Issues Archive

Focusing on the retailer you will find articles about effective retailing systems, learn the ends and outs of credit card interchange and processing fees, and tips on dealing with theft in your business. Important topics to help you be successful. Our plant expert goes into detail about the plants that are available, when to use them and how to mix them. Sell koi? You need to know several Japanese words and terms. Included here is a quick, illustrated list of some of the more common words you will hear. New starting with this issue is our Question and Answer section. Questions will be answered by the International Water Garden Society moderated Steve Stroupe; koi questions by Joe Pawlak; and other experts in the field of the question. Our first three questions cover several great topics. Then take the time to revisit the top 10 rules of communication in *Mom Says to Play Nice*. Also new this issue is a web only article. Again along the line of focusing on the retailer it is about what you should know when you want to start Pond Shop.

What is a CrossOver pond? – a design that is koi friendly with a water garden appearance. Read how this design differs from the hybrid pond, koi pond and water garden. Why sell goldfish? A goldfish breeder will teach you how; along with a discussion on the different varieties that are available. Your customers’ have algae covered or dirty waterfalls? Here is a hand out article on cleaning and maintaining those pesky waterfalls. Includes tips on finding leaks. Aquatic plants for veggie filters – which ones to use and why. There two great articles about planning for the next year – our marketing expert uses easy to follow steps to creating a marketing plan and, in the article Planning for Spring what retailers should be doing now. Learn what is the number 1 thing you want to avoid as a koi retailer. The IWGS has introduced their winning lilies and inducted two into their Hall of Fame. Finally take 30 minutes to be happier – learn how in this issue now.

Hybrid ponds are the topic of our cover story – A Pond in the Middle. Find Part 2 of UK retailers sharing their knowledge and experience in the garden pond business. Winter is an important topic at this time of year and we have three great articles by three experts in their fields covering the subject – for plants – Fall Finale (Aquatic Plant Care in the Fall), for koi – Overwintering Koi Under Thick Ice (a good read for all koi keepers) and then a good overview covering both plants and fish for the fall and winter in – Falling into Winter. Want to increase you profit, reduce your labor and make a nicer looking water garden? Find the answers in the article – Pond Design –Plants vs. Rock Edges. Learn about the profitability of goldfish, how pipe fittings can make a difference, what to look for in Shiro Utsuri and how to host a local event. Tips on how not to be a “used car salesman.” On a personal note 7 points of advice on taking control of you busy, hectic days.

UK retailers share their knowledge and experience in the garden pond business. A Two-pond Filtration System for Koi – advice on how to use a second pond as a filter, learn what has worked for this garden pond industry expert. Kikokuryu – what is that? Get some tips and learn about this great koi variety. Step-by-step information about How-to Install a Disappearing Fountain, including advice on how-to maintain them. Must know information about the current trend of Social Media Marketing Madness – what it is and 10 Steps to Success. Expert advice covers the topics of Water Lily Pests and Diseases and Summer Pond Care. Yes, there are benefits to rising early, learn how-to with some practical steps. Distributor and Manufacture team up, see what they are up to. How to use banners as inexpensive marketing tools, tips on doing it right.

Make it Bigger, don’t be afraid to seam that liner pond. This lead feature covers step-by-step advice on how to seam a liner and make that pond bigger. Find great advice on Staying Productive During the Dog Days of Summer. Learn about the challenges of breeding and selling Showa. Do swans belong in our pond or water gardens? Learn what else your customers may want to put in that pond and how to deal with them. Then there is information on how to deal with raccoons in our ponds, and how to make that first impression and make your business look good in Dress for Success. High Stress – 12 great tips are covered in this magazine on how to deal with high stress. Aquatic plants, what should I use? Find the answer in Botanical Psychotherapy and finish off with Keeping Ponds Healthy…learn ways to help maintain good water quality.

How to use Signage as the Silent Salesman, Profiling Today’s Pond Buyer, Preparing New Koi for Sale (knowledge you need), and advice on what plants to use in the pond or water garden and why just to mention a few articles full of great business advice. Along with learning about signage, our business professional advices on water garden and pond department displays and inspiring life-long customers. Find information on a new business opportunity Rain Water Harvesting; includes how it is beneficial to your customers and is helping the environment. Understanding Sanke is covered in this magazine, including tips on how to get top dollar for them. Simple Living Simplified – 10 tips on things you can do today to simplify your life.

Professional advice on how to make and use a plant filter is our lead article in this issue, titled The Grid Veggie Filter. Then find business tips and suggestions about the recession – how to rise to the top even in down times. Aquatic plant sales down? Get tips on how to refine your plant sale systems, includes advice on how to avoid common mistakes. Garden Pond Industry experts talk about how to have a more successful pond department/business and an article that includes step-by-step design and construction of an above ground koi pond. Selling Kujaku? Eight easy features that you need to know and can make them easy to sale.

Heron control, the magic of the Lotus and business tips on how to fail or flourish in our current economy is just the start of this information packed magazine. Authors share their knowledge and advice about the “Green Industry” in articles like The Greener Side of Ponds and Wind Power is Finally Here. With a growing concern about droughts our expert gives tips and ideas about water-wise use of water in pond maintenance. A new series about the Language of Koi starts with Kohaku. Insights are given as to what to look for in a Kohaku and how to price koi to get top dollar.