By Mark Haverstock

Our blue planet stands out in the void of space by a single, unique difference — the presence of water. This life-sustaining element enables a variety of life forms to exist together to create the regenerative biosphere we call Earth.

People seem to be inexplicably drawn by this substance that covers approximately 80 percent of our Earth and makes up about 66 percent of our bodies' composition. Maybe that's why we enjoy those vacations at the beach, water sports, boating and fishing. Or could it be the serenity we feel when contemplating a peaceful pond or babbling brook? Some even claim to be inspired when around bodies of water, like Hemingway who caught both trout and inspiration on a river in Michigan.

Hot tub waterfall at Grand Timber Lodge, Breckenridge, Colo.
Photo courtesy of Siloam Stone Inc.

As humans, we are made of water, we are born of water, and we depend on water for our existence. If it isn't possible to be at the water, we bring it nearer to us, in the form of ponds, pools, fountains and other water elements. Natural stone is often incorporated into the design and construction of these features, and rightly so. Stone has a long-standing bond with water, from the majestic falls of the Niagara to the whitewater rapids of the Colorado River.

Stone and Water
Most varieties of natural stone are suitable for use in water elements, but some in particular are chosen for their appearance and characteristics. For example, Mount Moriah's quartzite is known for its strength and durability in outdoor applications. Its uncommonly large, irregularly shaped, flat stone chunks create massive, vivid, quartzite backdrops, enhancing any landscape or waterfall setting.

	Small stream featuring Fond du Lac outcroppings with Mountain River Jax accent stones. Photo courtesy of Buechel Stone Corporation

Though common sandstone isn't usually perceived as viable material for water features, Siloam Stone Inc. supplies a hardy version of this attractive stone. "Ours is very low porosity and has excellent erosion and freeze-thaw resistance, so it works quite well with water applications, as well as water contact," said Matt Mueller, Siloam Stone's general manager. "The city of Breckenridge, Colo., did quite a bit of work with our stone on their river walk. It comes in contact with the Blue River, which would represent some of the most severe seasonal conditions."

The particular sandstone that Siloam Stone supplies is quarried from the Dakota Formation, which is fairly unique. It runs from the Dakotas, along the Rocky Mountains, all the way south to New Mexico. This formation is particularly high density and has some unique properties. "It's not soft like the typical sandstone most people would envision. This particular type of sandstone is quite hard and has a minimal water absorption — about 3 percent porosity," Mueller said. "It holds up extremely well to the erosion that exists with water flow across the stone. It just won't come apart like common sandstone when it gets wet."

Buechel Stone Corporation's Chilton and Fond du Lac stone product lines are their bestsellers for landscaping and water element applications. "It depends on the application," said Scott Buechel, executive vice president of Buechel Stone. "Most people are using our outcropping because it gives them the most natural look." For waterfalls, pool and pond surrounds, flagstone and rough uncut shapes are popular in thicknesses ranging from one to two inches, all the way up to three feet.

Waterfall and pond combination combining Chilton outcroppings with granite cobblestones.
Photo courtesy of Buechel Stone Corporation

Because of material costs and transportation, some customers are choosing veneer stone as an option for parts of pond applications, backed by concrete block or poured masonry with a water-resistant treatment. "When you're looking at full-sized stone at five square feet to the ton as opposed to the full masonry at 40 square feet to the ton, or a thin veneer, which is going to be roughly 160 square feet to the ton — you'll get a lot more coverage with thin veneer," Buechel said. "At that point, they can put some bigger pieces in as features to give it the water drop and things like that that they're looking for."

Pond and Water Garden Design
When it comes to commercial or backyard ponds and water gardens, there's virtually no limit to what stone you can use — Niagara dolomite, granite, sandstone, Pennsylvania bluestone, field stone — just about any ledgestone, according to Deb Fry, co-owner of Select Stone Company. "Outcrops are really a nice feature — the big, chunky stones that come out of the ground," she said. "Water washed or smoother weathered stones are a better choice than sharp stones or those crushed for driveway use."

