Platinum Ponds & Landscaping

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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: Beautiful and Durable

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 with outdoor ligthting. The area is surrounded by lots of trees.

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

Natural Stone: 5 Ideas for Beautiful Landscapes

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 with outdoor ligthting. The area is surrounded by lots of trees.

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. Explore This Swim

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Artificial turf putting green on the edge of a pond

4 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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Kitchen island near pool

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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Bird in tree

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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Leaves in fall pond

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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Wetland filter with plants & waterfall

A Deep Dive Into Wetland Filters For Ponds

A wetland Filter is the absolute best way to filter pond water. 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

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Serene garden pond with pond plants

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

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Water lily pond plant

5 Pond Plants That Help Filter Water

Aquatic pond 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 pond plants that we typically use in our installations to help with water clarity and add great color

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Large pond with sprawling hills in background

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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Pair of ducks

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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Forest of cherry blossom trees

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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Koi in pond

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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2 men cleaning pond

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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Wetland filter with plants & waterfall

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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Koi pond under snow

How to Keep Koi Safe in Winter

Koi fish are amazingly hardy animals and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. In their native waters, koi are able to withstand very warm and almost-freezing temperatures. When kept in backyard ponds, there are a few points you will need to consider to keep your koi happy and healthy in below freezing temperatures. If your fish reside in an

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Keep a hole in the ice

5 Tips for a Winter Pond

Ice formations and drifts of snow create a wonderful scene in a winter water feature. If you’re like most people, you shut down your water feature for the winter season. While this is a perfectly viable option for most people, some opt to keep their water features running. To ensure that your pond and waterfall provide all the pleasures of

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Koi in brown pond water

Treating Ugly Brown Pond Water

Fall leaves not only mess up your yard, but they can also lead to brown pond water. As the fall season progresses, you may notice your once-clear pond taking on a murky brown tint. While it may look alarming, this is actually a very common seasonal issue. The first step to fixing this unsightly problem is understanding what is happening

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Mulch leaves in yard

The Importance of Leaf Cleanup

In Michigan, fall means nature is at its peak. It only happens once a year, it only lasts a few months, and the vibrant colors usher in the beauty of the season. But with great beauty comes great responsibility! Don’t “leaf” your landscaping to the wayside as winter approaches. Falls leaves have an appeal – they coat your yard with

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Dianthus plants

6 Plants That Looks Great Around a Pond

A pond, waterfall, or fountain instantly becomes the focal point of your landscape — but the surrounding plants are what truly complete the picture. The right plant choices can soften stone edges, frame cascading water, add seasonal color, and create a natural transition between your water feature and the rest of your yard. Without thoughtful planting, even the most beautiful

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