Before I get into what’s on my mind, I just have to say how excited I am that spring is here. We’re finally hearing that joyous sound of running water in our backyards again. And for those of you lucky people down south and out west, be thankful that you have water features to enjoy all year-round!
We are very excited about this issue’s main topic and cover story: lighting. You already create water works of art for your customers. So why not go that extra step and light up your customers’ lives? As Benjamin Timmermans of Liquid Landscapes explains, adding lighting to landscapes and waterscapes (article link here) doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. And like a lot of things, a little bit goes a long way. Ben also provides a how-to sidebar on how electrical cords and connectors disappear (see Landscaping Lights Tips & Tricks). After all, doesn’t it make sense to be able to enjoy your pond or water feature after the sun goes down?
We are filled to the brim with lots of great articles this issue. Speaking of water features and artistry, we’ve got a fascinating feature on creating bubbling water features of all sizes and shapes — and I’m not talking just urns and rocks. Have you ever seen a bubbling saxophone, click here to see?
We also have a very informative piece about product development on pg. 56. Our editor asked representatives from some of the industry’s top manufacturers about how they view and handle the typically long process of taking an idea and turning it into a finished product. You might learn a few things about this very complex procedure.
Don’t miss the handy guide to hardy waterlilies by Tony Moore [Link]. Planting, dividing and feeding them never seemed so straightforward. Finally, I had the pleasure of attending Pondliner’s Water Garden Expo in February, and I shot a lot of fantastic photos of some of the highlights. Also look for the sidebar about the 15-year-old landscape business owner who was in attendance and is on the leading edge of the industry’s newest generation.
Happy PONDering!