Mountain Water Gardens
Once a rugged mountain drainage way, this 30-acre site now thrives as an enchanting ecosystem. Three ponds mirror the towering peaks, while meandering streams cascade into gentle waterfalls. Glide in a kayak, or simply play by the water’s edge. Natural stone steps guide you to deeper parts of the lower pond for a swim. Large boulders and driftwood create inviting nooks for the enjoyment of the fire pit, calm contemplation or entertaining with adults, children and pets. More steps lead up past the deer-resistant native plantings to a secret area over the ridge: the uppermost and the largest of all the ponds, which serves as an ice-hockey field in winter. Welcome to a place where adventure meets serenity and—a haven for both wildlife and nature.
Design Features
Client needed: Budget value-engineering coordination, multi-professional team coordination and management, naturalized transformation of drainage into ponds connected by waterfalls, outdoor sculptures and artwork, sense of intrigue and “discovery”.
Structural Elements:
Naturalized transformation of drainage into ponds connected by waterfalls
Deer resistant plantings and deer deterrent “invisible fencing”
Environmental:
Stormwater management systems - below and overground - for slowing, retaining, distributing and re-using water, permeable paving systems
Lighting - remote and dimmable wi-fi app controlled low voltage path, architectural and landscape accent lighting, LED strip lighting
Low maintenance/water-use - native and xeric plantings with drip and run-off retention irrigation system, native grasses and wildflower seeding
Natural paving materials
