Wasnt there a movie, where kids were sent to a camp to dig holes all day long, then start again the next day? Scott may not be working for an underground construction company anymore, however, he still likes to dig.
Since the grass is still not doing well, he might as well start digging the pond in the back part of the yard.
He is planning a little island in the middle of the pond.
From the back corner of the yard will be a little stream/waterfall that will feed into the pond. He digs, then he reads. He reads, then he digs. He has admitted this is his therapy.