Grant and Power officials said that the site condition of their home had many obstacles impeding their dream. A severe incline, an unattractive, terraced four-foot high concrete block retaining wall extending the width of the property, and extensive drainage issues were the main complications of the site.

''We were limited on space,'' Jenny Ubben, a landscape designer at Grant and Power said. ''But they really wanted a water feature.''

Another issue for the site was the drainage network. Drainage from the entire block was funneled through the homeowner's yard. In order to use the space as desired and prevent flooding, the drainage had to be routed underground into a network of four and twelve-inch drain tiles and then discharged into a storm sewer.

The eloquent waterfall rushes into the picturesque koi pond where the water seems to become calm the instant the two meet. Located in a drainage swale, the need to redirect the water under and around the pond was essential or the landscape created would wash away or erode.

Ubben said the distance from the homeowners' deck to the existing retaining wall was about 10 feet, with the total backyard area measuring approximately 30' x 90'.

This small space served as an inspiration rather than an obstacle, as it provided the homeowners with the intimate setting that they wanted. The existing trees and shrubs on site helped to facilitate the privacy of the site, and the existing retaining wall proved to be useful in the construction of the waterfall.

''When we looked at the site, we wondered if it was possible to break into the existing wall and build from that,'' project manager Wes Rolseth said. ''The outcropping from breaking into the wall would give the waterfall a natural look and help to hold the grade back.''

Granite boulders were used on the waterfall, and flagstone paths were built on either side of the water feature. The flagstone path unifies the space by guiding guests through the journey as large outcropping steps negotiate the slope to a cozy flagstone patio adjacent to the water feature.

The upper waterfall creates a soothing space for the flagstone patio while spilling into the landscape where stone, and foliage including hosta, annual fall mums, English ivy, variegated hosta, and variegated miscanthus grass create natural harmony. The pond was created with granite boulders, moss boulders and large limestone outcropping pieces.

Construction of the water feature took about four days to complete. The stream installed as part of the water feature is approx 2.5' wide x 16' long and the waterfall is approx 3' wide x 4' high. A koi pond measuring 16' x 9' has also been included in the project. A heater and an aerator were installed on the water feature, which prevents freezing.

The water feature serves as a powerful visual force but the relation of all the elements in the yard creates the experience. Foliage cascades along the incline softening the grade and blends the existing landscape with the introduced water feature. The selection of flower color and plant texture adds impact while reinforcing a calm atmosphere. The flagstone path unifies the space by guiding guests through the journey as large outcropping steps negotiate the slope to a cozy flagstone patio adjacent to the water feature.

The Grant and Power plan for this backyard fulfilled the wishes of these homeowners, providing them with a relaxing space that can be used year round.

The existing grade creates a significant drop into the pool below. It was essential to the homeowner to be able to hear and view the water throughout the many rooms of the home. To achieve this, the close proximity of the water feature to the home was crucial. Each individual boulder was placed with special care, in order to prevent any damage to the home or existing trees.

Mountain Retreat Inspires Landscape Design

In contrast to the tight quarters at the Naperville residence, the Mills family of Inverness, Ill. had wide open spaces and a relatively blank canvass to work with in creating their ideal landscape.

A mountain retreat served as the vision for the Mills' home. After major construction to their Colorado A-frame style home, the Mills wanted to accentuate their front entry to reflect their relaxing lifestyle. It was of utmost importance to the Mills to keep a natural feeling and preserve existing trees. With this inspiration, a meandering stream and impressive waterfall cascade into a pool below to capture a western landscape.

Jan-Gerrit Bouwman, Grant and Powers partner and senior landscape architect, said the Mills' were an active participant in the design of their landscape.

The stone that was used to create the waterfall includes: moss boulders, aqua blue boulders, granite boulders in various sizes, and two sizes of red flint stone. All of this stone was brought onto the site for this project. The water here is flowing from a long stream that starts at the opposite corner of the house and is flowing into the large pond.

''There was a synergy between us and the Mills ?EUR??,,????'?????<

The project started with a pond, a huge 6-foot-drop waterfall, the stream, a small patio and two stone bridges as walkways to the house. Then they added a larger patio and pergola off to the side so the family could enjoy their water feature.

The project works well because the house is set far back from the road, so the elaborate water features and rustic rock bridges do not look out of place in the neighborhood.

''You can't see them from the front road. When you come toward the house, it surprises you. It looks natural ?EUR??,,????'?????<

Ubben noted that the Mills' wanted to create an approach to their house from two different areas, and that the large slope from the house was ideal for the design and construction of a very nice waterfall.

Throughout the planning and installation process, it was necessary to address several factors. It was imperative to place the water feature close to the home so the homeowners could enjoy the view and sound from their windows. The stream flows along the entire front landscape creating an unconventional space with two entryways to access the home. The placements of natural stone bridges serve as pathways across the water feature. The various depths of the stream accommodate utilities and create a natural flow.

All of the trees on this landscape were existing on site, with the water feature designed to incorporate the trees to appear as a natural aspect of the property. The large pine tree (at right) proved to be a challenge to design around. Other trees on the property include River Birch and honeylocust.

The crews were meticulous when positioning large boulders and carefully placed a stone bench as a railing for guests entering the home. Granite boulders along with Pennsylvania field stone were used to create the stream and pond.

Additional contributing factors in the placement of this water feature include existing trees, dramatic grade change, and the homeowner's aspiration of a private yet inviting space. The configuration of the home and the existing trees presented a position for the pond between grades. This created a private space with views open to the lawn. Accommodations also had to be made to the design in order to save numerous trees on site.

''There is a pine tree at the top of the slope, near the waterfall,'' Ubben said, noting that it was a challenge to design the waterfall near this tree. ''We try to save as much as we can when designing a landscape, and in this case, there were many trees that (the Mills') wanted to keep.''

Grant and Power officials consulted with a tree company to work around the existing pine tree, and an arborist annually inspects the Mills' property to check on the integrity of the trees. A variety of plants were used to accentuate the landscape, including: carex, annual flowers (impatiens), Japanese painted fern, hosta, endless summer hydrangea, variegated iris, water plants, astilbe, English ivy and other small perennials.

''We were very impressed with the concept (of a water feature),'' said Homeowner Dr. Norman Mills. ''We had never thought of a water feature. Today we just love the sounds of the water. We can hear the waterfall and stream throughout the house-even our neighbors can hear the water falling.''

The Grant and Power Landscaping Team

Jan-Gerrit Bouwman ?EUR??,,????'?????< Jenny Ubben ?EUR??,,????'?????< Wes Rolseth ?EUR??,,????'?????< Kathy Richardson ?EUR??,,????'?????<