Here’s a big overview shot. Though we now enter the “Reveal” part of the post, understand that this project won’t be fully finished until the plants, flowers and succulents all grow into their final forms and places. Next year, we’ll follow up with an update. But for now, let’s get on with it!
That wall makes weed-whacking easy.
Who doesn’t love to whack some grass?
Told ya so!
As night fell, I got ready to take some sunset shots…
From now on, I’ll shut up and let the pictures do most of the talking. Enjoy!
The tallest of this grouping of three 6x6s is used as a drink holder.
The lights cycle through colors.
We hope you enjoyed the results as much as we do! This was a long and physically draining project, and we are both so happy it is finished! Now, it’s time for us to enjoy the fruits of our labor before moving on to the next phase of the Big Backyard Makeover 2016! 🙂
We love it when you share our posts on Facebook and Pinterest!
Kay C says
Beautiful job! Amazing how the cedar blocks class up the solar lights – and also make a great drink holder. Very impressed.
Greg says
Thank you, Kay!
Giselle says
Wowza! I liked your before but your after is awesome! Your hard work paid off! I love the night pictures best. Your fix for your solar lights makes them look so much more expensive. I can’t wait for my invite to your next BBQ!
Greg says
Thank you, Giselle! I barbecue every weekend, so just let us know when you’ll be coming! 🙂
Sherry Howerton says
What magic you two have worked. As I was taking the “evening tour” I felt as if I were walking through fairyland.
Thank you for sharing.
Greg says
Thank you, Sherry!
Melva says
My goodness, the transformation is amazing! It looks beautiful during the day. The evening is stunning as well. Great job, excellent team effort.
Greg says
Thank you so much, Melva! We do make a pretty good team! 😉
chris aka monkey says
handan and greg you busted your arses on this but it turned out beautiful, i am glad you left some day lilies and the lavender will smell so good and i am sure the fish survived because they knew they would be going uptown xx
Susan Bailey says
You really made this a beautiful, relaxing area. Love all the plants, lights, & the unique design features. Great job guys. Now on to challenge my hubby to help do our yard. Thanks for sharing.
Greg says
Thank you, Susan!
Handan says
Thank you so much, Chris! Now I call the pond area “our Oasis”. You should come and visit us one day to see it in person. Although it looks really good in the pictures trust me they don’t do justice to what you would see with your eyes 😉
Greg says
Thank you, Chris! Oh yeah, those fish are now living in a penthouse in the sky compared to their old digs! Hey, Chris, are you British?
Peggy H. says
Wow! You two did such an amazing job on this beautiful pond! I love everything about it but the light cubes really sold me? I definitely have to make them for my garden! Enjoy your labor of love?
Greg says
Thank you so much, Peggy! We have been enjoying it every night and day!
[email protected] says
Awesome job looks great!!
Greg says
Thank you, Sandra!
Mary-the boondocks blog says
You guys, this is amazing. A lot of work but obviously worth it. And it becomes magical when the sun goes down and the lights go on. Enjoy the fruits of your labor !
Greg says
Thank you, Mary! It was a pretty brutal project, but sooooo worth it in the end! 🙂
Marie, The Interior Frugalista says
Wow, wow and another wow!!! Your back breaking work paid off and then some. Great idea for the solar lights and very fitting along a water feature. Love your adorable statuary especially the little boy laying on the rock with the binoculars. Just when I’m swooning over the fact that you have a pond with a waterfall and a cute walking bridge I see you have a pool too. Sorry, a little green with envy over here!
Greg says
Thank you, Marie! All credit and glory to Handan for the lighting, landscaping and garden doodads! I’m just the dumb muscle 🙂
Katie says
Fantastic job! I made 2 little ponds myself from the forms and have fun. moving stuff around every year. Wish i had your property size to make an oasis like you have.Enjoy your beauty!
Greg says
Thank you, Katie!
Susan March says
Absolutely stunning! I liked every idea you implemented. One of my favorites is the way you solved the light situation where the cones kept breaking. Your solution is a standout! I have a small koi pond at my home in WV that my daughter-in-law and grandkids are to landscape this summer while my husband and I are at our home in Maine. I am most definitely sending your blog to her for inspiration. Thank you for sharing your project. I’ll keep a good thought that your wife let’s you have free time during your next summer. Oh, by the way, I love your sense of humor.
Greg says
Thank you, Susan, and good luck with your pond!
Gale says
Ok..I looked at your work over and over so many times! Magnificent- glorious! You both are very talented and have great imagination! I moved from a house to an apartment a year ago. I miss yard design so much. Yours is far beyond the best I’ve ever seen. Kudos!
