Spruce Up Your Pond With Natural Stone in McFarland, WI
A backyard pond is such a delight! The beauty, the serenity, and the wildlife-friendly welcome can make sitting by a McFarland, WI, pond a great escape from a hectic lifestyle. If you’re wondering what you can do to rejuvenate a pond and add interest, here are some ways to spruce it up with natural stone.
Related: Landscape Design Ideas That Let the Natural Landscape Shine in Middleton, WI
Boulders
Boulders along the water's edge serve to anchor the pond and create a sense of space. Visually, boulders are heavy and dense, so they can serve as a perfect complement to the light, reflective and ever-changing nature of water. Various sizes of boulders can be arranged asymmetrically for a naturalistic look. Plant a variety of short and tall aquatic plants to soften the look and offer a safe haven for small aquatic friends (frogs, salamanders, and birds).
Boulders and stone slabs can serve as a natural-looking waterfall reminiscent of natural mountain hot springs. Vary the heights of each ledge and encourage multiple streams of water using smaller rocks for an amazing aquatic symphony of sound.
For nighttime drama, choose a few strategically placed landscape light fixtures that highlight the shape and texture of the boulders, and create dynamic reflections on the water.
Pebble Beach
Instead of encircling the entire pond with boulders, you could ask about making the water accessible with the addition of a barefoot-friendly pebble beach. Pebbles won’t fly away in strong winds and they are less likely to migrate into the pond even in heavy rains. Plus, pebbles are an opportunity to match the colors of your home or patio, or to pick up colors within the landscape. You may want to avoid using dark pebbles, which can become uncomfortably hot to the touch in the summer.
Stone Walkways
You have several options for using natural stone for a walkway: stone slabs, crushed stone (crushed stone tends to be easier to walk on than pebbles), or a combination of both. Make the walk to the pond a magical experience with a crushed stone walkway that meanders through the landscape. Or give your walkway a substantial feel by using large stone slabs separated by grass, moss, or ground covers (depending on how much sun the walkway receives). You can also mix these materials by separating large slabs with crushed gravel either in the same color, a complementary color, or even a contrasting color. A border of colorful ground covers and flowering perennials helps to integrate the walkway into the landscape, and solar-powered path lights make the walk to the pond a romantic experience.
Stone Benches
Having a place to sit makes the pond even better. A large natural stone slab supported on masonry pillars will grow lichen over time, giving it a wonderful “always been there” appeal. Add a small natural stone “coffee table” to create an inviting spot to relax—but fair warning, you may not want to leave the pond even after your coffee cup is empty!
Stone Fire Pit
Add fire, and you really won’t want to leave your pond! A fire pit is just the thing for magical evenings under the stars, listening to the crackle of the fire and the sounds of falling water.
About the Author
With over two decades in business and maintaining an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau the entire time, Proscapes LLC is a leading landscape company in the Madison, WI, area. As a Unilock Authorized Contractor, we are recognized as the best-of-the-best in our craft—earning numerous awards along the way.