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From Concept to Cozy: Designing a Fire Pit with Eco-Friendly Paving for Himelhock B&B

Backyard Oasis • August 13, 2024

Green Gathering: How We Built the Ultimate Fire Pit Experience

At Backyard Oasis, we take pride in creating outdoor spaces that are as beautiful as they are functional and sustainable. Our project at Himelhoch Bed and Breakfast in Caro, Michigan, is a perfect example of this. Working closely with the owner, Don Hall, we designed and installed a custom fire pit surrounded by our eco-friendly porous pave, along with a hot tub patio area, garden bed landscaping, and a pondless waterfall. The result is a series of inviting outdoor spaces that guests can't resist.


The Vision: Warmth, Relaxation, and Natural Beauty

Himelhoch Bed and Breakfast, nestled in the picturesque town of Caro, MI, offers a charming retreat for travelers seeking a peaceful getaway. Owner Don Hall envisioned transforming the property’s outdoor areas into a series of unique, relaxing spaces that would leave a lasting impression on his guests. His vision included a cozy fire pit, a soothing hot tub area, beautifully landscaped garden beds, and the tranquil sound of a pondless waterfall—all while reflecting a commitment to environmental sustainability.


To bring this vision to life, we recommended using our eco-friendly porous pave material for the fire pit and hot tub areas. Made from recycled tires, porous pave allows water to flow through, reducing runoff and promoting natural drainage. This makes it an ideal choice for Michigan's climate, with its durability and slip-resistant surface perfectly suited for the region’s freeze-thaw cycles.

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The Process: Crafting a Serene Outdoor Experience

We began the project by constructing the fire pit, which would serve as the focal point of the new outdoor space. Using natural stone, we created a fire pit that exudes rustic elegance, seamlessly blending with the historical charm of Himelhoch Bed and Breakfast. The fire pit was strategically placed to take full advantage of the surrounding landscape, offering guests a perfect spot to gather and relax.


Next, we installed the hot tub patio area, using the same porous pave material to create a comfortable, slip-resistant surface. The patio was designed to provide a secluded, relaxing space where guests could unwind in the hot tub while enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings.


To enhance the aesthetic appeal of the property, we added garden bed landscaping around the fire pit and hot tub areas. We carefully selected a variety of plants that would thrive in Michigan’s climate, adding color, texture, and fragrance to the space. The garden beds were designed to create a seamless transition between the built elements and the natural landscape, enhancing the overall ambiance.



Finally, we installed a pondless waterfall, which adds a soothing sound element to the outdoor space. The waterfall was designed to be low-maintenance and eco-friendly, with water recirculating through a hidden reservoir. This feature not only adds to the tranquility of the space but also attracts local wildlife, further enhancing the guest experience.

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The Result: A Series of Inviting Outdoor Spaces

Since the project’s completion, Don Hall has been thrilled with the positive feedback from guests. The fire pit area has quickly become a favorite spot for visitors at Himelhoch Bed and Breakfast, where they can gather around the fire, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the serene ambiance. The hot tub patio area offers a relaxing retreat, while the garden beds and pondless waterfall add to the property’s natural beauty and charm.



For Don, these new outdoor spaces have added significant value to his property, enhancing both the guest experience and the overall appeal of Himelhoch Bed and Breakfast.

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Why Add a Fire Pit, Hot Tub Patio, and Water Features with Porous Pave to Your Outdoor Space?

If you’re considering upgrading your outdoor area, adding a fire pit, hot tub patio, and water features with porous pave can be a game-changer. Here’s why:


Create Multiple Cozy Gathering Spots

A fire pit and hot tub become the heart of any outdoor space, offering warm and inviting spots for friends and family to gather. These features are perfect for creating memories, whether you're roasting marshmallows, enjoying a quiet evening, or relaxing in the hot tub.


Enhance Property Appeal

Well-designed outdoor features not only add functionality but also boost the aesthetic appeal of your property. They serve as focal points that draw people in and enhance the overall landscape design.


Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

By choosing porous pave for the areas surrounding your fire pit and hot tub, you’re making an environmentally conscious decision. Porous pave is made from recycled materials, reduces water runoff, and promotes natural drainage, all while providing a durable and attractive surface.


Add Tranquility with Water Features

A pondless waterfall adds a soothing sound element to your outdoor space, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Water features like these also attract local wildlife, enhancing the natural beauty of your property.


