Out with the old, and in with the new! Happy New Year to you all, and best wishes for a great new year.
So, what’s on tap (no pun intended) for 2023? Are you promoting certain types of water features? Have you developed a niche? Are you planning on building some recreational ponds? What about expanding your operations? Whatever your 2023 plans are, I have three words for you — JUST ADD WATER! Water is the life force for our industry (and our species, for that matter), and we at POND Trade magazine are excited to see what’s in store for you in the new year.
I found myself surrounded by water earlier in the year when I visited Ten Mile Creek Nursery in Hartford, Alabama, just a few miles north of the Florida state line. You probably noticed the photo for my cover story. I was thrilled to experience first hand the lotus biomass harvest, when the Ten Mile Creek crew sustainably processes every part of the lotus flower for a handful of different applications. Even though I had to face my biggest fears — snakes and alligators! — it was a very memorable trip worth checking out.
My time in the lotus trenches made me appreciate Jamie Boyer’s article (“Aquatic Succession: Understanding the Maturation of a Water Garden,“), in which he describes the aquatic maturation process that occurs in every body of water. Whether you own or install ponds (or both), there are several takeaways here you won’t want to miss.
I also enjoyed Margaret Cleveland’s Language of Koi feature, which details the process of packaging and shipping live fish. It’s so interesting to look back almost 100 years and see the progression of how koi and goldfish make it from breeder to consumer.
Speaking of frequent-flyer fish, Kent Wallace arranged for his client’s koi to be quarantined in New Jersey while he completed yet another stunning formal. contemporary, high-end pond installation in Las Vegas (“Courtyard Koi Pond Build in Desert Community“). I think the fish would agree when I say their new luxury home was well worth all the travel!
Happy PONDering!
