At Auburn Sky Landscaping, we love turning ordinary landscapes into breathtaking outdoor escapes. Our latest project in Hawley, Pennsylvania was no exception! What started as a simple bank on the side of a home is now a beautiful pondless waterfall and butterfly retreat, complete with natural boulders, native plants, and soft landscape lighting.
Join us as we take you behind the scenes of this incredible transformation!
The Vision: A Natural, Flowing Waterfall
The homeowners wanted a low-maintenance water feature that blended seamlessly into their natural surroundings. The property already had gorgeous views of a nearby lake, so we designed a disappearing waterfall (also known as a pondless waterfall) that would complement the landscape while providing a relaxing ambiance.
Project Goals:
✅ Create a natural-looking waterfall using locally sourced boulders
✅ Make it visible from multiple vantage points, including the deck and fire pit
✅ Integrate native plants and flowers to attract butterflies and pollinators
✅ Add soft LED lighting to enhance the feature at night
✅ Prepare the area for a future sunken patio (Phase 2 of the project)
Breaking Ground: Digging & Installing the Basin
Every great waterfall starts with a solid foundation. We excavated the basin area, which serves as the underground reservoir for the water. Inside, we installed a vault for the pump and AquaBlox, which hold and store the water.
To ensure a long-lasting, leak-proof system, we layered double underlayment and liner before covering it with natural stone. This prevents punctures and ensures proper water flow while keeping the area looking as natural as possible.
Waterfall Layout:
🔹 Main waterfall – A large, cascading flow that creates a bold, dramatic effect
🔹 Hidden side waterfall – A smaller, tucked-away stream that adds depth and movement
🔹 Rock outcroppings – Natural stone ledges to enhance the look of a true mountain stream
Stacking Boulders & Shaping the Falls
Once the base was in place, it was time for the fun part – placing the boulders and shaping the waterfalls! We sourced all the boulders directly from the property, ensuring they matched the existing landscape perfectly. This technique makes the waterfall look like it has always been there.
Using careful rock placement, we created a double-flow waterfall effect where water merges at the lower level before disappearing into the hidden basin below.
We also strategically placed small creeks and side channels to make the flow feel more natural – like a true mountain stream winding its way down the hillside.
Lighting & Finishing Touches
To make the feature stand out day and night, we installed low-voltage LED lighting in key locations, including:
💡 At the base of the waterfall, to highlight the cascading water
💡 Near rock outcroppings, to create depth and shadow
💡 Around the butterfly garden, for a warm evening glow
By carefully placing the lights, the homeowners can enjoy the waterfall from every angle – whether sitting by the fire pit or relaxing on the deck.
After finalizing the stonework, we added native plants and flowers to soften the edges and attract butterflies, birds, and pollinators. This natural touch truly brings the space to life!
The Final Reveal: A Backyard Oasis
After long days of digging, stacking, and tweaking every detail, the transformation was complete! What was once a bare bank is now a flowing, illuminated, natural masterpiece.
🌊 A multi-tiered pondless waterfall that disappears seamlessly into the landscape
🦋 A lush butterfly retreat with native plants and flowers
💡 Soft, ambient lighting for nighttime enjoyment
🔥 A cozy fire pit nearby to enjoy the relaxing sounds of water
And the best part? This is just Phase 1! The homeowners have big plans for a future sunken patio with stone steps, further enhancing their backyard retreat.
Thinking About Adding a Waterfall to Your Backyard?
A pondless waterfall is low-maintenance, energy-efficient, and perfect for small or sloped yards. Plus, the soothing sound of flowing water adds instant relaxation to any outdoor space.
👉 Interested in your own backyard transformation? Contact us today at Auburn Sky Landscaping to start designing your custom water feature!
📍 Serving Northern New Jersey and surrounding areas