Pond garden memorializes and heals

The view of George Kinder’s waterfall and pond from the deck is spectacular as the sound of the running water drifts through the air. “I can even hear it from the upstairs, he says smiling on overlooking the garden at his Hampton home. “The first thing I do in the morning is look at the pond.”

George Kinder created this pond at his Hampton home with the help of his son Jeff who passed away at 27 years old. Photos by Doug Oster

He started building the pond in 2007 with his son Jeff who was a junior at John Carroll University at the time. George spent lots of time researching online and visiting local experts to figure out exactly how to create exactly what he wanted.
The pair had already built a retaining wall at the house and when George proposed his new project Jeff wasn’t so sure, wondering out loud that it sounded like a lot of work. “You’re my labor, he said to his son, I have the design and I think we can get it done.”
Work continued for a year, over five tons of stone was brought in for the project. There was lots of digging, mortar and sweat to accomplish the formidable project. “The fact that we were doing it together, it was a nice father and son project, George remarked. In 2008 everyone was invited to the first of many pond parties to celebrate the completion of the water feature.

George Kinder created this pond at his Hampton home with the help of his son Jeff who passed away. This year’s theme is Pittsburgh Black and Gold. Tropical hibiscus blooms next to the waterfall and pond.

Pond garden memorial

This bench is a memorial for Jeff Kinder who passed away, he worked with his father George to create a pond garden and waterfall.

Five years later, Jeff passed away suddenly from a pulmonary embolism. The pond took on new special meaning. The latest theme is black and gold. “He was a very avid sports fan, George says of his son, we would go to baseball, football and penguins game together. I really miss him dearly, he wasn’t just my son, he was my best friend.”
George retired from his job at juvenile probation officer and supervisor, the pond has helped with that transition too. He spent time with the kids trying to get them on the right path, lead them to a trade and teach them what could be accomplished with hard work. Sitting above the water he reflects on what the he receives from the pond now. “The best part of this pond is it gives me peace, it gives me tranquility, he says.
He spends time near the water year round too. Although he can’t stand cold weather, George can be seen out at the pond with a fire going listening to Christmas music. He’s pondering adding a fire pit, maybe a jacuzzi and possibly tying in the deck into the pond. There’s always something to do, he changes out the annuals as the seasons progress, finishing with mums when he throws another end of the season/Halloween party. “The maintenance in it, I don’t mind It’s like therapy to me, when I get out there I get lost,” he says. “For me it’s really about getting close to nature.”
He sometimes fantasizes about expansion of the pond, but then thinks better of the idea. “To tell you the truth, this one, I don’t know if I could top.” George says proudly. “This one has a special meaning to me. You can’t have a bad day when you go out there and look at that pond.”
The water feature is surrounded with a multitude of plants in the thematic colors of black and gold. There are tall sunflowers, glorious daisies, yellow begonias, petunias, tropical hibiscus, ornamental peppers, marigolds, black eyed Susans and much, much more. They are complimented with team flags and even black and gold flamingos. There are also shrubs and perennials interspersed with the themed plants.
At the bottom of the waterfall is a memorial bench for Jeff with the inscription “Forever remembered, Forever missed.” George starts each morning near the water. “Every day I go down there, I think of him and I talk to him. I can see him still being here.” He says solemnly. “I can’t even express in words how much I miss him.”

Doug Oster is editor of Everybody Gardens, a website operated by 535Media, LLC. Reach him at 412-965-3278 or doster@535mediallc.com. See other stories, videos, blogs, tips and more at everybodygardens.com.

Check out this pond created by a young family.