City and suburban living may come with the sacrifice of an expansive backyard, but that doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing. Designing and decorating small outdoor spaces requires innovation, intentionality and creativity. Plus, less space translates to lower renovation and maintenance costs, as well as lower utility and water bills.

For many, the backyard is a place of solace, which became especially evident during the past year. Not only did the backyard become an escape from the four walls of quarantining but, according to a recent study from the University of Washington (UW), having nature close to home is beneficial for mental health. A key aspect of these benefits is maintaining a level of attention and mindfulness while enjoying the outdoors. “Experiences with nature can slow the mind’s natural process of rumination in which we fret about the past and worry about the future in potentially destructive ways,” says Peter Kahn, a UW professor of psychology and environmental science. 

Dedicating a space in your yard to tranquility – such as a meditation garden or waterfall – can work wonders for improving your overall mental health and well-being. As you will see, Lancaster landscaping companies are proving that no space is too small for a metamorphosis. 

A City Backyard Oasis

 

According to Bobby Kenyon of C.E. Pontz Sons, a water feature is the most impactful way to change your backyard. “It is a living, breathing feature that changes daily and seasonally. It draws you outside and gives you a space to unwind and relax, as well as entertain and play,” he explains. 

Photos courtesy of C.E. Pontz Sons 

rWater features are therapeutic, providing soothing sights and sounds that create a relaxing environment to help you destress. They also attract all types of wildlife, including birds, frogs and butterflies (some even allow for pet fish to be introduced). The interactive ecosystem allows you to learn all about wildlife, providing you with a new purpose and environment to care for. 

In October 2018, C.E. Pontz Sons, which specializes in backyard water features, transformed a small backyard in Lancaster City into an oasis. Before the overhaul, the space was considered useless. “It was basically a small, patchy-grass area with mostly weeds. It wasn’t big enough for a real lawn, so the maintenance of mowing made little to no sense. [The clients] wanted something interactive and aesthetically pleasing,” Bobby says. “They were looking for some type of water feature, and well, water is what we do best.”

Over the course of a week, the C.E. Pontz team transformed the barren backyard into a lush, relaxing ecosystem. The project did pose some challenges in that the space was only accessible through a door in the client’s garage. “Typically, a project this size can be accomplished much quicker, but all the rock and materials had to be carried into the garage and through the back door of the garage to the yard,” Bobby explains. Thankfully, their excavator was able to just barely squeeze through the door. 

After excavating the soil and creating tiers for a waterfall to flow into the pond, the team installed liners and a pumping system for the water, all of which were supplied by Aquascape Inc. 

Once the liner was put in place, it was time to organize the rocks and gravel – from Penn Stone – around the borders of the feature and along the bottom of the basin. After starting the water, the team added plants and grasses into the pond. The area surrounding the water feature was then mulched. The final element was a slate walkway that leads to a small patio, perfect for enjoying the sights and sounds of the waterfall.

Overall, Bobby says maintenance on water features like this project are relatively low. Adding the waterfall element to the feature creates agitation and prevents the pond from becoming algae-filled. “We install ponds with a skimmer system similar to a pool where service debris is collected into a skimmer basket that can easily be removed and dumped out,” Bobby says. “As long as you have proper size filtration, keep your fish count in check and don’t overfeed them, maintenance is minimal.” 

For more information on C.E. Pontz Sons, call 717-394-9923 or visit cepontzsons.com.

 

 

A Suburban Rain and Meditation Garden

 

Indian Run Landscaping created the ultimate backyard getaway – a combination meditation and rain garden – that not only solved an environmental issue, but provided aesthetic beauty to a corner of the backyard, as well as mental health benefits for the homeowners. 

Photos courtesy of Indian Run Landscaping 

Pivot has become a pandemic-related word that even applies to the building industry. Consider the Manheim Township homeowners who were in the process of planning an addition for their home, only to be informed by the township that their stormwater would need a place to go. Their builder suggested a rain garden, which led to Indian Run Landscaping’s involvement in the project. 

