See How This Backyard Was Transformed Into a Peaceful Zen Garden

Good Earth Water Gardens created a peaceful Zen-inspired garden oasis for the Barr family in Parkville, Missouri. This five-day project resulted in a custom 9' x 12' koi pond featuring large natural boulders, a dual spillway bowl fountain, and a unique stepping stone pathway. The result is a serene retreat that blends beautifully with the homeowner's lush landscaping and garden beds.

Scope of Work

• Construction of a 9' x 12' large boulder koi pond
• Installation of a custom-cut dual spillway bowl fountain
• Integration of a fish cave for predator protection b7uk,
• Creation of destination stepping stones

- What the Client Envisioned -

The Barr family wanted a tranquil water feature that would fit within the tight confines of their garden. The goal was to create a soothing focal point that could be viewed from various spots in the yard while maximizing the space without disrupting the existing garden beds. The homeowners also wanted a kid-friendly element where their grandchildren could interact with the pond and feed the fish.

Design Elements and Process

1. Large Boulder Koi Pond Installation

The centerpiece of the project is a custom 9' x 12' koi pond surrounded by large natural boulders. The pond was designed with a deep fish cave for added predator protection and includes destination stones for better interaction with the water feature.

- Unique User Feature -‍
The destination stepping stone allows the Barr family to stand over the pond and interact with the fish.

- Why We Added a Fish Cave -‍
The pond includes a fish cave with multiple access points to protect koi from potential predators like birds.

2. Dual Spillway Bowl Fountain

Instead of a traditional waterfall, the pond features a custom dual spillway bowl fountain. The two bowls create a gentle, cascading water effect, providing both visual appeal and relaxing sounds.

- Why It Works:
The spillway bowls are ideal for tight spaces where a traditional waterfall would be too large. The bowls also add a modern design element that contrasts beautifully with the natural boulders.
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3. Stepping Stone Pathway

To enhance interaction with the pond, the design includes stepping stones that create a crossing point over the pond.

- Construction Methods -
The stones are cantilevered over the water, creating a bridge-like effect that allows visitors to walk across the pond.

- The Benefit -
The stepping stones provide a unique way to experience the pond, making it more interactive and engaging.
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We Provided Full-Scope Technical Solutions

1. Fish Cave Installation

The team designed and installed a fish cave to provide safe hiding spots for koi.

- The Challenge: The homeowners were concerned about predator attacks on their fish.

- Our Solution: The fish cave was designed with multiple access points to ensure the fish have safe places to hide.

2. Dual Spillway Bowl Setup

The original design included a single spillway bowl, but a second bowl was added during a return visit to enhance the feature’s visual impact.

- The Challenge: Incorporating a second spillway bowl required re-profiling the existing pond.

- Our Solution: The team carefully adjusted the rockwork and layout to integrate the second bowl seamlessly.

We Focus On the Client Experience at Each Step

Amy and Kent Barr were thrilled with their Zen-inspired water feature. They highlighted the peaceful atmosphere it created and how the pond has become a favorite spot for their family and friends.

"There’s something about the sound of water that is so soothing and relaxing. We love coming out here to spend time watching the fish and enjoying the peaceful environment." — Kent Barr

The Barr's appreciated the thoughtful design process and the careful craftsmanship of the Good Earth team. They were particularly impressed by the team's ability to maximize the use of space without disrupting their existing garden beds.

The Final Result: A Tranquil Backyard Retreat

The Zen Garden Oasis is a stunning, peaceful addition to the Barr family’s backyard. The dual spillway bowl fountain, stepping stones, and natural boulder design create a one-of-a-kind water feature that provides both visual beauty and soothing sounds.
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A Happy Homeowner's Testimonial:

"We’ve had many visitors tell us that they feel at peace when they’re in our backyard. The water feature has truly transformed the space into a calming retreat, and we couldn’t be happier with the result." — Amy Barr