Pond Stone Landscaping Concepts: Advice from Canadianpond

CanadianPond was once upon a time in the pond construction business. Even though this not the case anymore, we still have interesting advice for you if you plan on building a pond or like landscaping in general.

When we first looked for a property in the Eastern Townships, little did we know that the geology of the area would be so interesting. The poor rocky fields of our forefathers are now a unique source of inspiration and materials for the professional and amateur landscapers of the area. When a well-designed stone landscaping arrangement reflects light onto the surface of a golden pond, a timeless impression is made.

When you plan to excavate a pond your chances of unearthing large boulders are very good. Make sure that the excavator operator puts these rocks aside for the final stage of the pond construction. If you are reviving an existing pond, you might find that it is worth rounding up large stones on the property, to enhance the shoreline of that old pond.

Some stone placement concepts are worth knowing about

Research stone placement in stonescaping resource magazines or books. In general, when you place boulders around a pond you should clump them together in odd numbers, although isolating one large boulder near a deep swim hole also works well. Stones are used for building cascades, creating shoreline definition, accentuating rocky outcrops or for simple submerged structures for fish habitat.

When building a cascade you will need small and larger stones. If you use only small stones it will look more man made than if you try to emulate natural variation. Nature has a way of sorting rocks in brooks that you should observe and study. Ask yourself how can you build your structure so it looks as natural as possible? Natural rocky shorelines of many variable rock sizes have vegetation growing in pockets around the rocks forming a transition from the aquatic to the terrestrial environments. Strive to achieve as natural a transition as possible when creating a shoreline.

In a pond environment, moving stones with machinery is not an easy job so be efficient and decisive in your approach. Wait for the driest season to move heavy machinery like hydraulic shovels on your land. Invite the excavator operator to walk the land around your pond before the machines arrive so the strategies for rock movement are already established. Try to hire a machine operator with solid experience moving and placing rocks. Some excavating companies can supply you with boulders and rocks for your needs if none can be found easily on your land.

If the do-it-yourself route isn’t your style, there are many experts you can call upon for advice and services. The Eastern Townships area is well equipped with talented landscaping architects, designers and regular “Joe of all trades” who have done it all before! Ask local experts to show you their previous projects and inquire about the costs of those projects. Planning for your dream pond doesn’t cost much and you’ll find a good design and an expert job will add value to your land if you want to sell one day. Like many long lost cultures did around the world your stones arrangements may last forever and leave some mysterious legacy behind.

Beautiful rocky outcrops disappearing into the depth of a pond can be very valuable for the pond inhabitants. Like submerged stone structures, they will become the focal point for all fish and insects living in the pond. Rocks in water are excellent habitats and almost as important as aquatic vegetation. And don’t forget the needs of our two- and four- legged friends. There is nothing like a well-placed boulder to fish from, lie on, swim to or dive from.

Pondscaping with rocks will look good throughout the year and add new dimensions to your aquatic environments. Dream big and beautiful!

Related Article:

• Taking Care of Your Water Garden