Bill,
I _do_ understand that proper construction *is* important. At this point I'm still contemplating what I can/should do ...
I'm thinking I may just cleanout the "junk" dumped in the area when the property was developed 40 years ago, some light grading of the perimeter to appear more "natural", and promote the establishment of natural vegetation. I may couple this with a collection of small pools cascading down the grade.
This approach would have the benefit of providing "seasonal interest" (cascading water during rainy months, attractive vegetation otehrwise), and be nearly zero maintenance (aka mom-nature can do what she wants).
