Author at POND Trade Magazine

Paula Biles

Paula Biles was diagnosed at an early age with CPO (chronic plant obsession) and after graduate school the condition became severe. The constant compulsion to have growing leaves and muddy hands led to an obvious treatment — water gardening. Her therapy involved a steady dose of teaching and writing about water gardens and aquatics. Rehabilitation was slow at first, but before long she was lecturing, her articles and photographs were published, plus she was speaking before local and national groups — the perfect remedy for this affliction. The last components of her successful treatment were to establish a local pond club, work as managing editor of Pondkeeper Magazine (now Pond Biz Magazine), and serve as executive director of the International Waterlily & Water Gardening Society (IWGS), then travel to the Amazon and Thailand. Paula is married and lives in Bradenton, Florida, where thanks to water gardening, her disease is now in remission. On a more formal note, Paula belongs to the Garden Writers Association and has been a regular columnist for numerous hobbyist and trade Ponds & Gardens, Nursery Retailer, and Garden Center. Her articles and photographs have appeared countless times in water garden magazines, newspapers, books, and online.

Ponds are Green and Drought Friendly

By Paula Biles / September 1, 2012 / 0 Comments

Water gardens and ponds are genuinely green; learn how to explain these eco-friendly spaces to your prospects and customers. Ponds are closed aquatic systems that require minimal replacement water, in general 50% less than lawns or gardens. Learn about the hidden benefits of our environmentally friendly industry

Water Garden Pests and Water Lily Diseases

By Paula Biles / July 25, 2009 / 36 Comments

Unlike most specimens of the plant kingdom, pests or diseases seldom afflict water lilies. But to keep them that way, the key is to monitor your aquatics and stop problems before they start. Here Paula explores issues with Terrestrial Animals, Aquatic Fauna, Insects and Diseases. Remember an Ounce of Prevention goes a long ways.

Buying and Inventorying Aquatic Plants

By Paula Biles / January 25, 2009 / 0 Comments

Refine your plant sales systems this spring. Paula tells all in her article covering topics such as: Know Your Aquatics, Customer Preferences, Selecting a Supplier, Finding the Perfect Aquatic Plant, and Best Values for the Money. PLUS a must read list of common preventable mistakes so you won’t have to learn the hard way!

About the Pond Lotus

By Paula Biles / November 16, 2008 / 0 Comments

The venerable Lotus dominates the watergarden world with its grace
and mystery, historical tradition and perpetually clean leaves. In
their new book, The Lotus: Know It and Grow It, Paula Biles and Kelly
Billing go deep into the how and why of the magical lotus. Here,
Paula shares extensive highlights from the book with us.

2007 IWGS Waterlily Competition Results

By Paula Biles / September 1, 2007 / 0 Comments

[img:1] It is with great pleasure that the International Waterlily & Water Gardening Society announces the winners of the 2007 New Waterlily Competition. (See the pictures of the winners.) Congratulations! Best New Waterlily: Nymphaea ‘Suwanna’ Second Best Tropical Waterlily: N. ‘Pam Wilson’ by Charles Winch Best New Hardy Waterlily: N. ‘Miss Siam’ Second Best Hardy […]

The Aquatic Iris: An Unsung Pondscape Hero

By Paula Biles / May 26, 2007 / 0 Comments

There are numerous species of aquatic irises, many native to North America. They grow in areas from Alaska to Florida, and just about everywhere in between. Not only are they a pondscaper’s best friend, they are the original multi-tasking aquatic. They filter the water, avoid hungry koi, blend aquatic plants with terrestrial landscaping, are reliable, […]