Backyard Havens Slideshow

April 2009

By Shawn Gilliam

Read the story here.

Pond Song

A small creek and waterfall flow into the lower pond in Ted Bair and Harvey Filister's backyard.

Photo by John Abernathy

Stepping Stones

Stones crossing the smaller upper pond look as if they float, but are secured to rebar and concrete bases.

Photo by John Abernathy

Iron Bench

A rusty iron bench nestles beneath a tree and a parade of hanging plants.

Photo by John Abernathy

Ajuga Groundcover

A groundcover of ajuga creates a lush pathway over Itish knot-motif pavers.

Photo by John Abernathy

Cedar Arbor

Built on a slight rise that disguises the pond's filtration system, the cedar arbor features a swing that almost disappears amid the hanging plants.

Photo by John Abernathy

Koi Pond

Water collects in a small pool before cascading down to a large koi pond near the bluestone patio in Debra and Aaron Lerner's backyard.

Photo by John Abernathy

Patio Pavers

The crisp geometry of the patio pavers creates an engaging counterpoint to the rougher Fond du Lac limestone that edges the pond.

Photo by John Abernathy

Birdbath

The birdbath features a drip system; a valve controls the flow of water. Even with a pond at their disposal, birds find the birdbath irresistible, says owner Debra Lerner.

Photo by John Abernathy

Upper Retreat

Twenty-four Fond du Lac limestone steps lead to what the Lerners call the "upper retreat." They plan to create a small patio there this summer.

Photo by John Abernathy

Cast Concrete Sculpture

A cast-concrete sculpture and stainless steel waterfall, both from Tangletown Gardens, add an artful touch to a pathway leading from the front to the back.

Photo by John Abernathy

Variegated Shell Ginger

Fond du Lac limestone steps reach from the side pathway to the back patio. Containers of variegated shell ginger soften the hard edges.

Photo by John Abernathy

Blue Oat Grass

Blue oat grass and gold charm chamecyparis bring lush greenery right up to the waterfall.

Photo by John Abernathy

Natural Gas Firepit

The patio's natural gas firepit features flames that "dance out of the sand," says Aaron Lerner, who designed this focal point himself. A global blue spruce and a weeping juniper anchor the plantings in the bed just beyond.

Photo by John Abernathy