Basic steps in building ponds and water gardens are similar — laying out the space, excavation, lining the pond, and adding natural stone features. Other factors to consider include filtration and water flow. "Skimmers are extremely popular filtration devices," Fry said. "The water is drawn off the surface into a chamber; from there it might be sent to a waterfall filter, so you get dual filtration." Typically most homeowners that want a decent-sized water garden choose 4,000-5,000 gallon/hour pumps.

Waterfall at private residence in Parker, Colo., a Parade of Homes winner.
Photo courtesy of Designs by Sundown

The differences lie in the individual features, which depend on the creativity of the designer and the artistic talents of the mason or installer. The most common mistake customers said they made when they built their first pond was making it too small. "They become addicted. They tend to increase the number of ponds or increase the size of the existing one," Fry said.

For vendors, ponds can also lead to future sales. "A thousand dollars spent on a water garden can, over a five-year period, produce revenue totaling $5,900-$10,000 in other products that go with it — patio, gazebo, furniture and statuary," stated Mike Whisenand of Whiz-Q Stone. "A pond becomes a lifestyle, not just a product. It's something people like to go out and experience."

Creating Your Own Ecosystem
According to Whisenand, natural stone plays an important part in maintaining a healthy pond environment, as well as contributing to its overall appearance. "We use stone and gravel inside the liner to build the ecosystem — beneficial bacteria grows on the stone," he said. "That's what helps to keep the pond clear. Fish, plants, stone and gravel are all key elements in having a balanced ecosystem, just like a natural pond where you see clear water and a stream." The only kind of stone not used is limestone because it can negatively affect the pH balance of the water.

A pond surrounded by Chilton Garden Stone.
Photo courtesy of Buechel Stone Corp.

Plants help maintain a balance by taking some of the nutrients out of the water that would feed the green algae. "We recommend less invasive varieties that won't take over the pond — tropicals, night bloomer lilies and others," Whisenand explained. Covering as much as 60 percent of the surface area with lilies in the summertime provides shade for fish and helps to keep the water cooler.

As for fish, Koi are the choice of many pond owners. "They're popular because they're very friendly fish; you can hand feed them," Fry said. "They're colorful — you can't find other pond fish of such color and markings" Other varieties commonly used in ponds include goldfish, fantail goldfish, shubunkin and comets. During the winter, the fish hibernate and don't require feeding. You just need something to maintain an opening in the ice, if present, and a foot or more of water below the freeze zone in colder climates.

Fountains

	Baumhower ducksteps. Landscape architecture — Designs by Sundown. Photo courtesy of Siloam Stone

A popular alternative to the conventional fountain is to use a piece of natural stone as the vehicle to distribute the water. "Basalt columns are a wonderful water feature tool that people can drop into a little well, put a grate on top, and they have a fountain that looks like a million bucks," said Dave Thoensen, general manager of Bourget Flagstone Company in Santa Monica, Calif. Their typical stone fountains are built on a reservoir, in the form of a 24 x 24-inch pre-manufactured concrete box. Seal the inside, put a pump on the outside for easy access or replacement, and cover the grating with small rocks and it's ready to run. The unit is self-contained, recirculating the water as it falls down the side of the stone.

Bourget also features the abstract works of sculptor Alan Hochman (see the sidebar, "Abstracts in Stone and Water" below). "They're carved from different kinds of stone — I don't think he uses the same design twice," Thoensen said. "He bores a hole through the center, puts a small reservoir at the top, so that the water flows down the face of the stone on all four sides." The stone is then placed on top of the stand in a stainless steel reservoir that he makes.

Indoor Waterfalls
Bluworld's water products celebrate the relationship between man and water by promoting the artistic quality of real flowing water, as well as capturing a piece of its magnificence and awe. More than 80 percent of their creations for clients are constructed indoors, accenting both traditional and modern décor. They integrate natural stone, along with more modern elements like etched glass and stainless steel, into their designs.

