With all the challenges today, home has become more and more a refuge. American author, poet and activist Maya Angelou beautifully captured home as our sanctuary in this quote:

 

Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou

 

Deck and Patio is devoted to making home a refuge and today we are highlighting a few projects that give our clients a peace-evoking scenic escape right in their own yards.

 

Backyard Problems Can Inspire a Refuge

 

Natural Retaining Wall

Natural Retaining Wall

 

Sometimes it’s a practical need that inspires a refuge. The photo to the left shows how Deck and Patio designed/built a “natural” retaining wall for our clients.

“Retaining walls can be pretty boring to look at,” says Dave Stockwell. “But they don’t have to be. We designed here a ‘natural’ retaining wall that includes a ‘pondless’ water feature, which is safer when there are young children around. The waterfall flow is captured underground. From there, the water is filtered and recirculated.”

In addition, this retaining area has been installed with a rich assortment of plantings, river rock; natural stone steps along with the water feature create a beautiful nature walk — all while serving the purpose of holding back the grade.

Dave notes that the reserved underground tank water never stagnates because it is continuously circulated up from the underground pond via the waterfall.

 

 

 

Sometimes You Want a Pond

 

Pond Ecosystem:

Pond Ecosystem:

Not having young children like the clients with the natural retaining wall shown earlier, these clients wanted a full pond. Their completed water feature system consists of a stream, waterfalls and pond, and it is the perfect spot for letting the day’s cares melt away. 

Enchanting Echinacea (coneflowers) and magenta Lythrum are just some of the various plants brightening this pondscape.

 

 

Children Love Koi

Children Love Koi

 

Koi ponds, which were once characteristic of mainly Japanese gardens, have been growing in popularity around the world, including Long Island.

For good reason. Listening to the sounds of trickling water, while watching colorful koi swim around throughout several seasons is transforming. 

Whether it’s built near a patio, bridge or deck, this water feature is an attraction to more than adults.

Children love ponds, including feeding koi. It’s truly interactive in that way.

This pond (right) is owned by Brian Helfrich of Aquascape Inc. — the company that makes the water feature systems that Deck and Patio uses.

 

 

 

Sometimes a Garden Is Enough

 

Water features are wonderful but you can create a perfect place to de-stress without one. 

 

Backyard Garden Bridge (Long Island/NY):

Backyard Garden Bridge (Long Island/NY):

Note how the colorful plantings, moss rocks and deep green ground cover (above) line the steps leading to the clients’ charming wooden bridge. 

 With or without water features, it is a lovely spot to enjoy your backyard oasis. By adding this garden bridge, “It became a favorite spot for the homeowners,” says Dave.

 

Backyard Strolling

Backyard Strolling

This walking/strolling area, like most of our projects, was planned by Deck and Patio to appear as if it were designed by Mother Nature.

Stepping stones lead to larger steps of natural stone which are flanked by colorful plantings including bright red “Wave Petunias” and colorful purple and yellow “Coneflowers.” In addition to being a delight for the eyes, such a spot offers wonderful scents which the family can breathe in. 

“Dealing with the demands of every day life can be exhausting, especially today,” says Dave. “A peaceful surrounding calms you right down as you absorb the beauty and quiet.”

 

Multi-level Patios

Multi-level Patios

 

Feature Photo at Top of Page: Above a natural retaining wall, Deck and Patio carved out a patio area with waterfall where our clients can sit after a stroll and breathe it all in.