT EASY TO MAKE IT FIT IN AND NOT LOOK MAN MADE, THE VIDEO I ATTACHED HERE IS MINE AND MY BOG HAS AN 8 FOOT BUILD UP TO THE TOP SIMILAR TO WHAT YOUR ASKING BUT I WOULD LOOK AT THE TERRACED PATIO. EVEN IF IT MEANS A LARGER PATIO UP CLOSE TO THE HOUSE AND A SITTING AREA DOWN WITH THE POND LIKE 4 FEET BELOW .

i ALSO PUT TOGETHER A BUILD BLOG IN THE SHOWCASE WICH IS ATACHED AT THE BOTTOM OF MY POST . yOU HAVE A THE MAKINGS OF A GREAT LAYOUT ITS JUST ALL IN THE PLANNING



Desire

 

[Mmathis]

@GBBUDD Just curious, but why does the above quote start with my name……? Kinda confusing quote (but I did have general anesthesia today, so that could account for my fogginess

 

[GBBUDD]

Looks like a spoof to me it was to the poster @twd000