Durability and Safety

Porous pave is built to last, standing up to Michigan’s harsh weather conditions. Its slip-resistant surface makes it a safe option for high-traffic areas, giving you peace of mind that your guests can enjoy the space comfortably.


Increase Property Value

Investing in outdoor features like a fire pit, hot tub patio, and water features with eco-friendly paving can significantly increase the value of your property, making it a worthwhile investment for both your enjoyment and your home’s market appeal.


Create Your Own Cozy Retreat with Backyard Oasis

The project at Himelhoch Bed and Breakfast is just one example of how Backyard Oasis can help you transform your outdoor space. Whether you’re looking to install a fire pit, hot tub patio, water features, or any other element, our team is here to help you design a space that meets your needs and reflects your commitment to sustainability.


Ready to start your own project? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help you create a beautiful, eco-friendly outdoor retreat.

We're Growing! Backyard Oasis is Moving to a Bigger, Better Space!

By Backyard Oasis • February 17, 2025
Big things are happening at Backyard Oasis, and we couldn’t wait to share the news with you— we’re moving to a brand-new location! 🎉 Thanks to the incredible support of our customers, we’ve outgrown our current space and are expanding into a location that gives us room to grow, create, and serve you better. This move isn’t just about more space—it’s about transforming our business to bring you the best possible experience. 📍 Our new home: 5290 N. Genesee Rd. 🚀 Opening for the season: Mid-April What This Means for You This new space is a game-changer. With two buildings, dedicated parking, and space to showcase our work, we’ll finally have room for both our store and service operations under one roof. It’s a massive transformation, and we’ll be making improvements over time. While some exciting features (like live fish & plants) will take time to bring back, the products and services you’ve counted on from us will be ready from day one! We know our customers love to follow along on our journey, so we’re going LIVE weekly to share updates and walk-throughs of the transformation. Be sure to tune in and watch as we turn this space into the ultimate Backyard Oasis. We Need Your Help! With this exciting move, our current location at Richfield & Belsay is available for lease. This space has been a game-changer for us, bringing in 2-5 new customers every day , and we’d love to see another local business thrive here. 🔹 Know someone looking for a high-traffic business space? Send them our way! We are beyond grateful for your support and can’t wait to welcome you to our new home this spring. Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to check out our weekly live walk-throughs!  📩 Interested in leasing our current space? Contact us for details!

FREE EVENT - Santa Saturdays

By Backyard Oasis • November 8, 2024
Join us every Saturday from Nov. 30 to Dec. 21 for Santa Saturdays at Backyard Oasis! Enjoy free photos with Santa, holiday crafts, warm refreshments, and exclusive deals on unique gifts and decor. A perfect family-friendly event to celebrate the season in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. #SantaAtBackyardOasis

Winter Porch Pot Workshop

By Backyard Oasis • November 4, 2024
Get ready to channel your Hallmark Movie Vibes and make your porch warm and welcoming at one of our upcoming Winter Porch Pot Workshops! In this hands-on workshop your floral expert, Diane Warner, will guide you through each step of creating a stunning, fragrant, and long-lasting winter porch pot from start to finish. While creating you will enjoy festive holiday music, hot chocolate, apple cider, and other light refreshments...all included in the ticket price! Grab your friends, plan to make some new ones, and add this event to your holiday bucket list! Event Details This event is hosted at Backyard Oasis located at 5538 Richfield Rd. Flint MI 48506. Due to past popularity, Backyard Oasis is excited to offer FOUR opportunities to join us for this workshop: 🎄Saturday, NOV 23RD from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm 🎄Saturday, NOV 23RD from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm 🎄Thursday, DEC 5TH from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm ABOUT THE EVENT In this hands-on workshop your floral expert, Diane Warner, will guide you through each step of creating a stunning, fragrant, and long-lasting winter porch pot from start to finish. While creating you will enjoy festive holiday music, hot chocolate, apple cider, and other light refreshments...all included in the ticket price! Grab your friends, plan to make some new ones, and add this event to your holiday bucket list! What's Included This is a private event that requires a non-refundable ticket to be purchased in advance. Each workshop is limited to 12 people. Your ticket, no matter which cost option you choose, includes expert instructions, materials, supplies, and light refreshments. In addition to the use of supplies like gloves and branch cutters, each ticket provides all the materials to create your porch pot including... 🎄Variety of fresh-cut local greenery 🎄Soil 🎄Deluxe bow of your choosing Ticket Cost Bring Your Own Garden Pot Ticket This year we are offering an eco-friendly option where you can bring your own pot. The cost will be determined by the size of the pot that you wish to bring... BYO Garden Pot 0"-6": $20 BYO Garden Pot 7"-15": $40 BYO Garden Pot 16"+: Inquire The Whole Package Ticket Don't already have a garden pot? We offer beautiful Christmas designs on our Studio M pots that are PERFECT for this activity! Plus they are a high-quality, weather-proof pot that you will be able to enjoy for years to come! Studio M Garden Pot 6": $35 Studio M Garden Pot 15": $95 OTHER INFORMATION Additional add-ons like Studio M art poles and other accents will be available for purchase at the event to create a one-of-a-kind, show-stopping piece! During the event you will have the opportunity to purchase these items and other gift products available in our store for 15% off during the event. HOW TO REGISTER To register call Backyard Oasis at (810) 736-9198 or message us on Facebook. Don't miss this opportunity to unleash your inner artist and add a touch of charm to your porch! We can't wait to host you! Happy Holidays! ~ Backyard Oasis

