Transforming Outdoor Spaces: Bringing Colorado to Iowa
How we renovated a modest waterfall into a winding mountain stream — complete with Colorado driftwood, field boulders, and a fresh sense of place.
A Complete Waterfall Renovation in a Mature Landscape
This project involved removing the existing waterfalls and replacing them with a longer, more dramatic system that mimics a mountain stream. We also integrated larger boulders into the pond in this established Ankeny yard, transforming a functional feature into a true focal point — one that feels like it's always belonged there.
Working Within a Tight, Established Space
The challenge of this build was working around the existing pond and very mature landscaping. We had to remove a section of fencing, move plants, and navigate a confined yard to gain access — all without disrupting the landscape the homeowner had spent years cultivating.
Every decision had to respect what was already there, even as we set out to completely transform the water feature at the heart of the yard.
Bringing the Rocky Mountains to Central Iowa
Our crew sourced larger rocks and driftwood from Colorado to create a winding stream that evokes something you'd see in the Rockies. We tore out the old stream entirely, carefully worked around existing landscape beds, and extended the stream so the homeowner gets that out-West feeling right in their backyard.
"We tore out the old stream, and carefully worked around the landscape beds to create an extended stream where the homeowner feels as if they are on one of their vacations out West."
Additional large boulders were added to the pond so that the stream and water garden look seamlessly integrated — a continuous, natural-feeling composition.
"We bring in larger boulders and driftwood while extending the stream, creating a mountain stream-like appearance to this very established landscape."
Built to Last — and Built to Impress
This system makes the most of both new materials and carefully reused components from the previous build, keeping the homeowner's investment working hard while delivering a completely transformed look.
See the Transformation
The homeowner is very happy with his new stream — even adding an outdoor bar and seating area close by so he can spend more time beside it. He was quick to add new plants and aquatic life as soon as our crews were done, so the water feature could fully merge with the surrounding landscape.
Let's Design Your Dream Water Feature
Iowa Waterscapes is Central Iowa's only Master Certified Aquascape Contractor. We've been building and maintaining ponds in the Des Moines area for nearly 20 years.
Call (515) 208-4099