by Dan Eskelson

The first advice I give is to visit natural waterfalls or at least look at photos. Don’t try to memorize just how they look…just get a general idea how the water flows around and over the rocks.
The number one, most asked question that I receive about water features is “How do I build a waterfall?”

On a level site, with an “average” size pond of 11′ x 16′, the amount of soil needed to surround the biological filter and create the berm is just about equal to the amount of soil excavated from the pond…it works out quite well. To further enhance or enlarge the berm, you may want to import a little more soil, large boulders or other features.

The design of your falls will depend on topography, pump and pipe size, length of water flow from pump to falls, pond size and possibly other site-specific factors. If your pond is just 4′ x 6′, you certainly don’t want a large, three foot wide falls - keep the elements of your water feature in scale. Read more…

The width of the waterfall should be in proportion to the size of your pond. The important point is to make sure that the scale of your construction fits in with the surrounding features and does not spoil the balance of your overall garden design. When building a waterfall, as with any garden project, you must first consider the design and make a plan. The biggest mistake that people make when planning a pond waterfall is to err on the large side. For a pond measuring 12 ft x 14 ft you should think in terms of a fall of 18-24 inches.

Building a waterfall is easier than you think and will add a new dimension to your pool.

The next question that has to be answered is the type of construction you wish to use. There are two basic choices. You can either use a liner and place rocks to form the fall or you can save yourself the trouble and buy a fibreglass unit. Either way you will still have to use your shovel to form the site of the waterfall.

The other requirement is a pump which will be sited in the pool to transport the water to the top of your waterfall. The size of pump that you will need depends on the height and width of the waterfall and also the length of pipe from the pump to the top of the fall. Once you have finalised your plans, consult your dealer and he will be able to supply you with the correct pump.

To maintain a healthy pond environment with crystal clear water usually involves installing a biological filter. Again your dealer will be able to advise you as to the correct type and size. The filter should be placed at the top of the waterfall so that the water is cleaned before issuing out on to the fall.

Once you have assembled all the equipment it is time to get out your shovel. If your site is level and the soil from excavation of your pond is nearby this can be used as the mound on which to place the waterfall. If you are using a liner you first dig out the channel and then fit the liner. Next place the rocks so that the water can flow over them. It is helpful if you observe a natural waterfall to give you some ideas as to how the rocks can be placed for the greatest effect. Once you are satisfied with the arrangement, use black waterfall foam to seal the rocks to ensure that the water flows over and around them and not underneath. If you have chosen to use a fibreglass preformed model, you will avoid the problem of placing the rocks and will just have to dig out sufficient soil to allow you to fit the unit.

To complete the installation fit the pump, filter and hose and connect to the electricity supply. Providing all is working to your satisfaction, now is the time to relax and enjoy your handiwork.

If you have read this far and are wondering whether it would be just too much like hard work, then consider this. Water soothes and relaxes, inspires reflection, and is a source of beauty. A cascading, bubbling stream adds interest and serenity to the garden, while a waterfall can create a dramatic centerpiece. Building a pond waterfall really is worth the effort.

Hugh Harris-Evans is the owner of The Garden Supplies Advisor where you will find further articles, gardening tips and product reviews.
By Hugh Harris-Evans

If yo interest with wataer fall in your backyard, number one, most asked question that I receive about water features is “How do I build a waterfall?”

The design of your falls will depend on topography, pump and pipe size, length of water flow from pump to falls, pond size and possibly other site-specific factors. If your pond is just 4′ x 6′, you certainly don’t want a large, three foot wide falls - keep the elements of your water feature in scale.

One of the most common mistakes results from the desire for a tall waterfall at a level building site…large amounts of soil are imported to build the falls up to a three or four foot height. Yes, you will achieve a dramatic waterfall, but the total effect will look more like an out of place volcano. A falls of just two feet will produce a very satisfactory effect both visually and audibly.

The first advice I give is to visit natural waterfalls or at least look at photos. Don’t try to memorize just how they look…just get a general idea how the water flows around and over the rocks. Read more…

A garage door from 1st UDT is one of the best investments you can make in your home. Your garage door is the largest moving part in your home, and one of the most visible features from the curb. 1st UDT doors are durable and reliable, and they will add character and beauty to your home, making it an upgrade you will enjoy everyday. Once installed, your 1st UDT door will be virtually maintenance free. Plus, 1st UDT doors provide the added benefits of increased security and energy efficiency.

The following is a selection of articles about First United Door Technologies, their products and how to maintain your door.

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In this fence picture, the balusters are more ornate — rather like what one would expect on an indoor stairway, or perhaps on classy porch railings or deck railings. The gateway is covered with roofing and sided with lattice. In the next landscaping photo, we go back to the simpler style of baluster….

Not only is there symmetry at the house entry, but also at the gate. Furthermore, it’s not just plant material that is employed symmetrically at the gate: notice the nice granite posts.

The simplicity of operation of a winding arm machine always ensures the fastest possible operating of the gate. The FAST operator will automate most lightweight gates up to 2.3m each leaf. The FAST can be operated by all the standard CAME accessories e.g. remote controls, push buttons, keypads etc. In the eventuality of a power cut the FAST has a lever operated manual release mechanism which is situated on the motor casing.

The FAST articulated arm gate operator is designed to automate small gates that are hung from any type of pillars or posts. The new FAST kits are the easiest and quickest to install within the entire CAME range. The FAST motor comes complete with an inbuilt control panel which makes the installation as simple as any machine available in the world.