Are You Making This Common Mistake When Adding Fish to Your Pond?

By Backyard Oasis • October 18, 2024
If you’re thinking about adding new fish to your pond, there’s one simple step that could save your fish from unnecessary stress and even illness: checking your pond’s water temperature. Most pond owners don’t realize that temperature plays a huge role in whether your fish will thrive or struggle in their new environment. To avoid this common mistake, it’s important to know the safe temperature range for introducing fish—and how to adjust your approach if you’re outside the sweet spot. The Safe Temperature Range for Adding Fish Fish can be safely introduced into your pond within a specific temperature range, but you’ll need to follow the right steps. The ideal range for introducing new fish is 65°F to 75°F , but it's possible to safely add fish outside this range—as long as you take extra precautions. Absolute Minimum: 50°F Absolute Maximum: 85°F Ideal Range: 65°F to 75°F Common Mistakes Based on Pond Temperature When adding new fish, certain mistakes can put their health at risk, especially if you're working at the edges of the safe temperature range. Here’s how to avoid those mistakes, broken down by temperature range.

Pond Netting Made Easy: A Complete Guide for Pond Owners

By Backyard Oasis • September 8, 2024
Your pond is a tranquil escape—a place where your fish thrive, plants bloom, and you unwind. But when leaves, twigs, and debris start cluttering the water, your serene pond can quickly turn into a messy headache. That's where pond nets come into play! This guide will show you why pond nets are essential, how to choose the right pond net from Backyard Oasis, and tips for installing and caring for them. Plus, we’ll introduce you to our Pre-Fall Pond Prep Service for a hassle-free pond experience! Why Every Pond Needs a Pond Net Pond nets may seem like a small addition to your water feature, but their impact is far from minor. They are essential for preserving both the health and beauty of your pond throughout the year. To see the difference for yourself, consider this fascinating story from a fellow pond enthusiast. Their experience shows how a pond net can prevent murky, tea-colored water, underscoring the remarkable benefits of using the right pond net. (The dramatic before-and-after photos are truly eye-opening!) Here’s why every pond can benefit from having a net: Prevents Debris Buildup When leaves and debris fall into your pond, they can form a layer of sludge that degrades water quality and encourages algae growth. As the debris decays, it releases ammonia, which can harm your fish and, in severe cases, even be fatal. A pond net serves as a protective barrier, capturing debris before it sinks, and ensuring your water stays clean and healthy. Protects Fish from Predators A pond net does more than just keep out debris—it also serves as a vital shield against predators like raccoons, birds, and cats that might target your fish as easy prey. As the weather cools in the fall, your fish become less active, making them more vulnerable. By covering your pond with a net, you provide essential protection and create a safer environment for your aquatic friends. Reduces Pond Maintenance With a pond net in place, you’ll spend less time scooping out leaves and debris, which means more time enjoying your beautiful water feature. Fewer leaves in the pond mean fewer chances for clogs in your pumps and filters, leading to less frequent maintenance. Eases Winter Preparation Installing a pond net in the fall is one of the easiest ways to get your pond ready for winter. It keeps most of the leaves and debris out, making the winterization process smoother and preventing the buildup of decaying matter that can harm your pond’s ecosystem. How to Choose the Right Pond Net Finding the perfect pond net for your water feature is easy with our selection at Backyard Oasis. Here’s what to consider: Measure Your Pond Size Start by measuring your pond’s dimensions to ensure you get a net that fits. Our nets come in a range of sizes to cover any pond, from small garden features to larger koi ponds. Select the Best Mesh Size The mesh size of your pond net will determine what type of debris it captures. Fine mesh nets are great for catching small debris like pine needles and tiny leaves, while larger mesh sizes are better suited for bigger leaves and twigs. We offer a variety of options, and our team can help you pick the ideal mesh size for your specific needs. Opt for Durable Materials At Backyard Oasis, our pond nets are crafted from premium, UV-resistant materials designed to stand up to Michigan’s unpredictable weather. Made from durable polypropylene mesh, these nets are not only tough against sun and wear but also environmentally friendly and UV treated for long-lasting performance. This ensures that your pond is protected year-round without the worry of degradation or easy tearing. How to Install and Remove Your Pond Net When to Install Your Pond Net Install your pond net in early fall, just before the leaves start to drop. If you have concerns about predators, you may want to keep your net up year-round. Here is a step-by-step installation guide...

