Sculpting a Tranquil Oasis

Pond Building as a Remedy for ADHD

How Immersing Myself in Nature Brings Balance to My Life

The DIY author takes photos of his project in Lake Ariel, PA

Roots in Water, Wings in Words

Last week, my therapist Ray asked me what I felt I had inherited from my father, my namesake — besides, you know, the acne in youth and this crazy head of hair.

I realized that, while there are many things — both good and utterly challenging — one gift was the love of water. I love being around water — an ocean, a river, a lake, a pond.

For close to two years, I’ve been sculpting ponds. Today, I was planting yet another “rescue” rhododendron that should cascade wonderfully over the shaded ponds. No shade now, except for long, stately shadows from the bare maples and beeches. I hung deer-smelly pods and misted a boudoir of deer repellent. We’ll see —

My dad grew up on boats. My grandfather, the ink-veined and pipe-wielding Albert Bowne, a printer, had a boat — Donna — damaged during Hurricane Hazel. It was…