As I worked through January / February 2026 issue, one theme surfaced again and again: creativity in its most expansive form. Not just creativity as artistry—but creativity as problem-solving, adaptability, passion and perseverance.
From massive adventure pond builds and refined presentation techniques, to breeding koi, curating bonsai and sustaining multi-generational businesses, creativity runs in the blood of everyone in this industry. It’s what allows us to juggle the many hats we wear each day—designer, builder, caretaker, educator, marketer and business owner—often all before lunch.
That creativity is something I’m constantly inspired by. I see it across social media feeds filled with innovative builds, thoughtful details and bold ideas pushed a little further. I see it, too, in the Water Artisan of the Year entries—each one a reminder that our industry is fueled by individuals who are unafraid to blend imagination with craftsmanship and heart.
Here’s What’s Inside:
This issue opens with “Adventure Ponds“, where Dave Duensing demonstrates how pushing creative boundaries in water features demands vision balanced with engineering and responsibility. From there, the focus shifts to communication in “Presenting the Dream”, as Dean Pipito shows how visualization, trust and confident presentation turn ideas into buildable realities. A more contemplative expression of creativity emerges in “Bonsai & Koi: A Perfect Partnership“, where Cooper Sallade connects patience, heritage and living design to deeper client engagement. Community-driven creativity comes into focus in our “Mid-South Pond Retreat Recap“, highlighting the impact of education, coaching and collaboration . We return to the theme of thoughtful process in “Fall Harvest on an American Koi Farm”, as Ellen Kloubec brings readers into the seasonal rhythm of a family-run operation driven by planning and care.
“Lessons in Longevity”, with Hank DeWaal III. reflects on how adaptation and consistency sustain specialty retail across generations. Expanding the scope, Mike Gannon’s “Honest Guide to the Pond Building Profession” reminds us that successful pond building requires creativity across biology, design and business—not just construction. A broader perspective follows as Tim Waddington compares U.S. and U.K. pond cultures, revealing how environment and tradition shape creative approaches on both sides of the Atlantic. The issue concludes with “Built to Rock”, my recap of the 2025 Atlantic-Oase Professional Conference. The event celebrated an industry rooted in innovation, connection and shared passion.
Find Your Creative Spirit
As you move through this issue, I hope you recognize a bit of yourself in these stories. Creativity in our industry doesn’t live in just one discipline. Creativity shows up in how we design, how we problem-solve, how we care for living systems and how we build lasting relationships with clients and each other. It’s what allows this industry to continually evolve while staying rooted in craftsmanship and community. That shared creative spirit is what makes pond professionals so unique—and it’s what continues to push our industry forward.
Until the next splash,
Lauren Nolan
Publisher, POND Trade Magazine
