Special Outdoor Projects

Muddy water in a farm pond is a problem for many people who own them. Water that is muddy isn't aesthetically pleasing and can hurt wildlife in the pond. When the water is muddy, particles of silt...

A water filler installed in a swimming pool is designed to keep the water level in the pool at a consistent level. The Pentair Automatic Water Filler is one type of water filler. This type of...

Both old and new constructions install French drains to help prevent water from leaking into the crawlspace under a home. French drains are simply long plastic tubing with holes poked throughout...

There's no reason why a backyard pond can't be updated as often as you update your flower or vegetable gardens. Today's pond-friendly fish, garden accessories and easy-care pond plants give you...

If you have spent a lot of money installing a beautiful ceramic water fountain in your garden, it's natural that you would want to protect your investment. The freeze-thaw cycle of winter can do...

The sound of a gently burbling waterfall is enchanting and can quickly sooth any harried homeowner, especially when that waterfall is a located just a step or two from your deck or patio. Making...

Groundwater filters through soil and rocks to pool in underground rock basins, also known as aquifers. Pesticides, fertilizers, and other contaminants also filter down into aquifers. Sometimes...

If you have the space for it, a one acre pond can provide recreation, food, and a nice atmosphere for a large plot of land. To build it you'll need the right tools for the job, and a good bit of...

Ponds have both practical and aesthetic uses to many landowners. Whatever your motives, building a pond on your land may be easier than you think. Of course, it will require some heavy machinery,...

If you're lucky enough to own a home on the water, you may want to consider building your own dock instead of buying one. Docks are versatile structures used for fishing, docking a boat or even...

Cast iron tubs can make an elegant statement in a home for decades, but when the time comes to replace old with new, there's no need to throw the proverbial baby out with the bathwater. Relegating...

Even though your garden may not provide the slope necessary for a waterfall or the space needed for a pond, you can still enjoy a water garden. Rills, or narrow canals, wind through a backyard...

A solar garden fountain beautifies the landscape with no energy cost. Building your own provides the satisfaction of a do-it-yourself project. Transform a sunny spot in the yard into an oasis of...

The pH level in pond water fluctuates due to the activities of the aquatic plants and pond algae. It is important to maintain the appropriate pH levels in the pond for the survival of the plants...

This guide will provide you with the knowledge to build a beautiful outdoor water feature designed to your specific space and needs. If you can use a shovel, you can create a unique addition to...

Clean, fresh water is a necessity for birds and can be hard for them to find. Although birds will use all types of baths, they tend to favor trickling or spraying water. In-ground bird baths are...

A glistening pond full of beautiful plants and healthy fish is a remarkable sight. The pea green water filled with slimy algae and gasping washed out fish so common in people's landscapes is not...

Standing water can be a big problem in yards. Compacted clay soil is usually the culprit. As more water collects on top, the problem actually compounds itself by compacting the soil further. A...

Drilling into a preformed pond might be done for a variety of reasons such as to make a hole to run wiring or plumbing for various pumps or water features or to drill a hole toward the top of the...

A pond can be a lovely addition to your property. It could bring a natural, peaceful setting to your garden as well as wildlife for your viewing pleasure. The options for designing a pond are...

Greywater, the soapy, dirty water produced when we shower or wash dishes or clothes, often can be reclaimed without burdening a sewage or septic tank by filtering it and applying it to plants or a...

As winter deepens and temperatures drop below freezing, irrigation systems can be damaged. Here are some tips on how to winterize a sprinkler system and save on expensive repairs.

String algae is one of two kinds of algae that typically grows in fountains and ponds. It grows along the bottom and edges of your pond or on pond plants. Many things contribute to the growth of...

The ordinary high water mark is the line that denotes where public jurisdiction ends under the Clean Water Act for navigable waterways such as most lakes, ponds and rivers. The U.S. Army Corps of...

Maintaining an electric power, or pressure, washer is 10 times easier than maintaining a gas-powered pressure washer. In fact, many electric pressure washers are maintenance-free. However, it's...

