Some backyard projects are more than just improvements—they’re personal legacies. That was the case for Sid Welch in Clover, South Carolina, whose love of fish ponds began over 50 years ago thanks to his grandfather’s backyard oasis.
“My grandfather had fish ponds for decades,” Sid shared. “His fish were so tame you could reach into the water, and they’d come suck on your fingers.”
Fast forward to today, and that childhood nostalgia inspired Sid to rebuild his own pond—but this time, with the help of Hoaglandscape.
A Pond Rebuild Years in the Making
Sid first built his own pond in 2006. Like many DIY efforts, it worked—for a while. But after 18 years, with leaks forming and the system wearing down, it was time for a complete rebuild.
He had connected with Brian Hoagland years prior for an estimate, but the timing hadn’t been right. Still, Sid stayed on the email list and kept Hoaglandscape top of mind.
“I kept getting Brian’s emails for five years,” he said with a laugh. “And when our old pond started leaking, I finally reached back out. The rest is history.”
The Clover Pond Build: Big Stone, Big Impact
The new pond, designed and installed by Hoaglandscape, is a 9×11 foot goldfish pond with a powerful yet peaceful aesthetic. One of the biggest challenges on the job? The boulders.
“We had access to some incredibly large stone at our supplier,” Brian explained. “They were gorgeous—but massive. It made placement more of a puzzle in a pond of this size.”
Still, the payoff was well worth it. The result is a naturalistic pondscape with a cascading multi-level waterfall, a wetland filtration system, and big boulders that define the space and anchor the landscaping.
A Natural Filtration System for Clarity and Low Maintenance
Beneath the surface is a professionally installed wetland filter, the heart of this low-maintenance pond. Using snorkels, aqua blocks, and gravel, the filter system breaks down organic matter and distributes clean, clear water throughout the feature.
“The wetland filter means less maintenance and better water quality,” Brian noted. “And it’s all hidden under the landscape—it does the heavy lifting without disrupting the view.”
A skimmer and high-efficiency Oase 4000–8000 adjustable pump keep the water circulating beautifully across the waterfall and back down into the pond.
Finishing Touches That Make It Shine
After the pond was built, Hoaglandscape added native plantings and perennials—including butterfly bushes that bloom all summer—around the pond and wetland edge.
And at night? The pond glows.
“Watching the pond light up after sunset is one of the best parts,” Sid said. “You can see it from the road. We’ve had neighbors stop and ask what’s back here—it draws you in.”
A Client Experience Built on Trust and Vision
For Sid and his wife Denisa, this pond is more than just a backyard upgrade. It’s a tribute to family memories, a place to relax, and a showpiece they can enjoy from every window of their home.
“There’s just no comparison to the old one I built,” Sid said. “This is something we’ll enjoy for years, and we’re thrilled with how it turned out.”
When asked about the process, Sid added: “We knew there’d be some heavy lifting with the big stones. But I wasn’t worried. Brian and the team took care of everything, and it turned out better than we imagined.”
Inspired by Sid’s Story? Let’s Build Your Backyard Pond
Whether you’re restoring a piece of your past or creating something new, Hoaglandscape is here to bring your vision to life. From goldfish and koi ponds to pondless waterfalls and bubbling fountains, we specialize in building outdoor water features that are both beautiful and built to last.
If you’re ready to upgrade your yard with a custom pond or water feature in Charlotte, Belmont, Gastonia, Clover, or the surrounding areas, contact us today to start the conversation.
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Call Hoaglandscape at 980-522-6166
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