Got your attention with that headline, I bet! As I was finishing up designing this issue, I came to the “final” page, page 66 (see image, right), which shows a beautiful photo with the catch phrase “Time to Reflect.” Now that the leaves are falling, colder weather is setting in (at least for us up north) and the calendar year is coming to an end, I’m sitting back reflecting that it has been a good year. I think most of you would agree that pond building has been on an upswing, and the economy is doing well.
We’ve had a great year at POND Trade, too. We’ve been fortunate to have a wide variety of in-depth, innovative articles this year, with a lot of new writers and perspectives. Our second annual Water Artisans of the Year contest was a huge hit, and it’s hard to believe the results of our third contest are just two issues away (Still time to enter! Click here). But rather than look too far forward, I think it’s important to continue to reflect on the here and now.
In a land where space is precious, the art of landscaping and garden design has been taken to very high limits of expression, with distinct formations that engage an aesthetic and philosophy that are completely unique from Western traditions. Case in point, I’m really excited about the Japanese Garden Design feature in this month’s issue. We’ve been trying to run an article on this topic for more than a year, and Jerome Skuba did a great job covering the topic. I worked closely with Jerome on the photography, and he had me visit and shoot several locations.
From the article, History and Modern Design of Japanese Gardens:
In a land where space is precious, the art of landscaping and garden design has been taken to very high limits of expression, with distinct formations that engage an aesthetic and philosophy that are completely unique from Western traditions.
You don’t have to twist my arm to do that! Japanese gardens are so welcoming and peaceful, and it was my pleasure to have a small hand in this issue’s cover feature.
Jerome’s article is just one of eight fascinating features we’ve lined up for you in this issue. In the pond construction department, Jerry Romano recounts a harrowing sequence of events that led to the creation of a true gem when it comes to larger-than-life water features. Visit “miracle boulder” that now adorns Jerry’s company showroom and the video is below.
For you business owners who may be struggling to keep your rates competitive, Tom Gandy has an eye-opening feature about raising your hourly wages that might make you think differently about the subject in the future. Also, don’t miss Laura Bancroft’s “Lotus Lowdown” at the end of the issue for everything you need to know about this easy-to-grow aquatic plant.
Happy PONDering!
Sneak peek at Jerry’s Romano’s rock/water creation, see below:
