A pond is a natural ecosystem that cleans itself without the use of chemicals. This makes it an ideal refuge for swimming (in larger ponds) and splashing about with the family (any size pond) on hot summer days.

A pond is a feast for the senses. Early morning brings sweet birdsongs. Every day animals flock to the water, providing entertainment. The gentle sound of running streams and waterfalls provide instant relaxation all day long, and nothing beats a quick dip in the cool pond water at the end of a long day. In fact, studies have shown that humans are conditioned to relax at sound of running water, and that observing nature ­ trees, grass, ponds ­ almost immediately causes positive changes in the brain, releasing natural chemicals that promote relaxation.

Why live only inside your home? Make your backyard into a paradise that rivals the most elegantly decorated home. GROUNDS KEEPER can help you create your dream "outdoor living room," and then every day of the year will feel like a vacation.

Unlike a traditional pool, water gardens and ponds tend to increase a property's overall value instantly. Water gardens are growing in popularity, and professionals in the landscape industry report that water features are the most requested new service. It's easy to see why. Low maintenance, exceptional beauty and an investment that pays for itself when you sell your home all combine to make ponds a smart choice for nature lovers interested in designing their own piece of paradise.

For clients who love the relaxing sounds of cascading water and crave the beauty a waterfall offers but are concerned about installing a full-size pond, a pondless waterfall is an ideal solution. Pondless waterfalls represent the latest in water gardening technology. Using an underground water basin receptacle system and carefully hidden tubing, a certified water garden design/build professional can magically transform a small section of land, or even an indoor space, into a gorgeous, flowing waterfall. Pondless waterfalls can be turned on and off with the flick of a switch, making these installations ideal for busy professionals who travel, energy conscious consumers and families with children who prefer to control the water flow for safety reasons. Pondless waterfalls are also able to be installed in a much smaller space than a traditional pond or water garden, allowing home and business owners of all kinds to take advantage of all the benefits of a beautiful water feature with virtually no maintenance or upkeep.

Ponds range in size from very small (6' x 8') to very large swimming ponds that may extend 25' or more and hold thousands of gallons of water. Shape, size and depths vary, and are designed to meet your personal needs while also taking your building site and complementary garden and landscape elements into consideration. The correct amount of required sunlight, drainage, size, depth, types and placement of aquatic plants and fish, and other important considerations will all be factored into your design/build installation. Lastly, considering the possiblity of adding underwater LED lighting always makes for quite the dramatic effect taking your daytime pleasures right on through the night.