On the day I was to interview Melissa Pritchard of Liquid Landscape Designers, rain had filled up my drainage ditch to the point where we had geese swimming in it. However, I was pretty sure my overflowing ditch didn’t qualify as a water feature, swimming geese notwithstanding. After speaking with Melissa and viewing photos of the company’s work, I was even more convinced that what I had in my backyard was nothing compared to the artistic water environments she and her husband, Rob, create. 

Rob started Liquid Landscape Designers as a part-time venture in 1999. However, his interest in landscaping dates back to his childhood days when he would dig holes in his grandmother’s yard. As an adult, Rob initially spent a number of years in the car body repair business. While still working in that field, he landscaped his yard and then his parents’ yard. After that he was hired to do a big project, and the rest, as they say, is history. 

Liquid Landscape Designers is a company that is “passionate about their ponds.” This passion shows through in every project they do, whether it’s residential—their primary focus—or commercial. They create waterfalls, ponds, artistic and inspired water gardens and streams, as well as low- maintenance landscapes and even wetlands. Additional creative work includes custom stonework, night lighting, and paver patios and walks. The business is the first certified Aquascape contractor in the state, and is also I.C.P.I. (International Concrete Paver Institute)-certified, Melissa says.

The most rewarding part of their job is the creative aspect. “Every water feature is a work of art,” she states. When I look at photos of their work, it seems to me that each is more enchanting than the last. You can almost hear the babbling of the brooks and smell the flowers. Merely looking at the pictures is relaxing.

Although the effects of the final product are relaxing, many people worry that the process is difficult and stressful. But Liquid Landscape Designers makes the process of adding a new water feature, whether to new or existing landscape, easy, Rob states. After calling to schedule an appointment with Rob, he will meet with you to determine your needs and wants and take a look at your property. Whether you already have ideas about what you want or are totally clueless, Rob can help. He has a portfolio of past works for the client to look at, which helps to clarify the features that the owner likes and doesn’t like. This portfolio can also give the homeowner new ideas or help them better visualize what a particular feature might look like in their own yard. Rob can also guide you through the types of things you need to consider when planning your feature. Some of these considerations include soil, grade change, and any restrictions such as fencing requirements. Because city and county restrictions vary, it is up to the property owner to research this issue. 

After Rob meets with the client, he and Melissa work together to develop a proposal. If the proposal is acceptable to the client, work can begin within the next couple of weeks. The results can be truly amazing. Even in a suburban yard, the couple can create a feeling of being in the country. The relaxing sounds of the water help mask any traffic sounds or other noise. Liquid Landscape Designers also has a wide variety of fish and water plants that can add interest to your pond, as well as everything necessary to maintain the health of these fish and plants. If you want to keep your pond open year-round, they can provide heaters and aerators that allow your fish to thrive even in the winter. Surprisingly, the pond only needs to be 24 inches deep for fish. Whether or not this depth requires a fence is something the homeowner will need to research as well.

If you don’t want to leave the pond open year-round (which is the option most homeowners choose), Liquid Landscape Designers will close it for you in the fall and reopen it in the spring. Closing simply involves shutting off and removing equipment, as well as removing any fish. The client can either keep the fish in a home aquarium, or Liquid Landscape Designers will house the fish over the winter. The pond is not drained in the fall. 

Melissa says that spring opening times vary from year to year; this year they began opening them around the 24th of March, but in past years openings have been as early as March 5th. Opening the pond involves draining the pond, power washing and cleaning it, testing the equipment, and adding any new water plants and fish.   

With today’s busy lifestyles, people are looking for a place to relax as well as a unique place to entertain friends and family in. Expanding any living space by adding an outdoor feature is an option many homeowners are considering. It’s yet another way to escape the “concrete jungle” of the city and instead enjoy a private retreat created to the client’s exact specifications, Melissa says. Whether you live on an acreage or a standard suburban lot, Rob and Melissa can help you design a water garden that is appropriately scaled to the size of your property.

The popularity of water features, whether it’s a pond or a full-scale water garden, is apparent; in addition to the original Liquid Landscape Designers business, which is located in Alleman, the Pritchard’s are adding a new business called the Pond Store. The Pond Store will be located in Rene’s Greenhouse in Johnston. There will be a display in front of the greenhouse. 

The Pond Store, in addition to being a full-service Aquascape business similar to Liquid Landscape Designers, will also provide kits and everything else the do-it-yourselfer may need to create his or her own pond and water garden. And even if you do decide to do it yourself, Rob will be available to provide help if you get stuck.   

You can look at Liquid Landscape Designer’s work online at www.liquidlandscapedesigners.com. Or give them a call at 231-6452 or toll-free at 877-796-POND. The Pond Store is located at Rene’s Greenhouse, 9401 N.W. 70th St. in Johnston. 

After the long winter we have had and being cooped up in the house or office, wouldn’t it be great to have a beautiful water garden to enjoy all summer?



  

Liquid Landscape Designers
By Jean M. Baker

The friendly staff of Liquid Lanscape Designers