Rain gardens are a cost effective and low maintenance way to reduce a property’s runoff. Every time it rains, water runs off impermeable surfaces like roofs and driveways, collecting pollutants such as dirt, fertilizer, chemicals, oil, garbage and bacteria along the way, according to the Groundwater Foundation. The polluted, untreated water enters storm drains and flows directly into nearby streams and ponds. 

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that pollutants carried by rainwater runoff account for 70% of all water pollution. Rain gardens, which are depressed areas in their surrounding landscape, collect this water, which is then filtered by the vegetation and surrounding soil. Rain gardens not only provide localized stormwater and flood control but also help to preserve native vegetation and attract birds, butterflies and insects.

The client took this opportunity to transform an unused corner of their yard. “Their young son designed a meditation-garden area that he wanted to incorporate into the design of the rain garden,” says Nikki Sandman, who is Indian Run’s social media and marketing manager. Reminiscent of a Zen garden, the son’s plan included a labyrinth and a water feature. 

Originating in Japan, a traditional Zen garden is a minimalist dry landscape comprised of natural elements like rocks, sand, gravel and wood. Many incorporate manmade components such as bridges, lanterns and fences. The minimalist structure and décor are meant to provide a respite – devoid of distraction – for meditation and contemplation. 

In this case, pairing the meditation and rain gardens would create a peaceful escape from the outside world while also benefiting the surrounding environment. Indian Run revised the custom design of the rain garden to incorporate the son’s ideas and to meet the requirements of the township; the meditation garden would be the focal point of the corner, while the rain garden would surround it. After finalizing the design, installation began, which took about five days.

Work began by removing the overgrown raised beds in the corner of the yard. The area was excavated and constructed to meet the specifications of the township’s Stormwater Management Plan. Inside the rain garden, the team constructed the labyrinth with a bubbling-boulder water feature as the central point. Large river boulders were placed around the feature for seating. Smaller rocks – some from the family’s summer vacation – as well as stones, pebbles and gravel filled the rest of the labyrinth. (Indian Run also worked with Penn Stone to obtain materials for the labyrinth.)

A bridge, custom built by one of Indian Run’s foremen, was installed to provide access across the rain garden and into the meditation area. The bridge was made with a premium, pressure-treated pine wood that will last through the seasons. 

Wildflowers, native perennials and shrubs, supplied by Mountain Spring Nursery and Ziegler’s Ponds and Aquatic Nursery, were planted throughout the space for the functionality of the rain garden and to add to the relaxing atmosphere of the mediation area. After mulching the beds, the Zen space was complete.

“The plantings will need to be maintained as appropriate for each species, and weeds will need to be removed if they are found in the plantings and rain garden,” Nikki explains, highlighting that the space is relatively low maintenance.

To learn more about Indian Run Landscaping, call 717-285-2750 or visit indianrunlandscaping.com.

 

Making the Most of a Small Outdoor Space 

 

The first step to transforming a small space is to consider your lifestyle and how it translates to your outdoor-living area, according to London-based garden designer Ula Maria in her book, Green: Simple Ideas for Small Outdoor Spaces. Do you want to dedicate the time and space to growing a garden? Do you want to make it a fun area for your kids to play? Or would you simply like a relaxing setting to enjoy the warm weather? To make the most of your space, it is crucial to contemplate how it will best serve you. “All it takes is some creativity and imagination,” Bobby Kenyon of C.E. Pontz Sons remarks. Yards, balconies, windowsills and even rooftops all have room for possibility. No space is too small. 

Ask a professional.

Nikki Sandman of Indian Run Landscaping emphasizes the importance of consulting with experts for ambitious home projects. “Working with a designer is key so that the client is getting an outdoor space that works best within their space and budget and is functional for their family,” she explains. “It is important to work with a full-service landscape and hardscape company that will be able to provide design, installation and maintenance services.”

Bobby also recommends taking a look at the websites and social media of landscaping companies or gardening publications to create a vision for your project. “We have tons of inspirational photos of yards of all sizes and shapes on our social media where people can browse ideas and get inspired. I’m happy to help with any questions people may have. I always respond to comments and questions even if they are planning on DIY,” Bobby says. “We can still help.”

Create privacy.