Greg says
Thank you, Gale! 🙂
Ronda R says
Absolutely breathtaking! You two make a fabulous team!! Thank you for taking us along on the journey. You have inspired me!!
Greg says
Thank you, Ronda!
Jennifer Bowey says
I love reading all your post..I can always count on learning something and get a little giggle all at the same time..AMAZING work on the pond..
Greg says
Thank you so much, Jennifer! 🙂
Michele says
You guys really outdid yourselves!! Your finished project is absolutely beautiful. I really love the night pictures the best. I can only imagine what it looks like in person. BRAVO
Greg says
Thank you, Michelle! (It is much better in person! 😀 )
D. Lynette Leplat says
Magical! Did you make the bridge too?
Greg says
Thank you, Lynette! No, the bridge was here when we moved into the house. It had lost its arch over time, so I cut some rounded pieces to fit underneath and screwed them in to prop it back to its original form.
Sandra Hannah says
Awesome. I love it and know the amount of work involved because of my own little project. I am 73 years old and last year started building my own pond with stream & waterfall. I made lots of mistakes & learned so much. This year I re-worked the entire project. Congratulations ,looks fantastic.
Greg says
Thank you, Sandra! Kudos to you for building your own pond! All the hard work more than pays off in the end!
Victoria @DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Wow, that was a huge undertaking! Congrats. I’m sure it’s relaxing to sit out there. Thanks for linking up with Funtastic Friday.
Greg says
Thank you, Victoria!
Pili says
Amazing, but it couldn’t be any other way coming from you two. There is no detail missing and I am sure you will enjoy lots of days and nights at your backyard.
Greg says
Thank you, Pili! We have been enjoying it every day and night since we finished!
Parris says
I think y’all did a great job with a lot of hard work! I was just wondering though, why is the water level in the actual pond not a little higher than it is?
Greg says
Hi Nancy, thank you! The water level is actually as high as it can go without completely submerging the skimmer box leading to the pump. So we could technically add more water, but the surface wouldn’t stay as clean. Eventually, the succulents we planted around the rim of the pond will grow down towards the waterline and cover up the rock liner that is showing there now.
Vanessa D. says
It all looks so amazing! And your ideas for the solar lights are fantastic – I think they all come with flimsy stakes and tubes.
I wish my dogs were afraid of the pet fence flags – it would really simplify keeping them from stomping and eating my plants.
Greg says
Thank you, Vanessa! Yeah, keeping dogs out of the plants and flowers is a real pain…especially if they’re in hot pursuit of a squirrel or chipmunk who happens to dash through the garden!
Brandi Raae says
I can imagine fairies gathering here! So pretty. Visiting from Mix It Up Monday.
Greg says
Thank you, Brandi!
Pamela Smith says
Wow! It’s like your own enchanted garden! I love how peaceful and soothing it looks and probably sounds too, with the fountain. You guys did an amazing job!
Greg says
Thank you so much, Pamela!
Kathleen says
I love it! I bet it’s so peaceful to sit by it and just watch what is going on. Lovely. Thank you for linking up to Tips and Tricks.
Greg says
Thank you, Kathleen!
Frugal Hausfrau says
Great job guys! I love the cedar for the lights – you took a flaw and turned it into a design feature. The watercan with the jeweled water dripping from it was fun – but I could just go on and on!
Thanks for sharing with us at Throwback Thursday!
Mollie
Greg says
Thank you , Mollie! 🙂
Sarah - Craft Invaders says
Oh, I have pond envy – it looks stunning! Such a beautiful job with so many lovely details – you must be delighted with it 🙂
Greg says
Thank you, Sarah – we love it!
Tianna says
what an awesome project! great job! I love the way you lit it all up and the cute little bridge. fantastic! thanks for sharing this 😀
Greg says
Thank you, Tianna!
Janet Vinyard says
You guys are amazing! Love the bridge over the pond and the pitcher with the faux water coming out! Great ideas! Thanks for sharing with us! Blessings, Janet
Greg says
Thank you so much, Janet!
Sandra Garth says
You guys seriously need a landscaping/gardening show this is amazing! Thank you for sharing this with us at Celebrate Your Story. Have a wonderful week and please sit back and enjoy your work!
Greg says
Thank you, Sandra! But if we had a show, then I’d have to do this full time, and I’d NEVER get to enjoy it! 😀
Robin @ Redo It Yourself Inspirations says
Just “WOW”! Wait until those planting start maturing… it will be a triple WOW! Beautiful setting. You guys are rocking it!
