Absolutely gorgeous! I definitely would love to sit out there and enjoy

Definitely lovely, and I'll bet Damien uses his putting green a lot more often now that it is a patio.

Marvelous! Too bad you had to go through all that hassle the first time around. I would have been very tempted to take the first contractor to court.

No percentages in going legal. And they didn't break any laws, civil or criminal. I was just stupid and easily agreeable. I could list dozens of questions (and answers) that should have been posed before construction. Heck, before even looking for a contractor. There are other ponders here from whom I have learned the questions and variety of answers. Just as our gardens differ due to local and environment and personal preferences, ponds differ is what you CAN do and what you would like to do. I also believe that we could have 'done it ourselves' as several people here have. Bonnie is the pond builder par excellance! Just put her in a Kubota and she is off and digging.

Thanks for all the great responses (even one acorn!! wahoooo, from a generous gardener. If no one has written a more formal article on preparing for a pond, then it would be a great article. Maybe a composite of many of our experiences that reflect, not just the cookie cutter articles online but the real life issues that each faced. It would include the decision to have pond plants and/or gold fish or koi.

I love the contrast of the clipped lawn with the full flower beds. I'd like to have that too, but have sworn off the maintenance of turf, while I establish beds. I moved 3 years ago - gardeners should never move! I am so looking forward to finding the perfect spot for new plantings, and NOT have to develop a new bed for it. Love your space.

Thanks a lot. I am still looking for areas to throw down even a fairly shallow raised bed. As long as there is any grass however I have to assure a path for the mower that won't drive my DH to rage. lol I am even thinking of using something for edging that will curve yet be tall enough to allow at least 6-8" of dirt. I will put down newspapers etc to kill the underlying grass before filling.