Why specialize in waterfalls? "I think the number one reason is the look and the feel," said Rob Morton of Bluworld. "We call it art in motion. They're a good artistic piece you can add to residential or commercial space, and then you add the calming effect of the running water."

This feature at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort shows an encapsulated look surrounded by a natural stone facial.
Photo courtesy of Bluworld

Designers at Bluworld have created hundreds of custom water elements for both residential and commercial settings, with several featured at popular vacation destinations in Orlando. After entering Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort lobby, you'll see a waterfall built around a custom hand-etched piece of clear glass featuring some of the popular Disney characters. The entire assembly is recessed into a knee wall, and then recessed into the header above, creating a free-floating effect. Flanking both sides are natural stone walls that pick up some of the design and color of the stone around the reception desk and other areas around the lobby.

On International Drive near Universal Studios, Homewood Suites features a water wall of natural slate. "The water actually comes out of the round black object at the top," Morton explained. "It gives an even flow down the wall."

Hidden Assets
With both waterfalls and fountains, there's a growing trend to dispense with the bodies of open water, especially in public areas where liability may be a factor. "It's a huge growth area right now. We make the waterfall and the stream, but it flows into a bed of gravel," Whisenand said. "There is not a pond, so you can have it in front of a doctor's office, a daycare facility or wherever you want it." This technique allows for the water flow and sound, without the body of water to maintain or cause a potential hazard for onlookers.

Secret Green sculpture by Alan Hochman Photo courtesy of Alan Hochman & Julia Patterson Abstracts in Stone and Water Alan Hochman, a self-taught artist, has been designing, creating and installing contemporary stone fountains and water pieces for more than 10 years. The experience of creating by removing, knowing that there is no going back once a chunk is gone, was so exhilarating for Hochman that he quit a successful business career to carve stone. Approaching his projects with an open mind, Hochman sees himself as an equal partner with the stones and his tools. "When carving his pieces I always have an idea in mind that I feel comes from the stone itself. But as things unfold, as the shape changes through the work, new ideas come," he said. "Also, there is that 'whoops' thing — the unexpected break or piece that falls off and takes the piece in a new direction." Most of his stone comes from New Mexico, although he also uses stone from California, Colorado, Nevada, Texas and New York. According to Hochman, his favorite varieties are: Travertine, because of its varied and inspiring patterns and colors; Seven Springs Onyx, because of the intense reds from the jasper in it; and Soapstone, because it's easy to work and polishes into deep colors.     Perfect Balance, Vista Grande travertine sculpture by Alan Hochman Photo courtesy of Alan Hochman & Julia Patterson Hochman prefers stone/water sculptures to non-water sculptures. "I love the way that the water and stone together create something that's alive, that has movement and energy, and changes over time," he explained. "I haven't done a non-water piece since the first time I did one with water. Someday I might do a stone-only sculpture, but not right now." Additional information about his work and photos can be found at www.stoneandwater.com.

References
Bluworld
635 W. Michigan St.
Orlando, FL 32805
(407) 426-7674
www.bluworldusa.com

Bourget Flagstone Company
1810 Colorado Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 829-4010
www.bourgetbros.com/flagstone

Buechel Stone Corporation
N4399 Hwy 175 South
Fond du Lac, WI 54937
(920) 922-4790
www.buechelstone.com

Designs by Sundown
4501 S. Santa Fe Drive
Englewood, CO 80110
(303) 789-4400
www.designsbysundown.com

Alan Hochman
(480) 595-8896
www.stoneandwater.com

Mt. Moriah Stone
P.O. Box 35
Baker, NV 98311
(435) 855-2232
www.mtmoriahstone.com

Select Stone Company
9645 Airport Highway
Monclova, OH 43542
(419) 861-9600
www.selectstoneohio.com

Siloam Stone
315 N. 7th St.
Canon City, CO 81212
(719) 275-4275
www.siloamstone.com

Whiz-Q Stone
4501 East Loop 820 South
Ft. Worth, TX 76119
(817) 429-0822
www.whiz-q.com

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