Greg says
Thank you, Robin! 😀
Taylor-Made Homestead says
WOW – looks like it was a tremendous amount of work but the final result is absolutely breath-taking! I especially love your clever way of dealing with the crappy spikes on the solar lighting – not only does it solve the problem but adds visual interest as well. Genius! Thanks for sharing this awesome post! (Stopping by from My 2 Favorite Things Link Party)
~Taylor-Made Homestead~
Texas
Greg says
Thank you, Tammy!
Jen says
Beautiful! We have a pond and now I kind of feel like it needs a bit of a redo. I am inspired! I love the lighting elements!
Greg says
Thank you, Jen! Good luck with your redo!
Helen Fern says
Wow!! Absolutely beautiful!! I love the tea/coffee pot with the crystals – Thanks for sharing on the Pleasures of the NW’s DIY party!
Greg says
Thank you, Helen!
Sonda says
Thank you for sharing such an inspirational project!! I have a couple of gnomes that would love to visit your gorgeous new pond!
Greg says
Thank you, Sonda! All gnomes welcome!
Sonda says
Thanks for sharing such an inspirational project. I have a couple of gnomes that would love to visit your gorgeous new pond!
Kellie says
Oh my I love this, what hard work and a wonderful payoff.
Greg says
Thank you, Kellie!
Ashleigh says
Thanks for sharing on Peace, Love, Linkup! The next party goes live tomorrow at 6. I hope you stop by and share more great content : )
Greg says
Thanks, Ashleigh!
Karen Del Tatto says
Your vision and the finished product are amazing!!!
What a peaceful sanctuary to enjoy and be blessed by.
Thank you so much for taking us on the journey of the pond.
So glad I stopped by.
Greg says
Thank you, Karen! We’re happy you stopped by, too!
Mari says
Wow!!!! Beautiful may you enjoy it and may it bring you peace and happiness awesome job very inspiring
Greg says
Thank you, Mari! 🙂
Nikki Gwin says
Fantastic! Wow, that was so much work. I am loving the night lit pictures and I just may have to copy your solar light cubes! Great idea.
🙂 gwingal
Greg says
Hi Nikki, thank you so much!
Karren Haller says
I will never cease to be amazed at the projects you guys take on, having fun all while doing it and Look At That Yard!!!!
You guys did an awesome job, it should be featured in a magazine!!! It is perfect to share on the Friday Features Linkup, thank you!!!
Enjoy your new garden!!!
Greg says
Thank you, Karren! Oh, but we are not ready for a magazine! Yeesh, I can’t even imagine the work we’d have to do to prepare for something like that!
Amy says
I don’t even know where to start complimenting you on this project. Everything is just so gorgeous!! I’m absolutely in love with the jeweled pot decoration and the cedar posts for the solar lights, I think because I can envision something similar in my yard. But oh, my, that pond. Everything about it is amazing. It looks so relaxing and inviting!!
Thank you so much for sharing to the Monday Mish Mash Link Party.
*Hugs*
Greg says
Thanks you so much, Amy! 🙂
halfa1000miles says
I have to chime in on the lights too! We will totally steal this idea for our shade garden. Great job. #waywow
Greg says
Thank you, and awwww, shit, I love your site!!
Beverly says
This is truly a work of art! It’s spectacular! The work that went into this project certainly shows in the reveal. There are so many fabulous details. Thanks so much for sharing at Snickerdoodle Sunday. I’ll be featuring your pond project reveal at today’s party.
Greg says
Awesome! Thank you so much, Beverly!
Linda at Mixed Kreations says
It’s beautiful! I would love to have a pond, that way maybe the frogs would take their dips in the pond instead of the pool. But the few times I tried algae kept growing even though I had a pump, plants, and fish. So I finally gave up. Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures.
Greg says
Thank you, Linda! It’s taken me three years to figure out how to control algae. All it needed was the proper dosing of algaecide and a good filtration system. The water has been crystal clear so far!
kathleen says
What an awesome garden! So much hard work went into it.You guys are a great team. I especially love it at night. Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm! xoKathleen
Greg says
Thank you, Kathleen! Night time is the best time 🙂
Pinky at Designs by Pinky says
Hi! I came over from Tuesdays at our home. Your pond is just gorgeous! We had a big pond at our old house and now a big one here! I do have one question: why is your water level so low? Just curious? How deep is your pond? Thanks for sharing this!!! So nice to meet you.
Greg says
Hi Pinky, the pond is about 2.5 – 3 feet deep. It is actually filled to the top of the skimmer, but it looks low because we intend to the have succulents grow down to the water line, but right now they’re just newly planted. All that area that looks like unfilled pond will be filled with plants and flowers hopefully by next year!
Debbie-Dabble says
Absolutely stunning!! This is to die for!!
