Category: Uncategorized

ROCKS AND GRAVEL IN POND DESIGN

Small stream of water flowing over rocks and pebbles, with green plants growing on the left side.

There is a lot of debate in the pond world about the use of rock and gravel when constructing ponds. I am a huge fan of all types of ponds; big or small, rocks or no rocks, plants or no plants, formal, freeform or natural, waterfalls or calm reflecting pools; they all have a certain… Read more »

POND SPITTERS AND FOUNTAINS

Stone fountain with multiple sculpted heads spouting streams of water into a shallow basin below.

Spitters and fountains are ancient ways of artistic expression using water. The Romans are very famous for the use of fountains and spitters in their water works. The “Brussels Boy ‘spitter’” of a young boy urinating is a cultural icon, now found gracing ponds around the world. Today spitters are still a great way to… Read more »

THE GREAT BLUE HERON AND YOUR POND

A great blue heron stands near the water, displaying gray-blue feathers and a long, yellow beak.

LOOK! Up in the sky! It’s a bird, it’s a pla… no, actually it is a bird! About the size of a plane! The Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) is North America’s largest heron coming in at about 4 ½ feet tall, 8 lbs., and with a wing span close to 7’ across! This is… Read more »

HOW TO WINTERIZE YOUR RAIN BARREL

A frozen downspout with solid ice extends into a barrel partially covered with ice, outdoors in winter.

When winter sets in for the colder zones, we all have to reel in and winterize most of our backyard living accessories like rain barrels. It becomes time to store this, or tarp over that, put away and shut things down.

HOW TO WINTERIZE A WATER GARDEN

Small pond with water lilies, flowering plants, and rocks along the edge, reflecting surrounding greenery.

The water gardening season always seems to pass by a little too quickly. It seems that just as the water garden is looking at its fullest and best the autumn and winter are lurking just around the next calendar page.

WINTER CLEAR WATER

Sunlight reflects on the surface of clear blue water, creating a pattern of light and shadows.

Why is my pond water sooo clear when it starts getting cold out? I hear this question every year as the temperatures being to fall and the pond season in the northeast starts to come to an end. It is a good question too.

ANTHONY ARCHER-WILLS

An older man with gray hair and a sweater sits indoors, smiling and holding something in his right hand.

January 2011. Deep winter is not good for the psyche of a pond builder. The cabin fever sets in right quick. Deep winter serves a purpose for the pond builder of the northern climes though; it gives us some down time to recharge, rethink, and plan.

IT’S 2011, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Glowing, stylized numbers forming "2011" on a dark background with light streak effects.

Have I told you happy New Year yet? Well, if not, happy New Year! I should tell you now before it gets to that point where it is too late to wish this. Have I told you that I appreciate you? Well, if not, I do; and if you’re reading this New Year message I… Read more »

A WELL EQUIPPED POND

Leather tool belt containing a hammer, saw, tape measure, glue bottle, and other small tools on a white background.

You’ve just installed the pond you have been dreaming of, or maybe you have acquired a pond with the purchase of that new home; so now you have the pond, but are you equipped for it?

PUMP UP YOUR POND!

A black metal hand water pump is installed in a garden near a wooden fence and some trees.

Not all pond pumps are created equal, and not all water pumps can be used for ponds. Filtration is key in the performance of your pond’s filtration system and at the heart of every pond filter system is a pump.