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9/12/2023 Pond Restoration: A Practical Guide to Transforming Your Pond into a Low-Maintenance Fish Paradise The pond featured in the video below was in need of an overhaul. After years of dealing with a malfunctioning pump, the water feature had become difficult to maintain and was causing stress for the owner. The pond was home to massive, healthy koi fish, but it had some major issues that needed to be addressed.
Today, we will take you through a step-by-step process on how to rebuild an existing koi pond. Like any water feature, these ponds require periodic maintenance to ensure they function correctly and look their best. However, without proper attention, things can get out of hand, leading to serious problems. Fortunately, this pond owner noticed that something was wrong and reached out for help before her fish were affected too badly. 8/29/2023 Before & After: How We Transformed This Dated Backyard Into a Patio Oasis In Newport News, VA I hope you're ready for a blast from the past because today we're taking on a yard that's stuck in the 80s and giving it a major upgrade. Now, I wasn't around in the 80s, but I can definitely relate to those memories of seeing our loved ones rockin' those bright purple and yellow windbreakers with geometric shapes. Ahh, the fashion choices of yesteryear!
But let's get back to the task at hand, because I'm thrilled to share the journey of this amazing transformation with you. So, let's dive in and break down the process step by step.  Are you tired of feeling like your outdoor space is missing something? Do you struggle to bring your design ideas to life? Are you looking for ways to create a space that your friends and family will love? If so, you're in luck! In this blog post, I'll be sharing five hardscape design rules that will help you transform your outdoor space into a beautiful and functional oasis.
Do you dream of a serene backyard escape complete with a crystal-clear koi pond? Maintaining a koi pond can be both rewarding and challenging. One of the most frustrating problems faced by pond owners is dealing with the dreaded "pea-green soup" water, which can obscure the beauty of your pond and make it difficult to enjoy your fish. In this blog post, we'll delve into the journey of a dedicated pond owner who reached out for help and asked us to restore the tranquility of his backyard oasis.
Would you swim in a pool without chlorine? Would you swim in a pond with natural filtration? Today, we're diving into the world of recreational ponds, specifically one that's naturally filtered, making it safe and enjoyable for swimming without harsh chemicals. In this blog post, we’re taking a look at the step-by-step construction of a naturally filtered rec pond in Gloucester, Virginia, offering you an enchanting escape into the beauty of nature while enjoying a chemical-free swimming experience.
 Goldfish ponds can be a delightful addition to any garden or backyard. However, maintaining their cleanliness and creating a balanced ecosystem can be challenging, especially when using the common "pump and dump" method.
In this blog post, we'll explore the process of transforming a murky, pump and dump pond into a clear, thriving ecosystem using the principles of biomimicry, while also being mindful of a budget. Additionally, we'll discover the innovative use of a spillway bowl and an Aquablox panel to create a budget-friendly bog, providing efficient filtration and nutrient balance for clear, healthy water.  In today's world, where environmental consciousness is on the rise, planting a pollinating garden has become a popular and responsible trend. By creating a habitat that nurtures our local pollinators, we not only help them thrive but also contribute to the overall health of our ecosystem. There are a few valuable insights I want to share on how we can make our gardens and landscapes more welcoming to pollinators, and I’ll be emphasizing the importance of focusing on the right food sources, trees as host plants, and year-round considerations. So let's dive in and discover how we can play a crucial role in supporting our local pollinators.
Summer is the perfect time to transform your backyard into a relaxing oasis, and what better way to do that than by building your own patio? However, the idea of a DIY patio may seem daunting, especially with the horror stories of uneven surfaces and weed-infested cracks. But don’t worry, with a few practical tips, you can create a beautiful and functional patio that will enhance your outdoor space and make your summer dreams come true.  Recently I was hanging out with Fred, our trusty mannequin friend, and we stumbled upon a conversation about Shaq's pond. Now, let me tell you, it was a bit one-sided and honestly a tad boring. But then we had an idea! We thought, maybe you guys haven't seen the full glory of Shaq's pond and its surroundings. So, we decided to take you on a little adventure to show you what went into constructing this magnificent pond and some of the headaches the team faced along the way.
