UPDATE: The ‘Pond Stars’ mentioned in the following blog are now on the web only as the “Aquascape Pond Squad” on YouTube.
Outdoor living enthusiasts already know them as the ‘top three pond builders in the world.’
For those unaware of their talents, the time has come to meet Greg Wittstock, Ed Beaulieu and Brian Helfrich — Owner, Vice President, and Construction Manager, respectively, of Aquascape Inc. (St. Charles, IL).
Why? Here’s the buzz. The trio’s gifts for creating beautiful water gardens recently came to the notice of a television producer, and the new reality series — “Pond Stars” — was born. Each episode will feature the trio going about their day-to-day activities of designing and building water features for all kinds of people and situations.
Whether one fits into the category of already loving one’s backyard, or just wanting to love it, this series will be filled with the inspiration you hanker for. Having spent time with them at a recent waterscape event, Deck and Patio’s own Bill Renter came home convinced their series will do for backyard retreat lovers what Forensic Files is doing for crime puzzlers, and Dance Moms is doing for, well, pushy Moms.
The premiere episode, “Time for Turtles,” has Greg, Ed and Brian rushing to complete two projects: the first for an environmental center where the pond will be used as an outdoor classroom for an upcoming kids camp.
Will they get in done in time? Will the kids see the center’s rescued turtles happy and secure in a water garden? Of course! The fun is seeing them do it…under pressure…with maximum difficulties, all the while informing us of how a backyard retreat gets created.
Perhaps one way to show how enticing the episodes will be is to feature several Deck and Patio ponds, where we’ve used the stars’ own Aquascape products and expertise. So mark your calendars. “Pond Stars” premieres Tuesday, September 9th, 2014 at 10 p.m. EDT on NatGeo WILD.
Our first photo shows Bill (center) at Pondemonium 2014 with the Pond Stars and Aquascape’s Chris Hanson who also appears in some Pond Stars episodes.
This Deck and Patio man-made pond with waterfalls and stream enjoy a healthy ecosystem. Note: it is essential to choose the right stones and gravel for your pond, which provide the correct ph value for the fish and plants and helps to reduce algae.
One needs to be there to appreciate the sounds of the water and the falls – plus the birds singing and the frogs croaking — and to watch the koi swimming around.
Water lilies are ideal plants for a pond. Not only do they produce fragrant flowers that are beautiful to look at, they add shade which helps keep the water temperature down during the heat of summer. This also reduces algae growth and when koi or other fish are present, water lilies provide great shelter for them.
Okay, it’s not a river, it’s a Deck and Patio man-made pond, complete with rushing water stream, waterfall, stock of vibrant koi, water plants, bridge and viewing deck.
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