Winter came in quickly, and hopefully you and your pond were ready for the quick change. Most of our customers this year chose to keep their ponds running for the winter. This year, we have been treated to many different ice formations around the waterfalls. Remember that as ice is formed, water is taken away, and you may need to add water on a regular basis to keep the pump flowing. With our pond, we have had to add water 3-4 times per week due to the ice forming in the streams. We have been able to go visit many of the ponds this winter and what amazing photo opportunities we have seen with the different looks ponds take on during the winter. Then the mid-winter thaw started and our pond overflowed in a few area's and again we started to add water. We are currently only using the pump to keep the system open, some customers have mentioned that they are using a pump and heater in their ponds. This will work and we have been told that they do not need to add water as often with this system. Remember to keep the heater away from the skimmer face opening as the moving water will make it run more often then needed, costing you more in electricity. Some of our customers had us shut down their systems and simply install the waterfall pump in the center of the pond to create an explosion, of water which keeps a hole open for the fish and creates oxygen at the same time. If you get the chance to photograph your pond during this winter, please send us a copy to admire.

Recently Pond Professors applied to Aquascapes to be part of their certification program. Being certified by Aquascapes as an installer of water gardens required that we meet different requirements. Step 1, the installer had to have installed at least 10 ponds in the year that they apply. Step 2, the installer had to attended programs and training at Aquascapes headquarters in Chicago, Il. Step 3, Provide proof of business license. Step 4, provide proof of business insurance. Step 5, provide photos of completed ponds for inspection. Finally, the last step, was to provide customer references that Aquascapes called and verified our customer satisfaction level. Along with the above listed, items we had to develop a maintenance program for fall and spring, a warranty program and show a dedication to water gardens. At this time we are the only company in Wisconsin to be listed as a Aquascapes Certified Contractor.

As announced at the gathering this fall we are forming an informal pond club. The clubs main purpose is to allow people who enjoy water gardening a chance to gather and share information. Programs will include sharing photos, discussions of pet care (fish) , sharing books, internet sites and articles. In warm weather, meetings will be rotated among members’ homes to view and discuss the homeowners pond and water features. Many club members expressed an interest in sharing plants and fish as their ponds mature. Membership dues are $15.00 per family and are due by Jan. 31st of each year. The club is called WSCAPES which stands for Wisconsin’s South Central Area Pond EthusiastS. Checks are to be mailed to WSCAPES c/o Kim Story at P.O. Box 3155, Janesville, WI 53547-3155. This coming summer we are planning on holding our first annual Parade of Ponds tour. We are in need of member homes that would be willing to allow the tour to view their water feature. We will be donating profits from the tour to a local charity. Currently we are looking for new members, members need only have an interest in ponds. Membership is open to all pond owners regardless of installer. We look forward to increasing our membership as a way to increase our information base. Remember ponds, are addicting...

Pond Professors held their first annual fall social at the future home of Scott and Kim Story in Johnstown Center this past October. The weather was great with sun and nice temps. The pond was recently installed and did not have a lot of growth at the time of the gathering. The fish were just starting to get to know their new home. The social was attended by 30 plus people over a 4 hour period. Attendees enjoyed food, drinks and the chance to speak with other pond enthusiasts. Looking around the gathering, many photo albums of pond pictures were being shared along with information for the new pond owners. It was nice to have a mix of pond owners from the new owner to the pond pros that have enjoyed their ponds over the years. One of our pond owners, Dawn Hardin was a great wealth of information about water plants and fish health. She is employed at a local water plant wholesale company. The pond club is planning on touring the same company this winter The gathering was just as we had hoped, informal and friendly with lots of information shared and a good time had by all.

Pond Professors is looking forward to Spring 2003. We will be only installing water gardens/ water features from this point forward. In the years past, we have offered lawn care, snow care and remodeling for our customers. This spring 2003, we will be focusing our company completely in the water garden service/installation business. Water gardens have become our passion and our pleasure to offer our customers. We look forward to continuing to offer great plants and products at the Hanover Garden Center in Janesville. Growing the pond club and getting the word out about the services we offer is the goal for 2003. We look forward to expanding our water feature at our new home so that current and future customer’s can stop for a soda and view our gardens. I am looking into installing a outdoor train around one of our ponds this summer. We have a new cell phone number (608) 931-2113 Please feel free to give us a call. Have a great winter and see you in the spring