Today, I want to share with you an exciting project that had us on the edge of our seats. It all started with a magnificent paver driveway we installed last year, boasting a whopping 5,500 square feet. Complete with a mesmerizing water feature, intricate inlays, and a picturesque walkway leading to the front porch, this driveway in the beautiful neighborhood of Hilton Village (Newport News, Virginia) was a true work of art. Little did we know that an even greater challenge awaited us - the installation of a 22,000 pound plunge pool. Join me as we dive (see what I did there?!) into all the details of this nerve-wracking endeavor.  In the heart of Georgia, legendary basketball player and philanthropist Shaquille O'Neal found himself in need of major help. After an unsuccessful attempt by Shaq's team to build a second pond on their own, Aquascape answered the call for help. The project, completed in just ten days, required a massive workforce to meet Shaq's tight schedule. The dedicated team of Certified Aquascape Contractors set out to create an epic recreational pond in time to surprise Shaq for Father’s Day, but heavy rains and erosion threatened to ruin all of their hard work...
With a ticking clock and the pressure to impress, this is the story of how we came together with Aquascape to build a monumental pond fit for the big man himself—a Shaq-sized pond. Today we’re taking you on a journey through a remarkable transformation in Newport News, Virginia. In this detailed account, we will walk you through the entire process, from the challenges we faced to the stunning features we incorporated. Prepare to be amazed as we unveil the captivating hardscape and water features that have turned this once mundane space into a backyard paradise for the whole family.
We’re taking a look at our top five favorite backyard transformations and sharing some of the coolest features from each design. We’ve got everything from a tropical paradise with a poolside waterfall, to a modern oasis with lots of clean lines and an epic plunge pool. Keep reading to find out more about our favorite backyard makeovers.
If the American flags around our office don’t give it away, we’re patriots here at Easton Outdoors.
When we got the call about helping a disabled veteran by building a patio and outdoor space for his new home, a place where he could get outside with his family and just enjoy being out in nature, we jumped at the chance. This opportunity came from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, who is partnering with Wayne Harbin Builders to build a brand new smart home for a disabled veteran right here in the Toano, Virginia, area. Not only did we get to be a part of the undertaking, but there were actually several local businesses and partners who pitched in to make this project happen, which we’ll talk more about later on! The centerpiece for this modern backyard transformation on the Southside in Virginia Beach was a pergola. Our clients wanted a space where they could get out and enjoy their yard all year long, so we did some research and decided to try a new brand of pergola that was beautiful, sleek, modern… and also MISSING for several months!
In this blog, we're answering some common questions about using pavers or concrete for your next backyard project, including:
If you’re thinking about replacing a driveway or installing a new patio for your outdoor space, you’re probably looking at all of the options and wondering which choice is going to be best for you. In this post we teamed up with our friend Adam from Commercial Concrete to talk about six important differences for you to consider when comparing concrete versus pavers. What if we told you that you don't have to leave your home in order to have the outdoor experience of your dreams? What if you could create that sense of adventure, natural beauty, and relaxation right in your own backyard? That is exactly what we did for this space in York County, Virginia. One of my favorite things about this property is how it is set right on the water, but this setup also posed one of the biggest challenges for the job.
Properties like this one in Poquoson, Virginia, that are set right on the water have one main issue: they are often sitting on an RPA, or a Resource Protected Area. The RPA in Poquoson is a 50-foot buffer area that helps to protect the natural environment near a body of water from being disturbed. The main concern with hardscape projects like this one is the runoff that can occur as a result of installing pavers. We always want to preserve the natural beauty of any space that we’re working in, so we came up with a plan that would allow these homeowners to have the outdoor space they wanted, while also protecting the natural beauty of Poquoson. Once we had approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals to get started on the job, we still had a few obstacles to face. While the backyard as a whole is not small, the area that we had to work in was pretty compact. After accounting for the boundary lines set by the RPA, we had to fit an outdoor kitchen and bar, a patio, and a full-sized pool inside 700 square feet of space. When we first stepped into this backyard in Hampton, there was nothing in the space. Before the transformation, the homeowners were never really out here. The yard was basically just the place where they came to walk their dogs, and that was it! There was nowhere to sit, nothing to do, and there since there wasn't a fence in place the dogs couldn’t even run around. Well, they decided it was time for a change!
