by Bob Dews
Hidden Source
Creating natural-looking cascades and waterfalls requires the deft handling of a range of technical and aesthetic details – the chief of which, observes watershaper Bob Dews, is effective concealment of the water’s source. Here, this specialist in ultranatural watershapes for residential and commercial clients discusses strategies he uses to hide the headwaters and conjure some distinctly ‘natural’ impressions. Read more
Creating natural-looking cascades and waterfalls requires the deft handling of a range of technical and aesthetic details – the chief of which, observes watershaper Bob Dews, is effective concealment of the water’s source. Here, this specialist in ultranatural watershapes for residential and commercial clients discusses strategies he uses to hide the headwaters and conjure some distinctly ‘natural’ impressions. Read more
Pocket Change
The way pond/stream artist Bob Dews sees it, simple structures he calls ‘dirt pockets’ could revolutionize the way plants are used in naturalistic watershapes. For starters, he says, these pockets give him unprecedented flexibility in taking care of the aesthetics. In addition, they also offer benefits when it comes to the sustained health of the streams, ponds and cascades he’s been installing for clients in the most beautiful parts of North Carolina. Read more
The way pond/stream artist Bob Dews sees it, simple structures he calls ‘dirt pockets’ could revolutionize the way plants are used in naturalistic watershapes. For starters, he says, these pockets give him unprecedented flexibility in taking care of the aesthetics. In addition, they also offer benefits when it comes to the sustained health of the streams, ponds and cascades he’s been installing for clients in the most beautiful parts of North Carolina. Read more
The Essence
Sometimes a really good picture sums up why you're in the pond business. Here's an excellent example from Bob Dews (Xstream Ponds, in Cashiers, NC). Bob's photos of a pond he designed and installed show the year-round beauty of his creations. View photos
Sometimes a really good picture sums up why you're in the pond business. Here's an excellent example from Bob Dews (Xstream Ponds, in Cashiers, NC). Bob's photos of a pond he designed and installed show the year-round beauty of his creations. View photos
Is It Live, or Is It Memorex: Building Natural Water Features
Remember that commercial promoting a cassette tape that had such recording clarity it would shatter a glass with a taped opera singer? Their slogan was, "Is it live or is it Memorex?" The commercial went on to interview people on the streets to see if they could distinguish between a taped performance or the live performance and most could not tell the difference, thus authenticating the tape's superior quality. That's the same goal we should be trying to achieve when creating a water feature. Read More
Remember that commercial promoting a cassette tape that had such recording clarity it would shatter a glass with a taped opera singer? Their slogan was, "Is it live or is it Memorex?" The commercial went on to interview people on the streets to see if they could distinguish between a taped performance or the live performance and most could not tell the difference, thus authenticating the tape's superior quality. That's the same goal we should be trying to achieve when creating a water feature. Read More
Soul Food
The best ponds and streams not only dazzle the eyes, but also touch the soul. Experts achieve both through top-notch craftsmanship — and an understanding of the human psyche. Read More
The best ponds and streams not only dazzle the eyes, but also touch the soul. Experts achieve both through top-notch craftsmanship — and an understanding of the human psyche. Read More
Breaking the Chain
Plant pockets make ponds look more natural, while still stopping soil erosion Read More
Plant pockets make ponds look more natural, while still stopping soil erosion Read More