Platinum Ponds & Landscaping

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5 Unique Ideas for Outdoor Christmas Decorations

The holiday season is a magical time to transform your outdoor space into a festive wonderland. While classic lights and wreaths are always charming, why not add a unique twist to your Christmas decorations this year? Here are five creative ideas to make your yard the talk of the neighborhood this holiday season. 1. Lighted Pathway with Luminaries Guide your

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Koi In Winter

What Happens to Koi Fish Over the Winter?

As winter approaches and temperatures start to drop, koi fish naturally begin to prepare for the colder months. If you’re a koi owner, you may wonder what happens to your colorful fish as ice forms over the pond and the water grows chilly. The good news is that koi are resilient creatures, adapted to survive the winter with some simple

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The Best Trees and Shrubs for Vibrant Fall Foliage in Michigan

As the cool October air sweeps through Michigan, nature begins to put on one of its most stunning displays—fall foliage. The leaves turn into a kaleidoscope of fiery reds, deep oranges, and golden yellows, transforming landscapes into works of art. If you’re looking to bring the beauty of Michigan’s fall colors to your own backyard, choosing the right trees and

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Smaller version of Urn-shaped water fountain with outdoor lighting

Take Your Evenings Outdoors

As the sun sets and the stars begin to twinkle, your garden can transform into a serene and inviting retreat with the right lighting. Low voltage landscape lighting is a perfect way to extend the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space well into the evening. Whether you’re hosting a gathering with friends, enjoying a quiet night under the stars,

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Patios with chairs, fire pit, and outdoor kitchen.

Paver Patios, Are They Better Than Concrete?

In recent years, the outdoor living trend has surged, with homeowners increasingly seeking to transform their outdoor spaces into functional and inviting extensions of their homes. One key element, the foundation of these outdoor sanctuaries, is the patio, where families gather for meals, friends congregate for conversations, and individuals find solace in the great outdoors. While concrete patios have long

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Retaining Wall

Engineered Retaining Walls: Why They Stand The Test Of Time

Retaining walls have been used for centuries to hold back soil and prevent erosion. From ancient civilizations to modern construction projects, these walls have played a crucial role in shaping the landscape and ensuring the stability of structures. While traditional retaining walls were typically made of stone or concrete, engineered walls have become increasingly popular due to their durability, versatility,

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Swim Pond

Custom Swim Pond Featured In Pond Trader Magazine!

We are thrilled to announce that our swim pond project, designed and installed in the summer of 2023, has been showcased in the prestigious April 20, 2024 edition of Pond Trader Magazine. Our company was prominently featured in the Contractors Corner section, recognizing our expertise and innovation in the industry. Furthermore, we are proud to share that our project was

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multi-tiered flagstone patio

Hardscaping With Natural Stone: Five Ideas For Using Real Stone In Your Landscape

Landscaping is not just about plants and flowers; it’s about creating a harmonious outdoor space that reflects your personality and lifestyle. One of the most enduring and captivating elements in landscape design is natural stone. From its rugged beauty to its versatility, real stone adds a timeless appeal to any outdoor environment. In this guide, we’ll explore five creative ideas

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Swim Pond

Swim With Nature – A West Michigan Recreational Swim Pond

Nestled amidst the rolling hills and lush greenery of this West Michigan landscape lies a hidden gem – a recreational swim pond that is as enchanting as it is rejuvenating. This oasis of tranquility offers a sanctuary where one can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse oneself in the healing power of nature. As you approach

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Four Tips For Designing The Perfect Backyard Putting Green

A backyard putting green is the dream landscaping upgrade for many golf enthusiasts, and for good reason! An artificial turf putting green is not only a fantastic way to help improve your short game but is also a catalyst to spending more time outdoors with your family and friends. Plus, there’s no need to drive all the way to the

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The Irresistible Benefits of Having an Outdoor Kitchen

Imagine savoring the aroma of grilled delicacies, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature, as you entertain family and friends. Welcome to the world of outdoor kitchens, where the joy of cooking meets the beauty of the great outdoors. There are numerous benefits of having an outdoor kitchen at your home that will transform your culinary experience and enhance your

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Attract Wild Birds

How To Attract Wild Birds To Your Yard This Winter

Watching wild birds in your yard is an enjoyable activity any time of year, but this is especially true in winter when not much else is happening in your garden. Although some favorites, such as hummingbirds, migrate to warmer places in winter, many other species stick it out through the cold. There’s a few things you can do to attract

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8 Steps To Winterize Your Pond

It’s important to know how to winterize your pond and prepare your fish to survive through the winter. Over the course of a year, your pond will accumulate debris such as leaves, twigs, grass clippings, and fish waste. Left unchecked, decaying debris can release toxic gas and reduce dissolved oxygen levels within the pond. Removing debris and swapping filtration systems

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A Deep Dive Into Wetland Filters For Ponds

Backyard koi ponds are intended to mimic nature, however they require mechanical and biological means to maintain a healthy ecosystem and clear water. A properly designed pond often includes a biological filter, which combines both mechanical and biological treatment, to maintain the health of a pond. Without a biological filter, a pond can quickly become overrun by algae and sediment. 

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An Easier Way To Control Pond Algae

During the warm summer months algae can quickly become a problem for many ponds. Luckily there is an easy way to prevent algae growth without the use of any harsh chemicals. Aquascape Ion-Gen System The IonGen System is an electronic algae controller for ponds, waterfalls, and other decorative water features.This electronic device reduces yearly pond maintenance, allowing you to spend

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5 Plants That Help Filter Pond Water

Aquatic plants help blend a pond into the surrounding environment as foliage grows over rocks and gravel. As the plants grow they also provide shade which protects fish from predators and slows algae production. Below is a brief description of five plants that we typically use in our installations to help with water clarity and add great color throughout the

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pond

Common Questions About Koi Ponds

For homeowners considering installing a koi pond, here are answers to some commonly asked questions: Do Ponds Require Lots Of Maintenance? In reality, a properly installed ecosystem pond is less work than the area of grass it replaces. A balance of five key factors creates the basis for a truly low maintenance pond – filtration, circulation, plants, fish, and rocks

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Ducks – Okay to Visit, Not to Stay

Ducks are fun to watch and may seem like a novelty to have as a visitor to your pond. Although one or two visits from a duck should not be an issue for your pond, you should stay on the lookout for signs that they are making themselves at home. Ducks can cause issues for your pond that neither you

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Add Spring Color to your Landscape

The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer, and spring has finally sprung! There are many different ways to add some beautiful colors to your landscape in the early season. Trees & Shrubs Nothing says spring quite like cherry blossom trees. These trees produce a sweet smell along with their amazing pink blossoms. There are many varieties of

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New Fish For Your Pond

Koi are not the only type of fish you can keep in your pond. There are other pond fish out there that can bring beauty and benefits to your water garden. Some are pretty, and others, not so much. Nevertheless they all bring their unique characteristics to a water feature and will lend a little originality beyond the expected koi.

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6 Things To Do While Cleaning Your Pond

Warmer weather is on the horizon and it’s time to start thinking about your pond again. These maintenance tasks should be done while cleaning your pond and can help prevent future problems from arising throughout the summer months. Some pond owners enjoy performing their own maintenance, but you can always hire us to take care of it for you. 1.

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Better Understand Your Pond Filtration

Most pond owners already know that good water quality and a healthy pond habitat go hand in hand. However, knowing how to get or to keep high water quality can be challenging to many pond owners. A bit of basic knowledge will help you keep your pond looking beautiful and performing optimally throughout the season. In addition to plants, fish,

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