Shown above is a garden with a stream that feeds into a patio area. When building water features in a landscape it is important to work with the natural contours of the land. In this instance the mouth of the stream is only 2’ higher than the bottom pond; no fill material needs to be brought in to build up the elevation further upstream.

Upon maturation, the Crepe Myrtle patio specimen tree (Lagerstroemia indica 'Carolina Beauty') provides shade for the entire patio and flowers from July to October.

Evergreen screening on the back side of the landscape include cedar (Thuja occidentalis) and the very ornate Hollywood juniper (Juniperus chinensis ‘Torulosa’) which can also be used as a focal point specimen. Mixing size, shape, and textures of screening plants is a good way to add extra dimensionality to your landscape. [USDA hardiness zone 7a, Knoxville, TN.]