Author at POND Trade Magazine

Paul Holdeman

Paul Holdeman, co-owner of The Pond Gnome, is a third-generation Arizona native. Growing up in Arizona, he is an Arizona State University alumnus, a certified desert landscaping expert through the Desert Botanical Garden and an active member of the University of Arizona Master Gardner program. He has developed an intimate understanding of the Sonoran Desert, particularly its riparian habitats. In 1999, he was introduced to organic water gardens. He and his wife, Barbi, started The Pond Gnome in January 2000. Together, they began a journey that has made their company very popular with the local native plant and wildlife enthusiasts. The Pond Gnome's mission, to change the way Arizonans build ponds, works to help replace the natural oases that once played a huge role in providing healthy water for native and migratory wildlife as they made their way through the pre-urbanized desert. The Pond Gnome mainly markets to people who want lush, riparian backyards and urban wildlife habitats. The company has created more than 400 sustainable, organic water sources for people and wildlife to enjoy.

How to Manage Micromanaging Clients

By Paul Holdeman / October 23, 2022 / 1 Comment

It was early spring 2021 when the client first contacted us. She absolutely loved the pond we had built at a local nursery that she frequents. The nursery owner sent her our way to get one of her own. We love referral leads because they tend to be people who are already comfortable with our […]

‘Conservationist of the Year’ Embraces the Environmentalist Lifestyle

By Paul Holdeman / December 31, 2019 / 0 Comments

By Paul and Barbi Holdeman, Pond Gnome Picture it. Late August in St. Charles, Illinois at Pondemonium 2019 and our company, the Pond Gnome, had been nominated for Aquascape’s annual Conservationist of the Year award by the chief sustainability officer, Ed Beaulieu. When Ed presented the award and surprisingly called our name, my wife and […]

Commercial Pond Build Integrates Sustainability

By Paul Holdeman / October 24, 2016 / 0 Comments

When a contractor turns on a pump, and water begins to flow over the top edge of an urn, scupper or stack of boulders, the client is immediately thrilled. It is one of the truths of our industry that if an installation is functional on the first day — and the client pays for it […]