By By EMILY DREITZLER AND ERIN VER BERKMOES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - The 2005 Michiana Water Garden Tour, from July 9-10, is sure to stir up creativity and provide inspiration for area residents who find themselves with a green thumb.
The tour, which features the beautifully landscaped yards of local citizens, benefits Healthwin, a not-for-profit long term care facility. Many Niles residents have agreed too display their garden and water oasis.
There are 22 ponds from all across Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana featured in the tour this year.
The pond tour will take place on Saturday, July 9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, July 10, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., with local times in Michigan and Indiana being observed.
Some area residents who are included in the tour:
Bob and Nikki Wilken of1042 Almaugus in Niles find a nice retreat in their backyard sanctuary. Their backyard pond fits well in their large yard. The rock bolder wall helps keep the natural look in a yard that is definitely a work in progress.
Mike and Melissa Kachur who reside at 2615 S. 13th St. in Niles look at their pond as a labor of love. It's home to many fish including koi and goldfish. The large waterfall with three falls also add to the spectacular sight.
Niles residents John and Sally Dalrymple of 2506 Killdeer Ct. self-installed their pond with the help of God's Green Earth, in Niles.
The sloping landscape with the woods for a backdrop is a natural setting for a waterfall, ponds, and a stream. A spectacular display of perennials in full bloom surrounds the 5' waterfall. A 300' stream with 13 cascades are accented by fieldstone and perennials that meander from the top pond to a smaller pond by the gazebo and past the lighthouse. Tennessee stone bridges cross over to the gazebo or to the small patio amongst a tranquil and peaceful setting.
Garry and Kathy Elghammer, residents of 1602 Echo Valley Drivein Niles, hold a special place in their hearts for their pond. The glorious lilies survived the cold of early spring and the pond is maturing to a completely natural look. The Koi have doubled in size and the amphibian population has quadrupled within the pond area.
Tim and Hope Robinson of 1406 Niles Buchanan Road in Niles love to relax on their back porch and take in the panoramic view of their landscaped backyard. Their 15' x 29' pond is constantly supplied by the flow of a 15' stream that has two waterfalls and a 6' x 6' pool. A variety of fish and plants add the final touches to this personal oasis.
Pat Bennitt, who resides in the Reserve subdivision at 112 Deer Ridge Court in Niles, enjoys her beautiful pond. The pond is nestled in the back of the house and can be viewed from the deck above, the lower patio, and the upper story windows.
The pond is 21' x 17' with a 10" stream and waterfall. Bennitt loves children and decided to make a storybook theme around the pond. The figurines of such classic tales as; The Three Little Pigs, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Mary's Little Lamb, Mother Goose, and Humpty Dumpty reside over the pond. A lifeguard statue also remains on duty to watch so the fish do not drown.
Ken and Lynn Sobecki, residing at 410 C Ironwood in Niles, find their waterfall to be the focal point of their landscaped yard. The three foot waterfall with a 5' stream that leads to an 18' X 22' rock lined pond, which then makes its way to another 40' stream and 6' x 8' pond. A nice stroll across the bridge and up the walkway to the top of the waterfall area reveals a sitting bench to enjoy this peaceful sanctuary.
Berrien Springs residents John and Judi Dougan, of 1465 Lemon Creek Road, delight in the eight types of water lilies and various types of border and bog plants around their pond. The pond also features an island with various plantings. A second 150' x 200' pond, installed in 2003, features a waterfall, stone bridge, and island.
Gary and Sylvia Groat, of 9258 Chapel Road, in Niles, love to view the fish and lilies in their small pond. The couple's larger pond is well established with perennials, bog plants, and grasses. Many visitors gaze in awe at the stream which filters into the larger pond which looks extremely natural, when it is actually woman made. The ponds also boast over 9,000 square feet of perennial boarders.
Peter Rienks, of 25445 Yankee St. in Edwardsburg, uses his vast knowledge of landscaping to create a natural wonderland in his own back yard. Rienks, dubbed the "Pond Dude" at God's Green Earth, in Niles, looks into his yard at two ponds, a 12' x 18' and 12' x 14', which interconnect with a 25' stream. The 12' x 18' pond was installed in 2000, while the 12' x 14' pond was constructed last year. Rienks just recently added a finished bench, fire pit, lots of new plants, and a newly redone waterfall.
Tim and Suzi Polega of1035 S. Lincoln Avenue in Niles only have to walk past their landscaped log home to the secret paradise in their backyard. A 30 foot stream with a three foot waterfall wraps around a spa that can only be reached by crossing a small stone bridge. The stream's delta has two islands before ending in a 10' x 14' pond. Only a few steps away resides a custom 25' by 25' swim pond with a 42' waterslide. The swim pond with its crystal clear water resembles a mountain pool.
God's Green Earth, located at 2824 S. 11th St., Niles, displays a vast array of landscaping sure to take a nature lover's breath away. A large 6' waterfall, built from Canadian Green stone, towers over the front parking lot.
The back of the greenhouse features many spectacular ponds and waterfalls including a large 40' x 20' pond and waterfall that flow into a 45' stream, which rushes down a 6' waterfall into another 18' x 35' pond. The two ponds and waterfalls are pumped with an 11,000 GPH pump. As well as being beautiful, the ponds are home to many domestic and Japanese koi, as well as water lilies and other water wildlife.
To learn more about the tour, visit or contact God's Green Earth at 683-7432.