Entry Waterfall: A Mini Oasis Greeting You Home

For Craig and Carrie Prunty of Beaverton, Oregon, the daily return home begins with the soothing sound of water. A lush front garden centered around a splashing waterfall sits along a bend in the driveway—the first thing they see at day's end.

Engineering a Naturalistic Scene

Built on the property line, a concrete block wall supports the elevated waterfall, formed from earth excavated to create a 4-foot-deep koi pond. Massive boulders were artfully arranged to mimic a natural cascade, blurring the line between construction and geology.

Plant Palette for Year-Round Interest

An evergreen backdrop of Colorado blue spruce, shore pine, 'Vanderwolf' pine, Viburnum davidii, and weeping blue Atlas cedar provides structure. Low red and green laceleaf maples join a tall 'Bloodgood' Japanese maple for seasonal drama. At ground level, Carex morrowii expallida, ferns, heathers, and black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens') soften edges with texture and movement.

Protecting the Koi

Steep pond sides and strategically placed hiding spots safeguard the fish from raccoons and great blue herons—practical design that preserves the tranquility.

Design: Tony Prunty