We wanted to make some improvements to our rustic back yard, including a hummingbird/butterfly-friendly garden and expansion of our paver patio. This company had installed our patio a few years ago, so we called them out to discuss the patio extension. We were so pleased with the job they did for us on the initial installation that there was never a question that we would use them for the expansion.
During our consultation with Ken Avner, we mentioned that we were interested in a water feature in the garden. We had in mind something fairly simple -- a bubbling bird bath, or ceramic jars with a bubbler -- something along those lines. Ken pointed out that the 3-foot high meandering river rock retaining wall that crosses our yard adjacent to the patio and separates the upper level of the yard from the lower level, where the patio is, was the perfect setup for a stream and waterfall, and asked if we had ever thought about that option. We were intrigued, but had many questions. He spent a lot of time discussing how it might be laid out, how the reservoir and pump would work, maintenance, etc., and showed us pictures of similar projects they'd done at other homes. After considering it for several days, we decided to go forward with the water feature and the patio extension. In addition, we had them install a paver path to our pool and a paver pad for some lawn chairs in our front yard.
The installation went very smoothly. We did have one minor hiccup near the end, and it occurred on a Friday late afternoon. I called the Project Manager, Jorge, and he assured me that someone would be there the next morning. At 8:00 a.m. Saturday, someone was there to take care of it. When I apologized to the young man (Luis) that he had to come out so early on a Saturday, he cheerfully replied, "No worries. The customer comes first." You don't often experience that attitude these days. Both crews (paving crew and water feature crew) were so professional and easy to work with. There was a lot of physical labor (digging, hauling boulders manually, etc.) involved during some of the hottest weather of the summer, but that did not delay them. They were punctual, respectful of our property and really good about answering our questions. Project Manager Jorge and Aaron supervised the crews and kept us advised of the progress. They succeeded in integrating the stream and waterfall with the pre-existing river rock wall so well, you would never know that the water feature was added long after the rock wall was installed (decades ago). Likewise, it is impossible to tell where the patio extension begins, it is woven so well with the existing patio.
We are so thrilled with the result. The stream and waterfall look very natural. The sound of the running water is soothing. The hummingbirds and songbirds love the water -- splashing in the stream and drinking. We have had several parties in the yard since the installation, and everyone comments on how nice the patio is and how natural the stream and waterfall look.
We have breakfast on the patio every weekend morning, and really love the sound of the water and watching the birds. My husband is getting ready to become semi-retired, and we look forward to spending even more time enjoying our wonderful yard.
I cannot recommend this company highly enough! If you live in the area, and are contemplating a project, you would do well to consult them and find out what they can do for you. You won't be sorry. read more