by Mary Beth Schwartz
When it comes to landscapes, efficiency and sustainability are important to design. According to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), popular components include water efficient irrigation, permeable paving, rainwater harvesting, ornamental water features, fountains, ponds, streams, and rain gardens. Mention ecologically balanced water features, and Chris and Diane Baker, the founders of James Ponds, a Division of Lentzcaping, are there. They believe in “ponds done right, customers served right.”
Serving Bucks and Montgomery counties, as well as parts of New Jersey, the Bakers are Certified Aquascape Contractors (CAC). Certified Aquascape Contractors are the most qualified and informed pond installers in the water gardening industry. Since 2005, James Ponds has been certified by Aquascape Inc., and as of January 2011, is one of 13 CACs in the state of Pennsylvania.
With James Ponds and Aquascape Inc., there are so many water feature possibilities. Take, for instance, fountainscapes. These small decorative water features include tabletop fountains, container water gardens, stand-alone fountains, bubbling urns, spitters, and fountains that incorporate an in-ground reservoir. Then there are ecosystem ponds, complete with pumps and plumbing, filtration, fish, aquatic plants, rocks, gravel, and beneficial bacteria. Advanced ponds are for the homeowner who wants a larger water feature. It can be a swimming pond with its own dock, or a wildlife habitat with meandering streams and breathtaking waterfalls. Last but not least, the popular Pondless Waterfall—a recirculating waterfall and/or stream without the presence of a pond. Homeowners can enjoy the beauty of running water without pond maintenance. It can even run on a timer. All James Ponds water features can incorporate Aquascape’s RainXchange System, a design that combines a recirculating decorative water feature with a subsurface rainwater harvest storage system.
Along with design and installation, James Ponds also offers renovation of water features. “Some clients want to expand an existing water feature. Others had ponds installed incorrectly—they are not ecologically balanced and do not stay clean. They become algae filled, green, and nasty. We focus on aquatic plants and fish all working in harmony with each other with beneficial bacteria to keep the ponds clean and healthy,” says Diane Baker. Once in place, most water features require maintenance to stay vibrant. James Ponds offers three maintenance program options: Basic, Standard, and Deluxe. All programs run from March 15 through December 15, weather permitting.
The Bakers offer educational seminars to homeowners on such topics as aquatic plants, and fish health and safety. They can even give a DIY course on how to build your own water feature. For hands-on DIYers, they can work alongside while installing a water feature. James Ponds also educates children through Aquascape’s Ponds for Kids program.
Chris and Diane Baker also are active with The Aquascape Foundation. The not-for-profit organization’s mission is to create sustainable solutions for the worldwide water crisis. Utilizing the RainXchange System, Aquascape is able to bring clean drinking water to places where people currently have no access. In January 2010, the Bakers traveled with the foundation team to a school in Colombia to install a RainXchange System. In January of this year, they ventured to Uganda. A RainXchange System was installed for a school situated on the banks of Lake Victoria, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. It also is polluted and undrinkable. “While in Uganda we also went on safari. My husband’s great great great uncle was one of the first British explorers over there. He discovered one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls and named it. He also named Lake Albert. His name was Sir Samuel White Baker. It was amazing to follow his footsteps,” Baker says.
Before calling James Ponds about your custom water feature, there are a few things to keep in mind. One, location and size are the two most important decisions you will make about your water features. Wet areas retain water and are not suited for water features. A rain garden is best for moist, boggy areas. “We recommend putting a water feature in your living area—near the deck, patio, by a sunroom. It is a living organism and should not be put in the furthest reaches of the property. You should interact with it, especially the fish,” Baker says. Two, it takes about three years for a pond to mature. “A pond or Pondless Waterfall gets better with age—the fish grow, the plants mature and flower, and each passing season brings its own beauty. Painted turtles, dragonflies, birds—every time you look outside, there will be new wildlife,” Baker adds.
Over the years, James Bonds has worked on numerous water features. A Warrington client wanted to create curb appeal on a property entrance, which had a difficult front slope. The Bakers created a 15-foot Pondless Waterfall. The owner sees it every time he pulls in his driveway. Another client in Doylestown always wanted a water feature in their backyard oasis. They already had a hot tub, deck, hardscaping, and a garden. A small 8 x 8 pond made the backyard complete. A New Hope client dreamed of a large water feature. James Ponds designed a 50 x 50 pond with 180 feet of stream. “We brought in other Certified Aquascape Contractors to assist with the jobs. With large projects, we always bring in the best in the industry. It took two weeks to complete. The project now is in year two. It began with twelve fish—now they have two hundred,” Baker says.
According to Diane Baker, a water garden is not just a change in your landscape—it is a change in your lifestyle. A properly installed, low-maintenance, ecologically balanced work of art for you to enjoy every day. James Ponds can be reached via phone at 215-491-8676; online at www.jamesponds.com, as well as on Facebook. Their water features also are featured every year at the Bucks County Designer House & Gardens.
Mary Beth Schwartz is a freelance editor who frequently contributes to regional magazines.