Anyone put a water feature in the back yard?

Has anyone put a little pond, or waterfall, or other water feature in the back yard? Did you do it yourself or hire someone?

Would love any input and hints and recommendations. Thanks!

 

Make sure you put in a modification request.

Thanks, Neilz

 

I did when I put mine in, as it was considered 'hard landscaping'. !!

I had someone do it, when we had the place landscaped. They dug out the outline, then used the rubber liner with a filter box at the bottom. We didn't want a fishpond, but wanted something that flowed down into what looked like a rocky river bed.

Came out OK ... I wanted something that flowed down to the bottom of the small hill we have here, but it would have been too much !!

 

Does anyone have recommendations for companies that build ponds/waterfalls?

Marianne

 

I'm still researching and getting quotes Marianne, but will share what I find when I'm done.

 

Posting this info for those who've contacted me.

I'm pretty close to signing a contract with M&M Landscaping out of McLean.

I can tell you DO NOT waste your time or money on Cedar Run. I'm VERY disappointed in them. They charged $50 just to come out and give me a consultation. I know many landscapers do that and I decided to take a chance on these guys, pay them $50 and see what they came back with. I figured at the very least even if I didn't go with them they'd give me a few ideas for things I hadn't considered. Well... 2 weeks after they promised I have a proposal and some suggestions, and after my having left 2 follow up voice mails, I still have heard nothing from them. They have essentially taken my $50 and run.

DH suggested contacting the BBB and complaining, but my time is valuable and I figured more damage would be done to them by me sharing this info with my neighbors than anything else.

Also, I contacted A Cut Above for a quote and they called me back a few days later telling me they couldn't do the job -- it was outside the scope of their expertise. At least they called. Thumbs up for them.

Two others who came out, told me I'd have a quote, and then I've heard nothing: Oasis Landscaping and American Lawn Brothers. But I didn't pay them a fee so I'm not out any $$ as I am with Cedar Run.

So that's where I am as of right now.

 

Guess you're just not an expensive enough job to waste their time on....

I had this problem when I was getting quotes, and mine was for the whole yard. I guess they were off quoting houses in the $1M range

 

Just a quick note in case it is helpful to you - for water features, based upon work I have seen and in using this company, I can highly recommend Holloway Company for patio/pond/waterfall work. I went around to several of their jobs in this area, saw the work firsthand and spoke directly to customers. I recently had a cobblestone patio completed by them and found their quality of work, price, capabilities, flexibility, warranty - all to be tops and the owner has the right kind of attitude which I think is hard to find these day as small firms look to take advantage of the work in "Cashburn" Virginia, I mean Ashburn. Take a look at www.hollowaycompany.com and tell them that Dave Lynes sent you.... and ask me any questions. I did a lot of research in this as well.

Also, they have an outdoor "showroom" in Arcola with waterfalls and other water features you can see as well as several patios.

 

Zansu... my project is more than just the water feature as well, but I suspect you're right. I'm just not big enough money for anyone to care about.

Thanks, Dave, for the info on Holloway. I saw a sign of theirs on Stone Hollow (I think?) indicating they were working on a home on that street. Will look them up.

 

Yes that was Stone Hollow and it is a Patio job that they are doing there. And it is the same materials that we used as well... and seriously consider going to see their outdoor samples, I found this to be very helpful and they have many pictures available to help with ideas. And I think once you job is around $2,000 give or take, they will be more than happy to help. Smaller jobs are hard to bid because of how much it takes just to have they guys show up.

 

Just a word (warning?) about Holloway... I recently had them out to do an estimate for a deck. The estimator/designer was very nice and professional and said that I would have the estimate by the following day. It took me a couple of phone calls (and several days of waiting) to finally get it. Then I asked for a revision, which he was willing to provide. The last time I heard from him was 4/13, and not for lack of trying. I have since hired another company and am very pleased with them so far.

 

LKelly - what you say does seem to match what I had heard about their other "divisions" within the company. They have been a patio and hardscape company from the beginning and have shall we say tried to branch out into decks and interior basement work with mixed results.

The owner, Ted is a great guy and unfortunately can not "run" all the jobs so like all of this, as I think you did... move on and get somebody else as we do not necessarily have time for games.

The same thing happened to me when I asked for a patio estimate from Sunburst Construction... they just disappeared. And I tell you, the difference in prices was amazing on the quotes (e.g., $17/sq foot vs. $32/sq foot). All I can say is do your homework and get at least three bids...

 

To be fair, I'm posting an update to my last message. I did finally get a quote from Cedar Run. TWO WEEKS after they promised it and they never did return my phone calls. Their prices are in the ballpark, but we're certainly more interested in going with M&M becuase they have been responsive and helpful throughout the process. We signed the contract today.

 

Recommendation for Landscape architect

Anyone know of good landscape company with architects who can help with marshy lawns, waterfall/pond, patio? I enjoy gardening, but need help with the overall plan.
Thanks!

 

Try Bennett's Nursery located in Chantilly VA. They've been in business for over 25 years, and the owner is very good. 703-938-6925, ask for Duncan Byrd.

 

I also can't say enough great things about Ted at Holloway! They are wonderful!

 

Re: Recommendation for Landscape architect

One of the spots M&M landscaped for me was marshy lawn. We pulled up the grass, put in some other plants and a really cool water feature. Google them to find their number... you'll get a helpful person on the phone who will ask you what you want to do, then he'll assign an appropriate designer to come out and talk to you. They did good work, and I'm really happy with it.

 

If you don't mind paying for top quality, try Landscape Associates. They did my landscaping and backyard design on Marsh Creek. www.landscapeassociates.biz.