My Yard Project... Year Three

[malatu]

This is my yard project. I've been getting some help from the folk at the newbie section and figured I'd post some pics. Here goes. I'm getting to the point where I'm ready to move forward with a water feature and a pond. I'll have some questions for sure.

This is August 2007 installing the footers for the walls that make up the large burm. The photo doesn't really depict the size of the yard. I can't believe the cement truck made it inside!

 

[malatu]

Here are some more pics of the construction of the berm in Aug 2007. By the way... this is a hair brained idea that got out of control. But I don't regret it ... at least not often!

 

[malatu]

Here are some pics from September 2009 (the only thing different today is I have the cap stones completed). As a matter of fact, realized I didn't have enough large stones to complete the cap so I had to purchase another two pallets of large flagstone to complete the cap and to get the appearance I wanted. I wanted the cap to be heavy and bold. The stones I had left at this point just wouldn't do it.

I have a question regarding a stream that will start at the top corner of the berm and meander down to the right and then empty into the pond. My contractor suggested because the stream will be elevated, you really won't be able to see the stream bed except at the original "falls" which will be turned toward the patio and any other fall part of the stream turned toward the patio. He suggested simply install a fall at the top one in the middle and one that empties into the pond and simply pipe water in series from the 1st fall through the 2nd and 3rd fall. I sort of liked the idea of a stream bed, but if you won't really be able to see the stream bed ... I guess he does have a good point. I'm open for other thoughts.

 

[DrCase]

You are sneaking up on us with a nice big project
Keep the pics coming
Looking good !!!

 

[malatu]

I'd like to get some additional pics and photoshop in where the stream is going to be so folks can give me some ideas as to go with the stream or just install 2 or 3 (understated) water falls.

 

[malatu]

This pic sort of gives an idea where the stream is going to start and empty into the pond. Each on of those black blobs represents a water fall in the stream. I think I have one too many. Anyways, you get the idea. The question is, since I won't be able to see the stream bed do I just go with a couple of water features? The last water feature will empty into the pond. In essence, the stream will still be there, but just under grade. Would just having falls look ok or too contrived?

 

[malatu]

Ok... I'm getting carried away .... this is the last one. It's the same pic but in outlined the proposed flag stone patio in red. Since we started this, it's been enlarged. Also, I forgot to mention, ..... we didn't decide to included a pond in this project until a couple of weeks ago! Jeez ....

 

[cauzeneffeckt]

dude nice whats up with this recently?

 

[malatu]

dude nice whats up with this recently?

I've got the cap on the front retaining wall and have the top 12 inches of the back wall faced with stone. I only work on it a couple of days a week and mostly half days! Not really much worth taking pictures of. .... This project will be done this summer (2010) though. Just met this evening with the contractor who will be building pond. I'm looking forward to stepping back and watching the contractors complete the project.

I'll post some pics when things start ticking.