Hugs,
Deb
Greg says
Thank you, Deb!
elaine says
What a great project!! And this post was the Most viewed last week and will be a feature this week!! Great Job!! Thanks for sharing on My 2 Favorite Things on Thursday!! Hope to see you again this week!! Pinned!
Greg says
Thank you, Elaine!
Myrna says
I just read your ‘about us’ and that is one great love story. After looking at a bucket of solar lights and trying to decide whether to finally dump them, your creativity with the cedar post may change my mind. I am impressed that you moved the Japanese maple and it lived. Here in FL I swore to never use landscaping clothe again. Grass growing thru it like Kudzu. I like the old method of wet newspaper.
Good job guys.
Greg says
Thank you, Myrna! I’ve heard that wet newspaper works well…I think I’ll try it in the next area we landscape!
Alice Button says
Simply beautiful ! I love your pond and your landscape. Please post when the flowers come in. I enjoyed your pictures…. Thank you for the inspiration ! ?
Greg says
Thank you, Alice! We will follow up with pics when everything is in full bloom (though that may be next year!)
CHARLIE HUNSAKER says
What a beautiful accomplishment! I hope I can create such a wonderful spot in my garden when we get to finally move back home to hawaii. This desert is he’ll and I miss my blues and greens. Not to mention the cool trade winds. Plus now that hubby has retired from AA this could keep him busy. He loves gardens. Thanks so much for sharing! I may ask advice later.
Greg says
Thank you, Sharleen! We’re here for you anytime you have a question.
Mei says
Love, love, love it!!!! You guys did an amazing job!! What you did with those solar lights from Home Deopt really made them look expensive! One question though, what are the glowing orbs & where did you get them? Ok 2 questions. 😉 I’m going to have to be a regular follower now. 😀
Handan says
Thank you so much, Mei! We are so glad you are enjoying The Navage Patch! Just as everything else in our garden, those glowing orbs are also DIY. I had an old Ikea globe lamp which I haven’t used for a long time. So I took the glass globe off and put it out in the garden with solar color changing spotlights underneath. It is very easy to do. During winter I only take the glass globes in and leave the spotlights out in the garden, then when in spring i again place the glass globes on those spotlights.
If you’d like to do something similar here is the link for the color changing solar spotlights: http://amzn.to/2m8tD2Q
And here is the link to similar glass globes: http://amzn.to/2mqdbgs
If you are wondering anything else, just ask. We try our best to answer every question quickly 🙂
Have a great day!
Charlee says
Looks magical! Nice work!
Greg says
Thank you so much, Charlee!
Marcy Kelley says
This turned out amazing.. Great work. I have an unusual question for you.. In the pics, you had some kind of cover over your swimming pool.. Can you tell me what that is and where you got it? It looks shaped exactly for your pool. Thanks, Marcy
Greg says
Thank you, Marcy! Here’s the website for the pool cover we have.
https://www.looploc.com/
It was installed by a local pool company. They came and measured for the cover and then sent the dimensions to the manufacturer for a custom fit. It’s a fantastic investment and well worth the cost.
Jodi says
I have dogs that would knock into my solar lights & break the stakes, too. What I did was I cut conduit just a little bit longer than the metal post on the solar lights, pounded them into the ground & then slid the metal post over the conduit. Now if the dogs plow into them, they barely move. I might have to straighten them out a bit but they don’t break anymore!
Greg says
That’s a great idea, Jodi!
Koibids says
That’s excellent work, keep it up, and I like your blog.
Vicki says
What did you use for your pond liner and It doesn’t look like you tried to hide it but left it receding into the pond,. is that right? Beautiful job. I never think to take pictures of all my projects.
Greg says
Hi Vicki, the stone-looking liner is a decorative liner called Rock on a Roll. It is meant to be seen, and eventually it will grow moss in some areas and in other areas, succulents will grow over it. The black waterproof liner is underneath it.
Marian says
Hey Handan and Greg,
I wish you would show us some updates of the pond area. I absolutely love what you did! I hope the fish are happy. You worked so hard. I wish I had your energy!!!!!!!
Marian
Greg says
Hi Marian, I did an update two years ago (which was two years after finishing the project): https://www.thenavagepatch.com/the-pond-project-two-years-later/
But there won’t be any more updates, as we’ve since moved to Georgia! 🙂
Sarah says
Wow, this turned out beautifully! You guys are so talented, I can’t believe you did this yourselves! I’m working with a landscape designer to redo my backyard and I would love to have a pond area that looks as good as yours. I’m going to show my designer some of your pictures so they get an idea of exactly what I want!
Greg says
Thank you so much, Sarah! 🙂