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.

Open By Appointment Only Until April 2026

By Backyard Oasis • November 10, 2025
The 2025 Season Is Over Thank You For Supporting Small This Year We cannot thank you enough for being a part of our Backyard Oasis family! 2025 was a big year for us tranitioning to a new location - a building we own that can grow with us. Its crazy to think back to winter last year and the mad dash we made to get us ready in time to open in time for Spring. We weren't even sure we would be able to have fish or plants given how much of a project it was! And yet, 2025 opened even better than we imagined with those in place and all our amazing customers making the transition to the new location to continue supporting small. And spoilers...we are using winter this year to make some fun updates for our 2026 season. Can't spoil anything yet but let's just say there are PLANS upon PLANS getting worked on during this off season to continue to be your best resource to create your dream Backyard Oasis. All that to say...thank you for an awesome 2025 and we honestly can't wait to see you in the Spring! (Unless you need an appointment this winter for supplies of course - then we will get the privilege of seeing you earlier ;) Do You Need Winter Pond Essentials? We get it! Things happen! If you find yourself in need of supplies reach out for an appointment to stock up on: De-icers Pond nets Fish food for colder temps Water treatments and beneficial bacteria If you’re not sure what you might be missing, we’ve put together a simple Winter Pond Prep Checklist to help you make sure you’re fully covered. 👉 Check out the full checklist here. We’ll reopen for the 2026 pond season with regular hours on April 7th, 2026 — but that doesn’t mean we disappear during winter! Open by Appointment During the Off-Season After November 8th our storefront will closed for the 2025 season, but we’ll still be open by appointment throughout the off-season. If you need supplies, have questions, or run into a pond issue, call and leave a detailed message — we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. And if your pond ever freezes over completely , don’t panic, but do act quickly. You have about 72 hours to get it opened up again to keep your fish safe. We’re always here to help you figure out the best solution. Santa Saturdays & Porch Pot Classes We have truly loved offering our Porch Pot Classes and giving back to the community through Santa Saturdays the last several winters. Unfortunately our new building and the completed space available is not large enough to accommodate these events. We are hoping to one day provide events again during the season and will update you with an invite as soon as its possible. See You in the Spring! We can’t thank you enough for another great season. Every year, we’re reminded how special this community of pond lovers is. Take good care of your ponds (and your fish!) this winter, and we’ll see you again in the spring when everything starts to wake up.

Season Ends November 8th: Enjoy Regular Hours Until Then

By 7016436703 • October 28, 2025
Season Closing Soon Don’t Miss Your Chance to Stock Up & Snag Our Upgraded Fish Sale! Pond season is winding down, and as the air cools off, we’re getting ready to tuck things in for winter. But before we do — there’s still time to visit Backyard Oasis and get what you need for a smooth, stress-free winter season. Our last open day of the year is Saturday, November 8th , so if you’ve been meaning to stop in, now’s the time! We’ve Upgraded Our Fish Sale! To wrap up the season right, we’ve upgraded our fish sale — it’s now Buy ONE, Get ONE FREE on all fish , and yes, that means every size is included! Check out the blog post to see what sizes we still have in stock. If you’ve been eyeing a few new additions for your pond, or want to balance out your fish community before winter, this is your last chance before we close for the year. Don’t Forget Your Winter Pond Essentials Before the frost really sets in, make sure your pond is ready. Stock up on: De-icers Pond nets Fish food for colder temps Water treatments and beneficial bacteria If you’re not sure what you might be missing, we’ve put together a simple Winter Pond Prep Checklist to help you make sure you’re fully covered. 👉 Check out the full checklist here. We’ll reopen for the 2026 pond season on April 7th, 2026 — but that doesn’t mean we disappear during winter! Open by Appointment During the Off-Season After November 8th, our storefront will close, but we’ll still be open by appointment throughout the off-season. If you need supplies, have questions, or run into a pond issue, call and leave a detailed message — we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.  And if your pond ever freezes over completely , don’t panic, but do act quickly. You have about 72 hours to get it opened up again to keep your fish safe. We’re always here to help you figure out the best solution. See You in the Spring! We can’t thank you enough for another great season. Every year, we’re reminded how special this community of pond lovers is. Take good care of your ponds (and your fish!) this winter, and we’ll see you again in the spring when everything starts to wake up.

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By 7016436703 • October 17, 2025
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Scratch and Save at Backyard Oasis: Unveil Your Special Deal!

By Backyard Oasis • May 12, 2025
Discover the exclusive Scratch and Save cards at Backyard Oasis! Uncover discounts of 10-20% off a wide range of products, from durable Studio M garden décor to Michigan-themed gifts and home accents. Learn how you can receive one of these surprise discount cards and explore our unique offerings, including eco-friendly items and thoughtful bereavement products. Mention this blog post during your visit to receive a Scratch and Save card and enjoy savings on your next purchase. Visit us in Flint, Michigan, to experience the magic of Backyard Oasis!
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