From our very first meeting, it was clear this project would be something special. The homeowners were a young, enthusiastic couple who had purchased their property, several acres of woodland along the shores of Lake Michigan, a few years prior. Since then, they had been thoughtfully developing the landscape season by season, moving intentionally from one area of the yard to the next. Every garden bed, pathway, and planting had been carefully considered. The idea of adding a water feature had long been part of their vision. For them, a koi pond wasn’t just another landscape element—it was meant to become the heart of the garden.
These were informed clients. They had watched countless videos, attended garden tours, and spent time experiencing different styles of water features firsthand. What resonated most was the drama and movement of a multi-stream system paired with a bold waterfall display. They’d come to an important realization – rock placement makes or breaks a water feature. Not everyone can pull it off, and quality craftsmanship matters.
They loved their yard too much to settle for anything less than spectacular. This was never going to be a small build. With the feature intended to serve as a focal point of the property, the overall footprint would span roughly 100 by 30 feet. The plan included a 20-by-30-foot koi pond, three feet deep, flanked on one side by a split stream system and wetland filter, and on the other by a meandering stream that wound through the gardens. Cantilevered flagstone walkways and step-across stones would allow visitors to interact with the water, leading to a cantilevered flagstone patio and pergola beyond. The goal was immersion—standing at the water’s edge, surrounded by sound, movement, and beautiful stonework.
Because this feature would anchor the entire landscape, views from every angle had to be considered—from inside the home, from multiple outdoor seating areas, and even from the driveway. As they shared their ideas, I knew this would be an incredible build.
I also knew it would be a challenge. Existing grades, tight timelines, and the scale of the project would test our team. But I have confidence in the hard work and skill of the crew, and knew we could deliver. As we wrapped up that initial meeting, I made them a promise: We’ll exceed your expectations.
Building in Two Phases
This project was planned as a two-phase build. Phase 1 focused on installing the koi pond, wetland filter, BioFalls® filter, jets, two cantilevered flagstone edges, and a split-stream system feeding into the wetland before dropping into the pond. We completed this phase in Fall 2024. This allowed the system to settle over winter while giving us time to plan the next stage.
By Spring 2025, we were ready to begin Phase 2. This would inc lude the addition of a 50-foot stream designed to further enhance the property and elevate the system as a whole.
The Art of Integration
Adding a stream to an existing pond is rarely simple. Water levels, elevations, liner transitions, and visual flow all need to be addressed. Above all, the addition must feel intentional. Our goal was for the stream to look as though it had always been there.
To create the proper canvas, we installed approximately 75 yards of sand to adjust the grade. This enabled us to gain nearly four feet of vertical head height over the 50-foot run. Fortunately, we had planned ahead during Phase 1 by installing a pump vault in the intake bay. A 9PL pump was selected to provide robust, consistent flow through the entire stream system.
Most of the grade change occurred in the first half of the stream. This allowed us to create several unique waterfalls, each waterfall distinctly different from the one above it. The final 20 feet leveled out into a long, meandering stretch where the white water softened into a slow-moving, calming flow. This section creates a moment of quiet before the water makes its final, gentle, wide drop into the pond.
The Challenge of the Final Waterfall
The biggest challenge was creating the final waterfall where the new stream entered the existing pond. We avoid seaming liner below water level whenever possible. Instead, we overlapped our new stream liner over the existing pond liner. We built a wide, gentle, babbling brook style waterfall to serve as the final transition from stream to pond. This was much easier said than done. The existing land grade was already determined, and lowering the pond water level was not an option. It took creative maneuvering with rock work, drift wood, and mosses to conceal the liner and prevent waterfall edge leaks. After a great deal of problem-solving and teamwork, the result was a waterfall that not only functions flawlessly, but has become a favorite feature among our crew.
The expanded system now includes three distinct stream sources. These streams allowed us to create several waterfalls, each crafted intentionally. Variation was key—not only for visual interest, but for sound and movement. Our goal was to make sure that each fall was different from the one above it. A narrow tall fall might be followed by a flatter, wider fall below it. With the feature being such a focal point in the landscape, we meticulously placed each rock. Every viewing angle was considered. This portion of the project gave our team the opportunity to truly showcase their artistry with stone. Each waterfall needed to stand on its own while still contributing to a cohesive, natural flow. It’s the kind of artisan work that we find most rewarding . You build one rock at a time, adjusting and refining until it feels right.
The Reveal
Every contractor knows that moment—when the homeowners are brought out, the pumps are turned on, and the water begins to flow. Me: “Do you like it?”
Her: “… I’m speechless. I love it, it’s better than I imagined.”
Exceeding Expectations
Committing to exceeding expectations may sound bold, but at Platinum Ponds & Landscaping, it’s the cornerstone of our philosophy. By taking the time to truly listen and align our goals with our clients’ vision, we believe we can not only meet expectations—but surpass them.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was collaborating with such educated and engaged clients.
One of their key design visions was to add evergreens and large trees to conceal the water feature from the driveway. As you approach, the sound of water draws you forward, guiding you through the trees and down natural stone steps into the reveal—multiple waterfalls converging into the main pond.
The beautiful colors of all of the decorative trees, shrubs, and plants surrounding the streams and pond brought everything together harmoniously for a truly breathtaking experience. I love seeing the joy the space brings to the client and am grateful they trusted Platinum Ponds & Landscaping to be a part of crafting this experience.
About the Author: Ryan Farnol is the owner of Platinum Ponds & Landscaping, a premier water feature and outdoor living designer and installer in West Michigan.
