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  1. Pond

construction

A lot of pictures here of a several month-long project to reclaim the lower portion of the property with a retaining wall, landscaping and a water garden.
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  • After removal of numerous cedar trees, the base of the retaining wall was excavated with the help of a neighbor's Bobcat.

    After removal of numerous cedar trees, the base of the retaining wall was excavated with the help of a neighbor's Bobcat.

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  • These 4000 pound 2 x 2 x 5 ft. limestone blocks made up the retaining wall.

    These 4000 pound 2 x 2 x 5 ft. limestone blocks made up the retaining wall.

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  • Here the blocks are put in place with the Bobcat and a French drain is constructed.

    Here the blocks are put in place with the Bobcat and a French drain is constructed.

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  • Fill from local excavations was placed behind the wall.  The contractors were quite glad to dump in our location rather than haul to remote locations.  All fill was free except for top soil and decomposed granite.

    Fill from local excavations was placed behind the wall. The contractors were quite glad to dump in our location rather than haul to remote locations. All fill was free except for top soil and decomposed granite.

  • The hard work took it's toll on the aging Bobcat.

    The hard work took it's toll on the aging Bobcat.

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  • The third layer of blocks bringing the height to 6 ft.

    The third layer of blocks bringing the height to 6 ft.

  • Fill being brought in by local contractors.

    Fill being brought in by local contractors.

  • View of retaining wall from below.

    View of retaining wall from below.

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  • Beginning of the dry creek bed constructed of rocks removed from the fill.

    Beginning of the dry creek bed constructed of rocks removed from the fill.

  • Another view of the emerging dry creek bed.

    Another view of the emerging dry creek bed.

  • the fill is compacted and another level of blocks added.

    the fill is compacted and another level of blocks added.

  • Plants added around the dry creek bed.

    Plants added around the dry creek bed.

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  • beginning excavation of the pond.

    beginning excavation of the pond.

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  • Two by two foot garden soil is placed around the periphery of the wall and plants are added.  Most are from cutting or pups of plants form the yard.

    Two by two foot garden soil is placed around the periphery of the wall and plants are added. Most are from cutting or pups of plants form the yard.

  • The beds take shape.

    The beds take shape.

  • Wide angle view of the area taking shape.

    Wide angle view of the area taking shape.

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  • The liner is placed and large landscape boulders are moved into place around the pond.

    The liner is placed and large landscape boulders are moved into place around the pond.

  • This was the you-tube video that made us realize that the pond could become a reality.  they also said that it could be built in a weekend.  They lied.

    This was the you-tube video that made us realize that the pond could become a reality. they also said that it could be built in a weekend. They lied.

  • Liner, waterfall head and skimmer.

    Liner, waterfall head and skimmer.

  • Return line for the waterfall head.

    Return line for the waterfall head.

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  • Plumbing for the pond.

    Plumbing for the pond.

  • Electrical conduit and pond auto-fill.

    Electrical conduit and pond auto-fill.

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  • Rock placed around the pond.

    Rock placed around the pond.

  • Initial design for the waterfall head.

    Initial design for the waterfall head.

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