Like last year, there were no blowout victories in any of our five categories. If anything, the staff here at POND Trade had to triple-check our math when compiling the final tallies from the judges. We even raised the level of difficulty a bit this year and allowed only one category entry for each project. …
2017 Water Artisans of the Year Awards | Runners-Up Read More »
I love a winner and think you will, too. Our Water Artisans of the Year issue [link] is quickly becoming one of my favorite issues of the year. It blows me away to see all the talent out there. I get the honor of reviewing and sorting out all the submissions so the judges can …
It’s simple, right? Dig a hole and fill it with water. But beyond that, I’ve found that there are very few things installers can agree upon when it comes to pond construction. Dinner of Champions It was October 2017 when I found myself eating dinner next to Lora Lee Gelles at the beautiful Bear Creek …
The Foundation of Why: An Artistic Pond Construction Approach Read More »
Whether natural or man-made, there are many different water-garden irises that can grow in and around your pond. Iris laevigata is related to many of the water-loving irises found in the laevigatae series. This series includes irises found across the world: the United States’ two natives (Iris virginica and Iris versicolor), Europe’s yellow-flag Iris pseudacorus, …
Water-Loving Iris Makes Itself at Home in the Water Garden Read More »
Many of us who own a regular (or pond) business have dreamed of selling it one day and living the dream of retirement. Most of us have very little idea how to make this dream come true. Usually this only happens with a well thought-out plan. Yes, you need a real plan that will work …
Building an Exit Strategy for Selling Your Pond Business Read More »
We receive thousands of phone calls each year, and a significant number of them are from pond owners and pond-service companies who are struggling to keep a pond clear and beautiful. This is so sad, because they are being robbed of the joys of living the pond life, especially considering that keeping a pond in …
Diagnosing an Ailing Pond: The K.I.S.S. Principle Read More »
However, as you turn the next few pages, we suspect you’ll agree with us in disagreeing with this common rule — maybe just this once. There’s no question that our second annual Water Artisans of the Year contest packs just as much pizzazz, wonderment and showmanship as last year’s inaugural contest. Overall, this year’s competition, …
Meet the Judges: Our Second Supreme Stream Court Read More »
In August 2016, I was contacted by Von Winkel from the Las Vegas Springs Preserve. The Springs Preserve is associated with the Las Vegas Valley Water District and does a lot of work to preserve the original habitat in the ancient springs that rose from the desert floor of the valley where Native Americans and …
Best Pond Practices | Fish-Safe Airlift Systems for Protecting Endangered Species Read More »
The pond build is complete! Water parameters are in check, and oxygen levels are adequate. Congratulations — you’ve created the ideal pond environment for your customer. The next step is to introduce koi into the pond because, after all, koi are the highlight of the water garden experience. They really are living jewels. Just like …
Language of Koi | Nishikigoi Bring a Slice of the Rainbow to the Pond Read More »
It is often said that a sequel never quite lives up to the hype of the original. However, as you turn the next few pages, we suspect you’ll agree with us in disagreeing with this common rule — maybe just this once. There’s no question that our second annual Water Artisans of the Year contest …
Water Artisans of the Year | The 2017 Pond Season Winners Read More »