March / April 2022

2022 Waterlily Competition

New Waterlily Competition Turns 25

The International Water Gardening Society (IWGS) New Waterlily Competition enjoyed a special year in 2022. It marked the 25th anniversary of the first competition, which was held in 1997 at Denver Botanic Gardens. We had the unique opportunity to celebrate this momentous occasion during this year’s IWGS symposium held at the competition’s current host site, …

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POND Trade’s 2021 Water Artisans of the Year Winners

In a year that saw record-breaking property values all over the place, 2021 also saw the most-ever entries in POND Trade’s Water Artisans of the Year contest — almost 70! Coincidence? We think not! Just like 2020, many pond-loving clients found themselves spending more time at home, which naturally meant more home improvement and enhancement …

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How to Source Aquatic Plants in any Ecosystem

When I began my career more than 35 years ago, little information existed about most things aquatic compared to today. Instead of being just a click away, information about individual plants was typically provided via a photocopy through the mail. I would send a check to cover the cost (about 7 to 10 cents per …

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Pond Construction | Recreational Ecosystem Pond Build in Northern California 

As a design-build company based in Southern California and with the state being so large, Mystic Water Gardens often get opportunities to travel up north to do large-scale projects. This time, we were presented the opportunity to do a project nestled in the foothills of Wine Country, close to Lake Tahoe.    During my first …

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Exotic Animals’ Home Away From Home in Florida

Farmhouse Animal & Nature Sanctuary, located in Myakka City, Florida, was founded by Dave and Lisa Burns in 2017. It is a 100% volunteer-run organization. There are currently 106 animals at the sanctuary, including kangaroos, wallaroos, ducks, chickens, rabbits, pigs, geese, horses, ponies, turtles, tortoises, donkeys, peacocks, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, bearded dragon, prairie dogs, many …

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Exotic Animal Sanctuary Gets Duck and Turtle Pond

When we started Backyard Getaway in 2004, we knew we wanted our business to be community minded. Giving back and helping local nonprofits was important to us. We held yearly pond tour fundraisers and hosted moonlight socials to benefit our favorite nonprofits.  >> See the related sidebar to this feature article, “Exotic Animals’ Home Away …

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Results of 2021 IWGS New Waterlily Competition

The 2021 International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society (IWGS) once again held its New Waterlily Competition at Naples Botanical Garden in Naples, Florida. This year, we expanded our maximum number of entries from 25 to 30, allowing more hybridizers from around the world the opportunity to submit their best new waterlilies for evaluation. The IWGS …

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