Use fences and plants to envelop your space. Stripped-down fences with climbing plants can add color and soften the look of blocky fences, Indian Run Landscaping suggests. A tree line, oversized hedges or ornamental grasses can also create subtle barriers. Creating focal points based on statement decorations or water features, can also help to draw eyes away from surrounding buildings. 

Don’t forget about vertical space.

Recognize that you aren’t solely limited to the square-footage of your yard and take advantage of the vertical plane. Hang planters or other décor from railings and ceilings. Stack planters and containers on shelves or create a “living wall.” 

Consider installing green roofs on underused surfaces.

Extension roofs, garden sheds or even rooftops of storage areas can all be transformed into beautiful small-scale landscapes, according to author Ula Maria. 

Get creative with storage options.

Many urban yards are too small for traditional storage options, like garden sheds. Ula recommends utilizing outdoor cabinets or shelves and combining storage with chairs, benches or tables. 

Lighting can transform your space.

Consider using a spotlight to highlight the focal points of your outdoor space, such as prized plants, interesting planters or water features. Warm lighting – candles or strings of café lights – provide a cozy vibe. Interesting lamps and lighting fixtures can also add a unique element to your space. 

Outdoor and patio seating continues to trend.

“As the pandemic has forced us to spend more time at our homes, we have become more aware of the importance of having an outdoor space to relax and unwind at home,” Nikki explains. “Patios and other outdoor-seating areas will continue to be high on everyone’s list.” A focus on making outdoor-living spaces comfortable for year-round gatherings is also increasing. Investing in heaters, weather protection and fire pits (depending on your space and local ordinances) can help you get even more use out of your yard.

Enjoy the sounds of flowing water.

Nikki and Bobby both agree that water features –  bubblers, fountains and ponds – are also high on everyone’s lists. These features provide relaxation and stress relief, not to mention a beautiful focal point for your space. 

Garden behind glass.

Mini greenhouses come in a range of sizes, so there are options to suit every budget and space. These greenhouses are perfect for growing tropical plants or stretching your garden’s viability into the fall season.

Add your personality to the space.

Feel free to experiment with unique rugs, cushions, lighting, containers and planters. You can always switch it up next year!

Dave Rupp jumped at the opportunity to add a garden shed/man cave to his backyard. The only hiccup was he had to dismantle the structure that had stood in a cemetery since 1869 and rebuild it on his property. Thanks to his background in engineering and home repair, he was game to tackle the project.  

The cemetery in question – Mount Bethel in Columbia – provides a history lesson of sorts, as it is the borough’s oldest, continually used place of rest. Dating to 1730, it is estimated that as many as 11,000 of Columbia’s deceased residents are interred in the 10-acre cemetery. Dave has been a member of the cemetery’s board of directors since 2005. 

Columbia has always been home for Dave. “Born and bred,” he says, adding that his grandparents operated a pretzel and snack food company in Columbia for a time. He followed in their footsteps by manning a roasted peanut stand (the product line came from Bertie County Peanuts in North Carolina) at Columbia’s Market House for a period of time. 

After graduating from Columbia High School, Dave joined the Marine Corps. Upon his discharge, he enrolled at Penn State University, graduating with an associate degree in engineering, which he parlayed into a 26-year career with the Pfaltzgraff Company. Four years prior to the company being sold in 2005, Dave was laid off, prompting him and one of his two sons to launch a handyman business that flourished for 15 years until he decided to retire. “I gained a lot of knowledge about home repairs through that business,” he says. 

Dave also became adept at making home repairs through buying a house in Columbia that dates to 1915. The house (as well as two others) sits on a block that features homes that date to the 1800s and exemplify Victorian architecture. Dave explains that the three houses replaced a large mansion that was destroyed by a fire around 1900. Sandstone blocks were the only building elements that survived the flames. Incredibly, Dave discovered some of them partially buried in his backyard and made use of them for a walkway he built.   

While Dave and his wife, Vivian, didn’t have to devote much time to updating their new home, the backyard was another story. “There was nothing back there except a tree,” he says. So, in 1999, Dave went to work and over time he built a deck, a covered porch and a patio adjacent to the house. In 2003, he beautified the rear area of his 1/6-acre lot with a brick-lined pathway, trees, shrubs, a pergola and new fencing. Just as he and Vivian were preparing to install what he jokingly estimates to be “$2,000 worth of shade plants” they had bought for the flower beds, an ancient and very tall tree from two houses away came crashing down. “There went our shade!” he laughs. 

