May/June 2012

Publishers’ Perspective

POND Trade Magazine

NAPP President Mark Krupka - Changes are in the works at NAPP (National Association of Pond Professionals), as long time President Mark Krupka steps down after 4+ years at the helm, turning the reigns over to well known, Warren Thoma, Thoma & Associates, LLC. Thanks for your service to the industry, Mark. To learn more about NAPP, visit their website www.nationalpondpro.com. Good Start to Spring for Industry - Word around the country seems to be optimistic as winter gave way to an early spring warming trend. If you are not feeling it yet, maybe you should link up with others in the biz, and see what they are doing differently, to catch the spring sales boost, as it peaks. In This Issue - You will discover how to net koi, is clay something you should be adding to ponds, calculating evaporation and see some beautiful aquatic plants. Carl Petite, Columbia Water Garden, shares his experience with service routes: a great business opportunity. Can you do more to help your business grow? We hope we can help with fresh thoughts from Rick Smith of EasyPro Pond Products on word of mouth networking. PONDSources.com And don't forget to get your free listing at www.pondsources.com, or upgrade to our gold listing for only $99 for an entire year. Website Remember to check our website for the most recent press releases, to stay up to date.

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Article List

Aquatic Plant – Water Snowflake
Jennifer Zuri
Water Snowflake is a fun aquatic plant, similar in appearance to a water lily and is constantly reproducing – spreading runners along the surface of the pond, loaded with small flowers. See the three popular colors of water snowflakes and details about each plant.

Evaporation in Ponds, Streams, Waterfalls and Fountains

To determine if a pond or water feature has a leak, be sure to remember water does evaporate. Learn what the general rule of thumb for water evaporation is. Then use the calculations for ponds and streambeds to estimate your customers water features evaporation.

Pond Construction – Deb’s Oasis
Pieter van Westervelt
See a backyard transformed from a small pond to a complete oasis. Pieter, Pond Builder of the Year, shares how he built this project. The pond elements included a fish tunnel, fish caves and LED lighting to the yard's meditation rock.

Netting and Handling Koi – The Right Way
Ellen Kloubec
Industry koi expert shares how she nets and bags koi for customers, either for pick-up or shipping long distances. Become an expert from her insights and see the tools of the trade. Be sure to learn the correct way to help insure the kois' health and safety.

Clay in Ponds? Calcium Montmorillonite
Courtesy of koiclubusa.com
What is Montmorillonite Clay, why would you use it, and how much to use, are all questions that are discussed in this article. Water quality in a pond is critical for the health of the inhabitants and happiness of the pond owner.

Pond and Water Feature Service Routes
Carl Petite
Offering pond and water feature services can make you money. Learn from Carl’s years of experience, the dos and the don'ts and other important variables to consider when you service your customers' pond. Don't miss out on this profitable business opportunity.

The Importance of Auto-fills in Ponds and Water Gardens
Hollye G. Merton
Auto-fill - some pond installers swear by them some swear against them. Hollye will cover many important reasons why she believes your ponds and water features should have an auto-fill system.

Networking Your Way to New Pond Customers
Rick Smith
This pond industry expert believes that networking will play a key role in your marketing plans. Learn about diversifying and teaming up with others. Includes a list of great ideas for you to explore, to identify new customers.

Nymphaea ‘Scarlet Flame’ Named 2012 Collector’s Aquatic Plant of the Year
Jennifer Zuri
Scarlet Flame, a beautiful tropical water lily, is named Collector's Aquatic Plant of the Year. The Collector's Aquatic Plant of the Year is a fundraising program for IWGS. See this plant and learn more about this program.

Pond Industry Events – Adding Value to the Trade
Cindy Graham
We were lucky to be able to attend this year's Water Garden Expo, a popular distributor show ‘n tell. See what you missed, why it is good for the pond industry and enjoy the photos.

IWGS Announces 2012 Aquatic Plants of the Year
Jennifer Zuri
Each year the IWGS announces the selection of exceptional aquatic plants in each of these categories: Hardy Waterlily, Tropical Waterlily and Marginal. See the winners here, and consider including some of these award-winning plants in your customers' water gardens.