Water Gardens & Features
There is nothing else quite like a Water Garden, or one of our very special Water Features, to generate intense excitement and enjoyment within a planted garden area. The sound of rushing water draws-in people, pets and native animals (birds and squirrels, mostly) alike, to enjoy the soothing and refreshing action of water-in-motion. Strategically-constructed adjacent to an existing or new patio or deck, Water Gardens or Water Features need to be where you are, for maximum enjoyment and impact.
Whether it's a large pond, medium aquatic garden or smaller Water Feature, if you can dream it, we can make it a reality. Regardless of what the area's physical layout is, we can propose, design, and construct one which is right for the area and for your lifestyle. We will be happy to meet with you on site for a consultation and evaluation.
After the initial meeting, a preliminary design is prepared, a detailed computer estimate is generated reflecting materials and labor costs. Once approved, the design goes into a final comprehensive stage to actual working plans and implementation of your Water Garden. Providing there are no changes to accomodate special requests during the construction, the project will come in at, or under budget. Always does. The initial consultation is only a phone call away. Don't let another Summer go by with one in your "outdoor living area".

An old existing stump is built right into this Water Garden. The second upper pond gives way to multiple water falls, greatly-increasing the sound of the waterfall.



Longing for the look and sound of a Water Garden without an actual pond? This pond-less waterfall eliminates the maintenance of a Water Garden, yet still provides the beauty, grace, and the alluring sound of a waterfall.



The combination of trickling streams and alluring waterfalls gives this Water Garden the ability to amaze all who see it. The addition of Brick Patios and plenty of color surrounding the Water Garden adds the finishing touches.

Wondering if someone has ever put a Water Garden in their front yard? This client enjoys there Water Garden right from their front porch. A few large specimen plants create the back drop to enhance the waterfall.

The orientation of the waterfalls in this double pond Water Garden, allows it to be viewed and enjoyed from many different locations.

Water Features are specially-designed for the individual client. These Water Features are for those tight places you are not sure what to do with, or if you are simply looking for something a little more formal than a natural Water Garden. All stone is hand cut and stacked to perfection. The top left Water Feature creates a great place for a statue or flower pot to add your favorite perennials or ornamental grasses.

This Water Garden is surrounded by many shade perennials and shrubs, while nestled in the bank of a heavily-wooded garden. The addition of the upper pond allows a second set of waterfalls to expand the look and sound.

Even in the Winter months, Water Gardens can still be enjoyed. These two ponds were created on level properties by hauling in 20+ tons of soil to build-up the necessary mounds, so don't think not having a bank means not being able to have a Water Garden.


Only yards from this property, even the Susquehanna River wasn't enough to stop the craving for the sounds of one of our Water Gardens. Large coping stone is used to define the shape of this Water Garden as well as give it increased mass.


None of our Water Gardens are repeats. Each one is specifically-designed for the needs of the client, and every Water Garden takes its own shape as it is constructed. Predeterming the placement or shape of a natural stone is impossible. Therefore, it is only the skill of the "Master Installer", which gives each Water Garden its unique characteristics.


Adding aquatic plants to any Water Garden can enhance the look as well as soften the natural stone used in its construction.



Small Statues and Garden Ornaments are another favorite addition to our Water Gardens. The large boulders and large flat protruding rocks create shelves and places to sit these such objects.


The top two photos show the ability to build a Water Garden directly into a patio area. Large boulders are strategically placed to provide places to sit and have an up-close-and-personal experience with the owner's Water Garden. The bottom two photos show a Water Garden constructed even in the tightest of places. Why mow this bank when you can have the grace of a Water Garden in its place?


Large weeping specimen plant material is used around this magnificent Water Garden to really accent the waterfalls. These cascading branches act almost like arrows pointing your eyes directly to the main feature.


What more can you say about this spectacular work of art? If you are a photographer and want magazine quality photos, this Water Garden is a must see!

The Front Steps of John Shelley's Garden Center & Nursery, in mid-May.





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John Shelley's Garden Center & Nursery, Inc.
13579 Winterstown Road, Felton, PA. 17322-8522
vox: (717) 246-1414 1-800-828-3405 (Pa-Md) fax: (717) 246-2170
Last updated 1/25/08. 42,671,098 visitors since 1/26/96.