Five years ago, Mount Bethel Cemetery was at a crossroads in making a decision about the fate of the two-story shed that dates to 1869 and was built in conjunction with the caretaker’s cottage. “It was in a bad location,” Dave says, explaining that the shed had become almost inaccessible due to the fact that the tombstones that surrounded it made truck access almost impossible. “Plus, it needed a new roof,” he continues, explaining that the board was on the fence about investing in an aging building whose purpose was diminishing. “So, I said, ‘I’ll take it,’” he recounts of the day he offered to solve the question of its fate by removing it. 

The board agreed to his proposal and Dave began dismantling the shed in December 2016, storing the pieces in his backyard. Dave took painstaking care to ensure the shed would easily and perfectly go back together. “I took a lot of pictures inside and out and numbered every piece,” he says. To his surprise, he found old tombstones stored under the shed. “They were and remain a mystery,” he says of the discovery. 

When spring arrived, Dave set to work rebuilding the shed whose dimensions ensured a perfect fit between the fence and the pergola/patio. He began the process by digging a new foundation for the shed and restoring its windows. Then, he started the process of reconstructing the shed, which proved to be in remarkably good condition. “I only needed to replace 12 pieces of wood,” he recalls.  

Outside, he didn’t stay true to the era in which the shed was originally built, as he added modern-day soffits and rain spouts to the structure. While he would have preferred to replace the cedar-shake shingles (he estimated them to be 100 years old) with identical material, he chose to go with asphalt shingles “in order to keep the cost down.” He also added another window to provide the interior with more natural light. A used door provided a proper front entrance and the top and bottom sashes of a window were utilized in order to create decorative accents on the front of the building. 

The inside of the shed is pure man cave. The wood-look linoleum floor (a bargain-basement find at Ollie’s) perfectly complements the rustic structure. An expansive tool shop is equipped with the remnants of Dave’s handyman business. Creature comforts include a small television, a fridge and a Keeley #20 stove (made in Columbia) that probably dates to the mid-1800s. “It heats the shed up really well,” he notes of the relic he purchased from an antiques dealer. 

Also in evidence are mementos from Columbia High School (Dave’s track and football letters), former Columbia businesses and town events. Trophies from hunting trips hang on the walls, while photographs convey Dave’s love for motorcycles. A self-published book that tracks the progress of moving and rebuilding the shed is also on display. The second floor is used for storing lumber and other construction necessities. 

“I’m out here a lot,” Dave says of his backyard getaway. “In the summer, we’re outside all the time,” he says of the porches and patios that provide outdoor-living spaces.      

 

 

A Volunteer Effort  

 

April is regarded as Volunteer Appreciation Month and in Columbia, volunteers have played an integral role in bringing two of its historic cemeteries – Mount Bethel and Zion Hill – back to “life.” 

Mount Bethel Cemetery

Dating to 1730, Mount Bethel is a history lesson in itself, in that those who are interred there represent a cross-section of Columbia’s residents, beginning with the Quakers, notably the Wrights, who are credited with founding the town. According to Dave Rupp, cemetery records contain Susanna Wright’s account of overseeing the burial of 15 people in the graveyard. No doubt, they are buried in what is now called Section I of the cemetery that was originally called Old Bethel and later Old Brick due to the fact that it was surrounded by a brick wall that was built in 1746. Simple grave stones marked the graves of deceased Quakers, as they didn’t use tombstones. The oldest legible grave marker dates to 1745. 

The history section of the cemetery’s website is fascinating and contains all sorts of interesting tidbits. For example, the bricks that were used to build the aforementioned wall were ordered from England by Samuel Blunston, who intended to use them to build his home. He died before they arrived, hence they were utilized to build the cemetery wall. 

Four of the five men who set fire to the covered bridge in an effort to keep Confederates from crossing the Susquehanna River on June 28, 1863 are buried at Mount Bethel. 

As the smallpox epidemic of 1902 raged on, funerals held at the cemetery took place at midnight with only a doctor and a health officer in attendance. 

