A Tranquil Oasis in Your Own Backyard
As I gaze out at the serene, meandering stream in my backyard, I can’t help but feel a sense of pure bliss and contentment. It’s hard to believe that just a decade ago, this lush, verdant landscape was nothing more than a plain, lackluster lawn. But thanks to my passion for landscaping and water features, I’ve transformed this property into a true oasis of relaxation and natural beauty.
When I first purchased this property, the lot had a few standard builder’s shrubs, a few trees, and acres of boring, monotonous grass. As a lifelong lover of gardening and landscape design, I knew I had to put my green thumb to work. Over the years, I’ve meticulously crafted this outdoor sanctuary, layer by layer, creating a stunning backyard that I’m proud to call my own.
The Front Yard: A Welcoming Introduction
The journey began in the front yard, where I installed two pondless waterfall streams and a spillway bowl set amidst a lush landscape of Japanese maples, shrubs, and the breathtaking coral drift roses. If I were to charge a client for everything I have in the front yard, the bill would be more than $100,000. But this wasn’t about recouping my investment – it was about creating a serene, welcoming atmosphere that would captivate visitors and potential clients alike.
As they approach the A1 Landscape Construction property, guests are immediately drawn in by the soothing sounds of the cascading waterfalls and the vibrant, well-manicured landscaping. It’s the perfect introduction to the hidden gem that awaits them in the backyard.
The Backyard Oasis
Step into the backyard, and you’ll be transported to a world of tranquility and natural wonder. Surrounded by towering Japanese maples and a meandering epoxied pea-gravel pathway, the four stunning fountain urns come alive, gently gurgling and creating a soothing, melodic soundtrack to your outdoor experience.
The backyard with its pond fountains, outdoor lighting, and four more Japanese maples would run some $150,000. But again, this isn’t about the price tag – it’s about crafting a space that truly feels like a private oasis, a sanctuary where you can escape the stresses of everyday life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
As you stroll along the path, you’ll discover an abundance of ferns, hostas, encore azaleas, and hydrangeas, all carefully curated to complement the wooded, natural theme. And in the corner, the piece de resistance – a 45-foot pondless waterfall, complete with our biggest boulders yet, creating a dramatic, eye-catching focal point.
The “Showroom” Approach
The idea to turn my own backyard into a living, breathing “showroom” for my landscaping and water feature business came after hearing about the “wild Irishman” Gerard Touhey and his insistence that potential clients visit his own home to see his work. I realized that this was the perfect way to showcase my skills and give people a tangible, first-hand experience of what I could create for them.
So, I got to work, meticulously crafting each element of the backyard oasis, from the pondless waterfalls to the carefully curated plant selections. And to address the ever-present elephant in the room – the cost – I installed small signs next to each feature, detailing the price and critical information. This, I found, helped set realistic expectations for my clients and made the decision-making process much smoother.
The Joy of Living the “Pond Lifestyle”
As I sit on the deck, listening to the soothing sounds of the water and watching the koi gently glide through the pond, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude and fulfillment. Building that first 8-by-12-foot pond with an 8-foot stream in my backyard was one of the best days of my life. It sparked a passion that has only grown stronger over the years, as I’ve learned, experimented, and honed my skills in the art of water feature design and installation.
There’s something truly magical about the “pond lifestyle” – the way it can transport you to a place of serenity and calm, where the stresses of the world melt away and you can truly connect with the natural beauty that surrounds you. And I’m honored to be able to share this passion with my clients, helping them create their own personal oases of tranquility, right in their own backyards.
So, whether you’re a seasoned water feature enthusiast or just starting to explore the idea, I invite you to come and visit my backyard showroom at A1 Landscape Construction. Let the soothing sounds of the water and the tranquil beauty of the landscaping inspire you to create your own personal slice of paradise. After all, true relaxation is something we all deserve – and with a little bit of creativity and expertise, it’s closer than you might think.
