CHICO >> Some of the most inspiring backyards for water-lovers had their gates wide open last weekend for the annual pond tour, a fundraiser for the programs of the New Vision Church of Chico.
This year marked the 20th anniversary of the event, which gives people a chance to borrow ideas, or even just to spend some tranquil moments enjoying the work of others.
Sandi Bosch and Maria Corporon have been attending the tour for about 10 years, and gain inspiration for their own yard.
At the home of Cathy and Craig Gurney, they loved the wildlife that joined visitors, as well as the aviary where the homeowners keep and rescue birds.
Something about ponds adds to the serenity of a place, Bosch noted.
From ashes to tranquil
The peace that comes from gurgling water is one of the reasons Rocky Campbell keeps a pond as the focal point of his backyard.
When he moved in, the land was raw. Over time he has built an intricate path to tranquility.
Thirty mature koi swim out of reach from the stretch of raccoons that might otherwise try to take a swipe at them.
Other predators include herons and king fishers. The key is to have a pond 34 inches deep, which will allow the fish an escape from the most common predators, Campbell explained.
Campbell also pointed out the water lilies, which begin to open when rays of sunlight reach them. They only last a short time, so he makes time to enjoy each one.
The water in the pond recirculates and goes through a filter. From this, he pulls out material rich in fish waste, which can be used to fertilize the yard.
Also recycled are some of the raw materials for yard structures. The stepping stones are leftover from construction projects and a satellite dish is used as the roof of a gazebo.
Watery play land
A sign along the driveway to Rick Coletti’s house reads “slow, adults at play.”
While certainly serene during the tour, the stylized work of Coletti is built for entertaining and beauty.
“I love the tropics and I love Bidwell Park,” Coletti said. His backyard combines elements of both.
The pool is the biggest body of water, with a pile of rocks to climb, and a slide for the descent.
After a trip down the slide, visitors can swim across the pool, climb over to the hot tub, then hop onto a partially-submerged bar stool. Here they’ll find a window to the kitchen, where the host can serve drinks from the bar.
Eye-dazzling features include large stepping stones (attached to pillars anchored under water). The appearance is that the stones are floating on the water’s surface.
At the front door of the home, Coletti has a rock pathway with more stepping stones surrounded by water.
View a short video here: http://www.tout.com/m/7b6h8q
Built with time in mind
The Gurney’s showcase home also showed the fun they had “decorating” outdoors.
The home was built a century ago, and many old-time elements remain.
A vintage gas pump becomes garden art and rusted garden elements hang along the side of a shed.
A new addition is a giant agricultural disc, bronzed with time. A path leads through the oval and if you make sound while standing inside, you’ll hear an echo.
See video here: http://www.tout.com/m/5y4g4o
Funds for local causes
The fundraiser helps the New Vision Congregational Church continue its community programs, which include a food pantry for the needy, providing meeting space to 12-step programs and the Shalom Free Clinic. Over the years money from the pond tour has gone to the Boys and Girls Club, the Butte College Horticulture Scholarship and Butte County Hepatitis C Task Force.
Contact reporter Heather Hacking at 896-7758.
Pond tour visitors get inspired with watery gardens
No comments:
Post a Comment