jimmy’s “green” pond project

I’ve been seriously slacking on the renovation posts, and I got a bit of slack for not posting Jimmy’s fabulous pond project quickly enough, so here we go!

Some of you may remember my Earth Day Post last year, when I spoke about the new planting bed beside the pond.

I am especially proud of this particular project as it is our first true “green” project!  Meaning, we used almost 100% recycled materials found on the property!

The photo of the pond itself below is pretty much “as is” the day we moved in.  Well, it was dirtier (of course)  –  but you can see that the waterfall is artificial rock with rust stains on it.   This waterfall was always the reason for needed change for Jimmy (my fabulous husband.  He tried to paint it to match the rock, but it didn’t really work well.     I’ll be honest, if this pond wasn’t already here, it wouldn’t have been very high on my list of things to do, well, ever.  But the way it is now, I can’t imagine not having it.  Jimmy really did a fantastic job.

Without further delay…

Pond, April 2008 – we are in the process of adding outer rim of rock and planted some hydrangeas.  You can see how small the hydrangeas are here!  Just starting to get their leaves.

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

THIS year I filled up and cleaned around the pond only to find that it lost 2 feet of water overnight.  Bad liner.  Needs replacing.  Ugh.  Pain in the rear but needs to be done.    Jimmy and I begin taking things apart and discovered the WEALTH of materials underneath a few inches of dirt surrounding the pond.

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

By the time we were done, we had found SO MANY.  It was like a treasure trove!

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

I realize that this looks like I sat around and did nothing but take pictures, but trust me, I helped with this part, dismantling, that is.  The rest was all him.

New liner.

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

First levels.

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Hydrangeas starting up 😉

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Isn’t my man talented?  😉  Finishing touches on the waterfall

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Waterfall done, planting beginnings.

Here is what my hydrangeas look like, pre-bloom!

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Bloomed hydrangea!

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Another time of day.

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Spearmint for Mojitos!Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Transplanted moss

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

I just really love these slate stones

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Jimmy-rigged (pun intended) chandelier for dining alfresco!

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Isn’t it just fantastic?  I’m so proud!   I can’t wait for everything to fill in.

19 comments
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  • I’ve always wanted a pond so Im jealous 🙂 Where did you get your bistro set? I already have a table but I need to find chairs.ReplyCancel

  • This is me oh so jealous.ReplyCancel

  • OMG! This is awesome. Please send him to my house. I’ll bake cookies. 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Nicole Barzellato

    Good stuff!ReplyCancel

  • It’s a cast iron set, and I purchased it locally at a store in Middletown, NJ “Add-On Pools”. They have all sorts of nice patio / outdoor furniture in there.ReplyCancel

  • Thanks everyone! I love it.ReplyCancel

  • Jen

    Sweet!! I hope that my Hydrangeas look like that next year!!ReplyCancel

  • Laura – while he loves cookies, not sure if that’s enough to bribe him to undertake another project like this!ReplyCancel

  • M.

    It looks amazing. I think we need to come back over, LOL!ReplyCancel

  • Michelle

    Well done!!!!!!ReplyCancel

  • Alexis

    Thats amazing! How fun!ReplyCancel

  • You guys are so talented and of course patient. What a major project and very zen like. I know you will enjoy it with the girls. Can I say, “tea party”!ReplyCancel

  • melissa suter

    Laura- it is beautiful! Hydrangea’s are my favorite! Jimmy (and you!) did a great job! Hope you have the time to enjoy it.ReplyCancel

  • kathy mackrell

    The pond looks beautiful!! The transformation is incredible- is he available for my house!! lol!!ReplyCancel

  • Thank you everyone for your kind comments. He worked really hard on it.ReplyCancel

  • Hi again! Jimmy makes it look easy. I love the whole thing. I hope you take the time to put your tushes on those groovy chairs every evening and enjoy it. And how much do we love moss! -susieReplyCancel

  • Looks beautiful!! Perfect for a gtg 😉ReplyCancel

  • Dana Battaglia

    I feel like i just saw an episode of something on HGTV!! HE did an AWESOME job. It looks beautiful!!!ReplyCancel

  • Holy cow! What a beautiful Oasis Jimmy wrangled up for ya! Good going to the both of you! It looks great!!ReplyCancel