When we got the call about working on this job, we found out that this homeowner already had a pond installed not once, but TWICE in his backyard. We would be the third contractor to try and get this pond moved and situated, and we wanted to make sure that we would be the last!
Today we’re going to talk about how to pick a good contractor for your next outdoor home project and what possible red flags you should look for before hiring someone to fill that role.
To make sure we didn’t miss anything, we sat down with our supplier, Jacob, from Yorktown Materials. Jacob works closely with contractors and homeowners alike, so he has a unique view of the industry and had a lot of great information to share! Our goal is to educate others about what to look out for and what questions you should ask before hiring a contractor for your outdoor space. After all, you’re about to invest your hard earned money into a space that YOU have to live in, so you need to choose the right person to get the job done! 4/6/2023 The Backyard to Beat Them AllHave you ever had that feeling that something was missing, but you just didn’t know what it was? That was definitely the case for this homeowner, Ray.
You see, we had already completed phase one of a backyard transformation for this homeowner. We started in his barebones backyard, I used my trusty can of spray paint, and we made a plan that we thought would bring all of Ray’s wishes and hopes for this space to life. The inspiration for this driveway update came about because this homeowner was tired of dealing with gravel. As you can see, this driveway is long and for years he’s been out here blowing gravel, trying to maintain it. Every time he did this, gravel would end up going into the woods... These homeowners decided it was time for a change!
Back in 2018, my business was struggling a bit. I still needed to learn how to actually operate and run a business. Enter: The Contractor Fight. The funny thing about The Contractor Fight was that this group was made up largely of a bunch of pond builders, and suddenly I got to be a part of that world. While we had already built a bunch of water features at that point, we definitely weren’t doing it at the same caliber as these people. I immediately loved the camaraderie that this group had, and the tribe that The Contractor Fight had built. I started getting introduced to different builders around the country, and ended up at Aquascapes Pondemonium event, where I met April (aka “Queen of the Lady Pond Builders”) from American Waterscapes.
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About Easton OutdoorsWe started out as the neighborhood lawn boys – a group of high school friends trying to make some pocket change. It soon became more. We realized how much we enjoyed landscaping. Over the years, we've transformed hundreds of properties, beautified countless landscapes, and made many homeowners proud. This has become our passion! Categories
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Our Work
- From Dust to an Aquascaped Oasis
- Backyard Waterfall in Norfolk, Virginia
- From Pond to Pondless - Smithfield
- Contemporary Koi Pond - Toano
- Wildlife Oasis Pond - Virginia Beach
- Trip to Cancun - Windsor
- Ultimate Backyard w/ Hot Tub - Toano
- Backyard Rescue & Rehabilitation - Carrolton
- Private Oasis - Ford's Colony
- Sunken Patio - Yorktown, Virginia
- Hanging Out in the Corner - James Landing
- No More Erosion - Settlement at Powhatan Creek
- Colonial Garden - Williamsburg
- It's Too Shady - Yorktown, Virginia
- The Complete Package - Kingsmill
- Built Just for Hanging Out - Suffolk, Virginia
- Learn
- Let's Connect
- Trusted Partners
- Let's Create
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Our Work
- From Dust to an Aquascaped Oasis
- Backyard Waterfall in Norfolk, Virginia
- From Pond to Pondless - Smithfield
- Contemporary Koi Pond - Toano
- Wildlife Oasis Pond - Virginia Beach
- Trip to Cancun - Windsor
- Ultimate Backyard w/ Hot Tub - Toano
- Backyard Rescue & Rehabilitation - Carrolton
- Private Oasis - Ford's Colony
- Sunken Patio - Yorktown, Virginia
- Hanging Out in the Corner - James Landing
- No More Erosion - Settlement at Powhatan Creek
- Colonial Garden - Williamsburg
- It's Too Shady - Yorktown, Virginia
- The Complete Package - Kingsmill
- Built Just for Hanging Out - Suffolk, Virginia
- Learn
- Let's Connect
- Trusted Partners
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