With the pump and filter in place, all that's needed complete the pond's hardscape is the flagstone edging. - For a natural look, host Mayita Dinos and crew select various shapes and sizes of rock, working from the waterfall to the opposite end of the pond (figure A).
Tip: The more weathered the stone, the more natural its appearance. - The pond's flagstone border serves two purposes: 1) To conceal the edge of the liner and visually integrate the pond into the landscape and 2) To protect the liner from damaging UV rays that can weaken it over time.
Expert Note: Stones of numerous shapes and colors are often included in Japanese gardens, where they represent water flowing from the mountains, islands in the sea or the transition from sea to land. - Once the entire border is in place, Dinos decides to remove two of the flagstones to create an open area (figure B) that can be filled with soft grasses during the planting phase (featured in the next episode).
Tip: Creating an opening in the border also makes filter and pond maintenance easier. - Finally, Dinos adds shims -- small pieces of rock -- beneath the edges of the flagstone pieces to elevate their edges and make them more level (figure C).
- The finished result is the beginning of a picturesque, serene water garden that adds beauty, character and dimension to the property (figure D).
RESOURCES :
Water Works: Creating A Splash in the Garden
Model: 0809297213
Author: Maureen Gilmer with Michael Glassman
(2002)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
McGraw-Hill Companies
Website: www.mcgraw-hill.com
GUESTS :
Vergil Hettick
California State University Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90840
Phone: 562-985-4111
Email: hetix@pacball.com; jgarden@csulb.edu
Website: www.csulb.edu/~jgarden
Curator, Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
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