A backyard retreat becomes an entertainment space where quality time is spent with friends and family in comfortable surroundings that bring people together. Proper placement of the landscape and hardscape is created by our Landscape Architect, Craig Scott Termotto of CST Design Group , within a seamless Master Plan. To this end, we gladly quote clients a fee during the initial on-site consultation (typically a flat rate between $1,800 and $3,600 with a 1/3 deposit being due up front) that will be required by Craig to develop the Master Plan. Implementation of the project can be done all at once or installed in manageable phases. To insure clients can make informed realistic decisions on what is best, budgets and alternate rough drafts of the design for the property are given in the middle of the planning process. The design phase of the project can take as long as 6 to 12 weeks depending on the time of year. It is always best to consider scheduling consultations early in the season if installation in the spring or early summer is desired. Optional elements commonly found within various designs include perennial gardens, retaining walls, in-ground swimming pools, spas, water features, terraces, outdoor kitchens, pergolas, gazebos, patios, fire places, decks, pathways, fencing, driveways, arbors, outdoor stereo systems, landscape accent lighting and more can be essential in achieving this serene setting. For instance, lighting dramatically brings the garden alive after dusk to extend the time that can be spent outdoors and then adding outdoor stereo in harmony with the sound and movement of water can truly make for a very romantic setting. Emphasis is placed on a sensible low maintenance design using sustainable plantings.

The garden offers a dynamic change within the rhythms of the seasons offering places of interest and beauty year round even in winter with delightful berries and bark. Other attributes include the attraction of wildlife be it birds, butterflies or hummingbirds in the landscape and turtles, frogs or dragonflies from around the pond. A musky fragrance can hang in the air, bold forms and textures of complimenting perennial foliage and ornamental grasses can be part of the overall design with the use of evergreens and trees for privacy and shade. A more sophisticated plant palette is chosen as opposed to the more common variety with many selections even being water wise plantings. Soothing sounds and peaceful movement can be found through the swaying of large ornamental grasses in the wind or the tranquility of a cascading waterfall into a natural ecosystem pond. Perennial and ground cover plantings are being chosen with an emphasis on length of bloom and interesting appeal from foliage. Bed lines are delineated and contoured in a pleasing manner using screened topsoil often set amongst rock boulders. Niches between boulders create nicely informal planting pockets. Beds are then mulched as a finished top dress. Other optional finishing touches can include outdoor patio furniture, decorative containers or garden ornaments. Many of these delightful outdoor accessories are available at our store.

To date, visitors to our Pond Shop can view five ponds displayed on the property including our recreation of the lauded "Secret Garden" from the 2007 New Jersey Flower & Garden Show. There are running fountains and statuary inside within a beautifully laid out showroom. Our display has become an inviting garden lover's sanctuary for the community. Being open to the public, you are welcome anytime to come and see the results for yourself! The Pond Shop will remain in constant transition and will continue to act as GROUNDS KEEPER 's learning center as part of our goal of making this new home a place for knowledge, information and education as well as a source from conception to completion for water gardening and landscape design and build installations.