By the early 1800s, plots in the cemetery had been granted to Columbia’s Presbyterian (Section K), Methodist (Section L) and Lutheran (Section M) churches. (The two Catholic churches have their own graveyards.) Yet another section was given over to the borough to serve as a burial place for indigent citizens. 

To ensure the cemetery’s longevity, a stock company overseen by nine managers was formed and granted a charter in April 1868, via the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas. 

During the latter part of the 20th century, the appearance of the cemetery began to noticeably decline. Fewer burials were held. As the board members/managers retired or died, they were not replaced. At one point, the cemetery was being managed by one manager/board member.  

In 1994, the Columbia Lions Club organized a clean-up effort. More than 100 volunteers arrived to mow, rake leaves and remove debris from the cemetery. (Such a volunteer effort continues to be held each fall.) 

The clean-up project prompted some concerned citizens to organize a meeting to discuss the future of Mount Bethel. A year later, the remaining shares were sold and a new board of directors composed of volunteers was elected. Today, the board is headed by Jane Moore and its members include Ron Mable (the cemetery’s superintendent), Kevin Kraft Sr., Claire Storm, John Hinkle Jr., David Mountz, Kathleen Lutz, David Rupp and Kathleen Hohenadel. The cemetery also became a nonprofit 501(c)(13) corporation and its operating budget is now derived from a small trust, grants, monetary gifts, internment fees, the sale of burial plots and fundraising events. 

The board, aided by citizen volunteers, has been engaged in ambitious projects over the past 25 years, including the hiring of people to mow the lawn on a consistent basis, the removal of 72 trees, transferring burial records to the cemetery’s website, paving existing roadways, restoring the lawn crypts, repairing and stabilizing the iron fencing that was installed between 1890 and 1900, making repairs to the caretaker’s cottage and establishing the Helen Schlossman Memorial Garden, where cremated remains are interred. 

Fundraising has also become more consistent and creative. For example, seamstress/designer extraordinaire, Janet Wood, has been sewing masks throughout the pandemic, with proceeds benefiting Mount Bethel. Events tentatively slated for 2021 include: 

April 23 & 25: A Spice of Life

Artist/educator Joanna Spicer will be displaying her work at the caretaker’s cottage on Friday, 5-8 p.m. and Sunday, 2-4 p.m. 

May 16: The Last Ride and Macabre Creations 

This crypt-version of a car show features an exhibit of carriages and vehicles used for funerals. Vendors selling macabre creations will also be on hand. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 

August 16: Fete en Noir 

Details TBA 

October 31: Dia de Muertos 

Details TBA 

December 18: Wreaths Across America 

Each December, cemeteries across the United States honor veterans by providing their gravesites with wreaths that have been purchased/donated by the public. (A portion of the sales benefit the participating cemeteries.) Mount Bethel extends its efforts by including gravesites at nearby Zion Hill Cemetery. 12 p.m. 

 

Mount Bethel Cemetery is located at 700 Locust Street in Columbia. Self-guided tours are available. For more information, visit mtbethelcemetery.com. 

 

Zion Hill Cemetery 

An untold number of Columbia’s deceased Black citizens are interred in this cemetery that had nearly become obliterated by the construction and expansion of Route 30, water issues and the passage of time that caused the area to be overcome by weeds and brush. That changed in the late ‘90s, when a contingent of community volunteers, Boy Scouts, Black church leaders, park rangers and borough officials began the daunting task of reviving the landscape, unearthing tombstones, topping unmarked graves with wooden crosses and erecting signage and a flag pole.  

The cemetery is notable for the Civil War veterans who are buried there, including members of Columbia’s Black Company, who aided the Union Army, Pennsylvania militia and local citizens in keeping the advancing Confederate troops from crossing the Susquehanna River between Columbia and Wrightsville on June 28, 1863. Among the veterans interred at Zion Hill are Robert Loney, who was also a conductor for the Underground Railroad. Members of the famed 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, an all-Black volunteer company that aided Columbia in thwarting the Confederate’s advance on June 28, 1863, and whose story was the subject of the Oscar-winning movie, Glory, are buried there, as well. 

Zion Hill Cemetery is located at 553 N. 5th Street in Columbia.