Why shallow water plants matter When you picture a beautiful pond, what do you think of? Water lilies in bloom. A bubbling stream. Reflections of blue skies and green trees. Bright fish moving below the waterline. Behind that picture-perfect scene, something else is happening—quietly, at the water’s edge. The Overlooked Zone That Does the Heavy […]
The Power of the Pond Edge: Shallow Water Plants Read More »
Let’s focus on hocus pocus. In recent years, even those who possess no magical powers have become familiar with some aspect of the wizarding world. Muggles everywhere recognize the name Potter. Some are even well acquainted with wizarding schools such as Hogwarts and the curriculum they offer. While courses such as “Spells and Charms” and
Sorcery in the Secret Garden: How to Create Magic in the Landscape Read More »
The pond hobby’s gateway drug or valid small-space alternative? The backyard pond, with its beauty and tranquility, is on the wish list of many a homeowner. But the required space, excavation, upkeep and expense drives many away from this dream. And what of those in apartments with just a window, or a condo/townhome with just
In an increasingly urbanised and technology-driven world, opportunities for children to connect meaningfully with nature are becoming increasingly limited. In Australia, school environments are often constrained by safety, structure, and space, leaving fewer opportunities for unstructured exploration and discovery. Yet it is often these experiences of interacting with water, observing wildlife, and learning through curiosity
Building a Living Classroom: The Kallangur State Primary School Ecosystem Pond Project Read More »
A long-standing international benchmark The International Waterlily & Water Gardening Society (IWGS) has announced the results of the 2025 New Waterlily Competition (NWC), held for the 27th time since its launch in 1997. Over the past nearly three decades, the competition has generated more than 200 entries and remains one of the most anticipated annual
IWGS Announces Results of the 2025 New Waterlily Competition Read More »
Planting within and around natural water features and fountainscapes can be one of the most impactful and rewarding phases of any project. Whether contemporary or naturalistic, small or expansive, plants play essential roles in both the function and beauty of a living water ecosystem. Functionally, plants help keep water clean by absorbing nutrients that algae
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Why mismanaged cattails quietly destroy water quality If you are serious about healthy, clear, low-maintenance lakes, bogs are not optional — they are essential. A properly designed and maintained bog is the closest thing you will ever have to a self-running, self-cleaning water quality system. Most people underestimate them, and that misunderstanding is exactly why
Bogs: The Unsung Powerhouse of Lake Maintenance Read More »
By Curt Nuenighoff This is an update of an article orginally Published on July 23, 2009 The lazy days of summer are here. Your pondkeepers have worked hard throughout the spring to get their ponds in great shape to enjoy all summer long. Now is a good time to talk with your customers about what is happening in
Summer Pond Care: Keeping Fish Ponds Beautiful Read More »
How a Single Pond Sparked a Landmark Watercourse Project Our work at Halcyon, a retirement community located in Buderim, Queensland, Australia, began with something much smaller. Before any commercial discussions, before any plans for a 40-metre watercourse, came Ray’s Pond. We built this interactive, naturalistic water feature for a private residence within the growing over
Building Halcyon’s 40-meter Watercourse Read More »
What if I told you the satisfaction of designing a functional pond, placing rockwork, pruning plants and feeding your fish need not diminish with the inevitable change of seasons? What if I also told you there is a hobby so comparable in core principles to ponds and water gardens that the similarities are uncanny, with
Aquascaping: The Indoor Hobby That Mirrors Pond Design Read More »