Moving water is the first thing people notice in a yard, and up here it’s the feature that has to be built most carefully. A pond in Cle Elum has to make it through months of ice, a spring of runoff and a hot, dry August. We design for all three, then dig, line, stone and plant it with our own crew.
Ponds and waterfalls
Our best example sits at Tumble Creek in Suncadia. A large waterfall at the top spills through a series of smaller falls on one side, while a flowing creek runs down the other, and both feed the pond. An ornamental pine with native plants anchors the middle of the scene, backed by a rock wall, and natural stone steps lead from the back patio down to the water.
It all went in over one season. In May we dug the basin, lined it and set the stone. In July the water went on and we tuned the falls so each one spills the way it should. The planting was finished that summer. The whole build is on the Tumble Creek pond project page.
A few things we think through on every pond:
- Where it sits. Low spots collect runoff, and a roof edge can drop a winter’s worth of snow right into the water. We pick a spot that works with the grade.
- The dig. Depth, shelves and the overflow all get shaped during the pond dig and grading, so the liner and stone sit on solid, well-shaped ground.
- Stone over the liner. River rock and boulders protect the liner and make the edge look like it was always there.
- Getting to the pump. Pumps and filters need checking, so we put them where you can reach them.
Pondless waterfalls
If you want the sound of falling water without an open pond, a pondless waterfall is worth a look. The falls drop into a rock-filled basin, the water is stored below ground, and a pump sends it back to the top. There’s no standing water to keep clean, it’s easier around small kids, and it suits a second home where nobody is there every week to look after a pond. It also fits a smaller yard, or a slope next to a patio where a full pond won’t.
Bubbling stone and column fountains
Not every spot needs a waterfall. At Tumble Creek we also set a slow-flowing three-column water feature, with water welling up through the stone columns and running down their sides into a bed of river rock. A feature like this fits beside a patio, an entry or a quiet corner, and it puts the sound of water right where you sit.
They brought the vision we had for our property to life. Professional, courteous, on-time, AND on budget. These guys are the real deal.
Pond maintenance
Ponds need a little care, especially after a mountain winter. We handle:
- Pump and filter checks
- Liner and rock repairs
- Seasonal clean-outs
If your pond is leaking, cloudy or just looking tired, give us a call and we’ll come take a look.
Water features work best as part of the whole yard. Extra water can be sent down a dry creek bed instead of across the lawn, and native plantings around the edge make a new pond look settled from the first season.
Thinking about a pond or waterfall? Book a free design consult or call 509-260-3659. Winter is the time to plan one for spring.