How to Protect Your Pond This Fall with Our Pre-Fall Pond Prep Service

By 7016436703 • September 7, 2024
As fall approaches, it's time to think about preparing your pond for the season ahead. Falling leaves, debris, and cooler temperatures can affect the health and appearance of your water feature. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our new Pre-Fall Pond Prep Service to help you protect your pond before the leaves begin to drop! Why Choose Our Pre-Fall Pond Prep Service? Our Pre-Fall Pond Prep Service offers essential benefits to ensure your water feature remains pristine and hassle-free. Discover why getting a head start with our service can make all the difference for your pond this fall. Early Net Installation One of the biggest challenges for pond owners in the fall is managing the influx of leaves and debris. When leaves fall into your pond, they can sink, decompose, and create an unhealthy environment for fish and plants. Our early net installation service is the first line of defense against this issue. Check out this post to see how important pond nets are in this season. Prevent Leaf Buildup A protective net stops leaves and debris before they enter your pond, keeping the water cleaner. Improve Water Quality Fewer leaves in your pond mean less organic matter breaking down, resulting in clearer, healthier water. Simplify Fall Maintenance A net reduces the amount of debris you need to remove during your regular fall pond closing, making the process quicker and easier. Additional Fall Pond Services to Enhance Your Yard While we’re at your property for the Pre-Fall Pond Prep Service, consider adding on these helpful services to fully prepare your outdoor space for fall: Landscape Bed Maintenance Keep your flower beds looking their best with professional weeding, mulching, and trimming services. Check out this post to see the various things we can do with this service. Fall Yard Clean-Up Get help from our crew to store outdoor furniture, put away seasonal decor, or tackle other fall clean-up tasks. Discounted Fall Pond Products We can deliver essential pond products like your pond net , fall fish food, beneficial bacteria, and water treatments right to your door. Plus, enjoy 5% off all products ordered as part of your service! Benefits of Booking Our Fall Pond Prep Service Booking our Pre-Fall Pond Prep Service helps you get ahead of the seasonal challenges and keep your pond in great condition. Here’s how you benefit: Less Stress, Less Work A clean pond means less time spent removing leaves and debris. Healthy Pond Environment Early preparation helps maintain a balanced, clean environment for fish and aquatic plants. Save Money By preventing debris buildup, you can avoid costly pond cleaning or repairs later on. How to Prepare Your Pond for Fall To make sure your pond is ready for fall, schedule our Pre-Fall Pond Prep Service today. We’ll handle the net installation and any other services you need to protect your pond and yard from fall debris. Don't wait until leaves start falling to think about your pond! Contact us today to book your service or learn more! Service Areas At Backyard Oasis, we proudly offer our Pre-Fall Pond Prep Service throughout Flint, Michigan, and the surrounding Genesee County area. Our expert team is dedicated to ensuring your pond is ready for autumn by providing early net installation and additional fall maintenance services. We also extend our service to Oakland County and other nearby regions with an additional travel fee. Whether you’re in Flint, Grand Blanc, or any neighboring city, our comprehensive pond preparation will help you keep your water feature clean and clear before the leaves start to fall. Contact us today to schedule your service and enjoy a worry-free fall season!
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