Tree stumps are for more than just sitting. In fact, there are quite a few creative ways to utilize a tree stump and avoid the costly process of tree stump removal. If you have recently done some...

Small ornamental ponds are popular features of gardens for reflection, growing water plants or keeping koi. Whether the pond is a free-form type with liner or a rigid prefabricated form, the edges...

Whether you are dealing with a pond that is a main feature in your landscape, or just a farm pond out in a field, monitoring water quality can have a huge effect on the ability of the water to...

Urns have been around since Grecian times. They were used to store things like water and other supplies. An urn is a container or vase with a base that is narrower than the top of the vessel. Any...

Small backyards can have the beauty of a water feature without the fuss of pumps, filters and electrical conduits. Making a bog garden takes two days, and maintaining the garden only requires...

Fountains can be added to your patio or garden to enhance the landscaping and create a beautiful sanctuary for your enjoyment. Garden water features are also used to decrease neighborhood or...

A pondless waterfall provides the sights and sounds of cascading water without the troubles associated with standing bodies of water. Pools and ponds are attractive nuisances for children and...

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires construction sites to control storm water runoff to avoid a negative impact on nearby water bodies and wildlife. Silt fence is commonly used for...

Setting up a pond waterfall pump system must be done carefully to ensure maximum water flow. Not only will this improve the appearance of the water garden and the quality of the water, but it may...

Adding blue pond dye can create a stunning effect in your pond. Gone are the days of murky brown pond water. Blue pond dyes have a positive effect on ponds in other ways beside cosmetic. The dye...

A water fountain is a great addition to your backyard or front yard garden. Depending on your time investment, you can create a simple or complex water fountain. If you do not have much...

Cistern water, which is often collected for watering a garden in order to conserve drinking water, can be converted to drinking water in times of an emergency by adding the appropriate...

Installing a backyard waterfall pond from a boxed kit is easy--but the results may not always be the restful, or dramatic or elegant landscape feature you had hoped for. Experienced waterscape...

A French drain is a trench that can be lined with landscaping fabric or one that has a pipe laid inside it to drain water away from problem areas. The simplest drains are lined with rock or...

Cement is just one component that is used to make concrete and mortar. It is used to make buildings, driveways, garage floors, sidewalks and more. The effort needed to remove dried paint from...

Having an efficient farm has a lot to do with the proper irrigation. Many steps can be taken to not only save water but to have a healthy, more robust crop. Some of the tried-and-true methods...

When choosing between copper or PVC for outdoor shower plumbing, it is important to check with your local building codes, since some cities have specific regulations that may require the use of...

A waterfall pond is a delightful addition to any backyard, but it requires careful planning and physical effort. Flowing water is not only attractive to look at but restful to hear. The addition...

Damage from expanding ice can wreck your outside pipes, and, since they are exposed to the cold more than the rest of your plumbing, your concerns are well-founded. There are a few things you can...

A water garden or pond is a thing of beauty, but building one requires either a lot of money or a lot of strain on your muscles. Rather than digging a hole in the ground for a pond, consider using...

Falling water is such a soothing sound. Whether it's in gigantic form like Niagara Falls or a small yard waterfall made with a few simple materials, waterfalls have an aesthetic appeal. You...

On a hot summer day, the scent of Corsican Mint and Thyme waft up from the sun-warmed rock floor of my gazebo. There is nothing so satisfying as building something that is beautiful, practical and...

What would you do if you had no house payments and no utility bills ? In this lesson and video I will teach you how to have an off-grid home with no house payments and no utility bills. I will...

Water will often accumulate in ditches in construction sites or off the sides of roadways and become a hazard, as they are usually filled with highly toxic pollutants from runoff after rainstorms,...

Pond keeping is a relaxing hobby. But perhaps you don't have the space to dig a large, decorative pond. Or, it may seem too expensive to replace pond liners every few years. Because of these...