Because of the challenges surrounding the existing pond, it quickly became clear that the Reichl family would benefit from a multi-phase water feature. To bring this solution to life, the Tier One Landscape team followed an approach that started at the end. That is, they began with construction near the pond at the end of the water feature, and worked their way back up through a waterfall, a stream, and a pond to end up in the headwaters at the beginning of the water feature. Here's the story:
- Create a vision
After studying the Reichl family's needs, the Tier One Landscape team delivered a landscape blueprint that defined a vision for the family's new outdoor lifestyle. The design went through minor iterations as the family gave feedback on the solution and shared preferences for various types of materials. Once the design is agreed to by both the homeowners and the Tier One team, a contact was created and signed so that work could begin. - Excavate & grade
The first phase of the Reichl project involved reshaping the contours of the property to prepare for water feature installation. With excavators, skid loaders, and other specialized equipment, the Tier One Landscape crew prepared space for a waterfall, boulder wall, mid-pond, and stream. - Build the boulder walls
The boulder walls came next. An important part of the structural integrity of the landscape solution, boulders were individually selected and carefully placed within the boulder wall using specialized equipment. - Create the waterfall
After the space had been properly prepared, the Tier One Landscape team built the waterfall. The team began by shaping the earth over which the water would flow, and followed by carefully placing boulders and stone of various sizes to give the waterfall its shape. Rock material was selected with care to ensure the right look and feel and an optimal flow of water. - Build the steps
With the large-scale landscape elements in place, the Tier One team could move next to creating pathways through the water feature. This involved building a series of steps out of material that complemented the surrounding boulder walls and waterfall. Space for the staircase had been prepared durin the excavation and grading phase of the process. - Create the meandering stream & mid-pond
Next, the Tier One team moved up and beyond the waterfall to create a meandering stream that flowed through the Reichl's property and past their outdoor living spaces. To increase the flow of water over the falls, the Tier One team built a mid-pond at this phase of the process near the top of the waterfall. Boulders and other rock material were placed strategically along the course of the stream during this phase of the process. - Build the headwaters
One the waterfall, mid-pond, and stream were built, the Tier One team could turn their attention to the headwaters. Their challenge was to ensure a reliable method to keep fresh water moving through the water feature and create a method for controlling water run-off from weather events. At this phase of the process, the team built a wetland bog to perform these functions as the headwaters of the water feature. - Install the pump system
With the primary structures built, the Tier One Landscape team could begin the plumbing for the pumping system that would keep water flowing through the water feature. They installed two pumps during this phase of construction—one at the headwaters and one in the mid-pond. The pumps were chosen for their high performance, efficiency, reliability, and low cost of ownership. Built away from the family's living spaces in a wooded section of the property, the pumping system is quiet and does not interfere with the family's enjoyment of their property. Each of the two pumps pumps roughly seventy-two thousand gallons of water per hour for a total of seventy-two thousand gallonds moving through the water feature per hour. - Turn it on
The moment of truth: this is the point in the process when the water feature truly comes to life. When the switch is flipped, water begins flowing through the structures and the Tier One team gets an opportunity to tweak the design. With water moving through and across the various surfaces of the structure, the team can quickly pinpoint places where adjusting a particular boulder or performing a slight reshaping can provide the maximum visual appeal for the client. - Install plants
With the various components of the water feature built and functioning properly, the Tier One Landscape crew could begin installing plant material. Carefully chosen to soften the edges of the hardscapes, plants were carefully placed to preserve a natural look and feel. - Complete final walk-through & sign-off
The Reichl project was not complete until it has passed its final inspection with the homeowner. Together, the Tier One team and the Reichl family took a tour of the solution to ensure total customer satisfaction. In addition, the Tier One team used this opportunity to share recommendations to help the Reichl family care for their new landscape.
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