January/February 2018 Issue

I’m not much of a list person. My son is, though. Every year since he was about 10 years old, he makes a “top 10” list of his favorite songs and albums over the past year. I guess he’s rubbing off on me, because now I have an urge to create a “top 10” list of my favorite articles in 2017.

This list is not in any particular order; it’s just my own favorite 10 articles looking over the last six issues. Enough jabbering; here I go:

1. “To Tree or Not to Tree,” July/August issue by Max Phelps. I love trees. I simply thought this was sage advice for anyone thinking about the placement of their pond.
2. “The WOW Factor,” November/December issue by Joe Pawlak. Did you see those photos? They speak for themselves!
3. “Spill It,” July/August issue by Chris Ostrander. Spillways and patio pots enthrall me. Chris covers the gamut, and of course there were some awesome photos to go along with the article. I want one!
4. “Water Artisans of the Year,” March/April issue by Jordan Morris. The talent out there blows me away. Enough said!
5. “Light it Up,” May/June issue by Benjamin Timmermans. There’s just something about a pondscape illuminated at night!
6. “Level Up,” July/August issue by Jaak Harju. Jaak shared his love of pond building and how he likes to think outside the box. Another photo extravaganza too!
7. “Winter is Coming,” September/October issue by Jamie Beyer. I can’t begin to tell you how many people write in every year asking for winter advice. Jamie always seems to have the answers!
8. “Renovate and Revitalize,” September/October issue by Rex McCaskill. Rex used the pond-construction section to go into detail about renovating existing water features. It was a really good read.
9. “The Lotus Love Affair,” November/December issue by Kelly Billing. Kelly, lotus, her son’s photos and her wealth of knowledge. Need I say more?
10. “The Artisan Approach,” September/October issue by Dave Duensing. Dave provided some valuable insight from a Water Artisans of the Year judge and a top-level pond builder.

So many wonderful reads in 2017  and watch for our tally of the most popular (page impressions) articles of the year that we always post on our website. Here’s to a peaceful and prosperous 2018.

Happy New Year — and happy PONDering!