This small waterfall project was installed at the Horseplay Ranch in Corcoran, MN. After some construction on the home which involved moving the main doorway and ripping out the concrete steps, the owner was at a roadblock on what to do with this spot. The corner was very shady and dry and would be a poor garden. Being tucked between a sidewalk, doorway, and an egress window, the spot wasn’t a good place for a patio either. As the entrance to her office and lounge/client break room, it was a high traffic spot. Sadly, it sat like this for a few years despite being the entrance to her business!
When Becky saw this area, she knew EXACTLY what this spot needed! With a bit of small retaining wall, some excavation, time, rubber liner, rocks, and Aquascape products, we installed this 4 foot pondless waterfall in one day.
Imagine being a client at this business where one day a pile of dirt greets you and the next day the amazing sound of moving waters creates a cheerful welcome!
Despite a slight slope, the main challenge was not having enough slope to get the waterfalls desired. Keeping height in proportion, we built a short boulder wall near the house to protect the siding and foundation; then created the waterfall to fit perfectly into the space.
This 4 ft waterfall was built in 2021 and was priced at $3995. The price included all construction, boulders, pond parts, pump, and clean up. The owner added regular landscape solar lights around it later but underwater lights could be added anytime. It is plugged into an outdoor power outlet. (Ponds and waterfalls use regular outlets but should be plugged into GFCI outlets per code.)
Since we installed the waterfall, she added a bench swing nearby to sit and enjoy the sound of water while watching the horses and activity of the barns. The horses are not invited into the break room but they do prick up their ears at the sound of moving water when walking by. Clients love the sight and sound of moving water that greets them as they come and go. It’s so fun finding unique spaces with no clear solutions and transforming them into something beautiful!
Unusable spots make great places for waterfalls and bubbling rocks. They fit into tight spots, add beauty to ugly places, and give life and lovely sounds!
About the Author:
Jeff Chudek, owner of Minnesota Waterscapes, and his wife Becky have been designing and building ponds and waterfalls around the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area for 19 years. Jeff is a certified Aquascaspe contractor, has his low voltage license, and in his pre-water days, used to be a computer programmer. He loves creating outdoor spaces for others to enjoy with those they love!