As cool breezes roll in and the leaves change, our industry enters one of its most vibrant and inspiring seasons. Fall may be the time when ponds start their seasonal rest, but for pond professionals, it is when ideas flourish, connections deepen and the groundwork is laid for the year ahead. This issue captures that […]
September / October 2025 Read More »
For decades, the seasonal cleanout has been viewed as a necessary part of pond ownership. Draining the pond, relocating fish, removing sludge, and rebooting the ecosystem is a common spring ritual. But as more professionals question whether this model truly benefits the pond (or their business) alternatives are beginning to emerge. It’s time to reimagine
Reimagine Pond Maintenance: Why Hands on Training Still Matters Read More »
Every spring in the mountains of Niigata, Japan, a quiet but extraordinary ritual begins. In the shadow of snow-capped peaks, amidst neatly arranged rice paddies and cedar forests, generations of koi breeders rise before dawn. Their lives revolve around one singular pursuit: crafting the perfect koi. As The Koi Partner, I’ve had the rare privilege
The Art of Koi Breeding in Japan Read More »
If you’ve spent any time in the pond and water feature industry, you know that success is about more than pumps, liners and aquatic plants. The real engine behind every thriving pond business is its people. In today’s service-driven U.S. economy, this truth is even more pronounced: your team is your most valuable asset. For
Recruiting and Retaining Strategies to Unlock Success Read More »
This past July, 30 pond professionals from across the United States and Canada gathered for something more than just a break from work. They came together to recharge, reconnect and reignite the passion for the pond industry. The Pond Professional Alliance (PPA) Summer Retreat was held at the serene and scenic Stillwater Reserve in western
Stronger Together: Highlights from the PPA Summer Retreat at Stillwater Reserve Read More »
For pond builders, fall is often viewed as the closing chapter of the busy season. But when it comes to planting, it can be one of the most strategic times to lay the foundation for a thriving pondscape. Whether you’re installing a new feature in September or putting the finishing touches on a fall renovation,
Fall Pond Plantings Set Stage for Spring Success Read More »
A single crystalline drop, shimmering in the sun, swells until gravity pulls it to the mossy pool below with a satisfying plunk. Water runs downhill. The thrum of a spring stream, flush with rain, moves over rocks, through roots and around boulders as it races along a course set by countless droplets before it. It
Waterfalls: The Art of Guiding Water Read More »
One quiet morning on my way to work, I noticed what looked like a beautiful white dove near my shop. As I got closer, I realized it wasn’t just any bird — it had a small band around its leg. That’s when it hit me: this was a racing pigeon. What struck me most was
Beyond the Pond: A New Passion Takes Flight Read More »
Thirteen years ago, I started what I thought was a simple aquaponics project. I had no idea it would grow into something so much bigger—a passion, a sanctuary and, eventually, a full-fledged business. The pond that started it all has gone through three major transformations. Here’s the story of how a body of water meant
From Aquaponics to Oasis: A Pondhouse Evolution Read More »
Your favorite pond shop is closing down its fish systems for the season, and they’re running fantastic end-of-season sales on koi and goldfish you’d love to bring home. It’s late in the year, though, and adding them into your pond doesn’t feel quite right. Still, they’d make great additions come spring. Rather than walking out
Creative Indoor Setups for Wintering Koi and Goldfish Read More »