If you could wave a magic wand to create the perfect pond or waterfall, what would it look like? Whether you are a DIYer or hiring the work done, here are seven questions to help you figure out exactly what that looks like and if it will work for you!

1. How much space do you have?
     If space is limited, consider installing a Pondless® waterfall or bubbling urn.

2. Do you have a budget?
     Fountains cost the least and are quickest to install.  Prices for waterfalls, streams, and ponds depend on size, type or rock used, and difficulty of installation.  You can easily add a pond to your waterfall later on if you decide that you’d like to keep some fish and enjoy different types of aquatic plants (water lilies, for example).  
     A beautiful koi pond 8 x 10 feet and 24 inches deep professionally installed can gust upwards of $11500 depending on type of rock, lighting, or plants added. A basic backyard pond starts at $7200. 

3. Do you want fish, plants, or lighting?
      If you want fish choose a pond that is at least 24” deep. Lighting can also be added to a fountain or a waterfall. Plants can be customized by the owner, or installed by the contractor. Plants make a beautiful pond even better, and are vital to keeping the water clean in your backyard pond.

4. Do you want to hear the water moving?
     A waterfall can be gentle and serene in the form a babbling brook or louder and more dramatic if built with longer drops.  Perhaps a koi pond with no sound at all fits you better.

5. How much time do you want to spend time maintaining it?
     Be honest about the time.  But also note that maintaining a pond actually turns out to be playing in the water for many folks! Pond maintenance is relaxing work. You could hire the maintenance out to a pond professional if you don’t have time or interest.

6. Logistical questions include: Where do you want this? Can you see the water from the house? Be sure to locate it near a window so you can enjoy it from inside too! Does that spot have access to electricity or can it be installed? Do you have an irrigation system? (An automatic fill valve can be added for when you’re on vacation.)

7. Technical questions: Which system will you use?  We recommend and only use the Aquascape system for its ease of use and environmentally-friendly approach to crafting and sustaining water features. 
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     Hopefully these questions helped you create your ideal water feature! For more information and fun videos visit Aquascape’s youtube channel, MNponds pinterest page, Aquascapeinc.com for technical information, or contact us to set up a free, phone consultation today!
Enjoy life today!

     When you have a pond, you will need to purchase pond supplies at times.  Pond pumps, pond plants (like that lovely blue flag iris in the photo!), or koi fish care products may be on your shopping list but where can you buy quality procuts?
     Here's a short list of  four places to get your pond supplies if you happen to live in in the Minneapolis/ St. Paul, MN area!  We recommend Aquascape products for their simplicity and ease of use.  Aquascape products try to mimic nature- no hazardous pond chemicals for them! For ease of use, I have divided the metro area into four sections below.

    If you live on the South side (Bloomington, Farmington, Rosemount, Apple Valley, Inver Grove Heights, Mendota Heights, South St. Paul etc.)  The Pond Company has a retail store with expert, knowledgable staff!  They carry Aquascape prodcuts, filters, parts, and beneficial bacterias.  They also carry other brands.  

    If you live near Plymouth, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Medina, Brooklyn Park, Golden Valley, St. Louis Park, Edina (i.e. West metro area) visit Hedberg Aggregates on Nathan Lane.  Here you will find all the Aquascape product line, pond plants, fish, and rock from around the world!  As a bonus, they have several small indoor fountain displays.  

     If you live in the East metro area (Stillwater, Lake Elmo, Maplewood, Shoreview, East St. Paul) there is a place for you too!  Hedberg Aggregates in Stillwater has all your pond needs including pond parts, filters, bacteria, plus more!  They also carry a good selection of perennial flowers, shrubs, and trees along with pottery and decor (plus rocks and mulch)! Check out the outdoor disappearing waterfall display while there.  

     For those of you in the Northern metro area, I would recommend Bebergs Landscape Supply on Hanson Blvd.  They don't carry Aquascape products.  They carry the Atlantic Water Gardens product line.  I put them on the list because I like them; they are such nice people!  They will also have other pond products like rock, mulch, or plants to landscape around your pond. 

     If you can't get to one of these retailers, type your zip code into Aquascape's "Find a Retailer" or click on shop to buy directly from the supplier!  Last  but not least, ask us to bring you supplies when we come for a maintenance check or spring clean out!

     Enjoy your pond this year!