Aquatic Connections Plans Nature Explore Classroom

Aquatic Connections is in the planning phase of a Nature Explore Classroom to be located at their water garden center in Trevose, Pa. The owners and staff of Aquatic Connections will be working with the Arbor Day Foundation, the Dimensions Educational Research Foundation, schools, teachers, students and parents throughout the planning process in order to incorporate fun, educational activities for children ages 4 to 8 years old. For more information, please send an email to: online@aquaticconnections.com.

What is a Nature Explore Classroom?
Nature Explore Classrooms are dynamic, nature-based play and learning spaces. These nature-rich outdoor spaces are being constructed at schools; nature centers; national forests, parks, and wildlife refuges; zoos; arboretums; and child care centers. Nature Explore Classrooms enhance the
physical environment and add natural beauty to the surrounding area.

The Nature Explore Classroom Certification Program is a national initiative that recognizes schools and other organizations that have made a commitment to providing outdoor classrooms and comprehensive programming to help children use the natural world as an integral part of learning. Grounded in over a decade of research and field-testing, this widespread initiative is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Foundation in collaboration with environmental, educational, design and health organizations.

Aquatic Connections & P. Allen Smith Discuss Pond Plants

Aquatic Connections carries one of the largest selections of aquatic plants in the area. In season, there are hundreds of pond plants to choose from when planting your pond. In the Philadelphia region, hardy pond plants will survive the cold winter months, but the tropical pond plants that P. Allen Smith refers to in this video need to be removed from the pond. As soon as pond plants begin to turn yellow or decay due to cold weather, it is better to remove them before the leaves end up on the bottom of the pond. Decaying matter left in a pond over the winter months can cause problems for your fish.

Take a look at P. Allen Smith's floating water plant video, but remember that for some pond owners, floating plants such as water hyacinth and water lettuce are seasonal plants. If you have decaying leaves at the bottom of your pond, try scooping them out with a pond net, add a cold water bacteria such as Microbe-Lift Autumn Prep. and then cover the pond with pond netting.

When you get into water gardening you can discover a whole new dimension of enjoyment. Plants can add so much to even the smallest water feature. A pool or a fountain without plants, well it's like your patio or terrace without flowers. However, selecting the right plants for your pool or water feature is also important. At least five hours of direct sunlight is critical for most aquatic plants for optimum growth. You'll find that many nurseries now carry these plants to keep up with their growing popularity. There are so many interesting varieties to choose from. Now everything in this pool is actually growing in a container like this, they are anchored to the bottom. But there is a whole category of water plants that actually float on the surface. Probably the most familiar of the floating plants is the water hyacinth. It is supported by these balloons-like structures just behind the leaves and it produces a lavender flower. You will never have to worry about having an aching back from planting water hyacinths. All you do is dropped them in. Now one of my favorites is this water lettuce even though it's not the sort of thing I normally put in a salad. They are beautiful floating on top of the water. For a lush, velvety effect you might try the Parrot's Feather or something even more delicate is this azolla or sometimes called Fairy's Moss. All of these, because they cover the surface of the water, create a shady and comfortable environment for fish. And the fish in turn fertilize the plants with their waste making these floating water plants some of the easiest plants you can grow. From the garden, I'm Allen Smith. P. Allen Smith Gardens? Copyright 1998 - Hortus, Ltd.

Aquatic Connections Now Carries a New Line of Pond Water Treatments

Aquatic Connections, a retail water garden center in Trevose, Pa. will now carry a new and improved line of pond water treatments, developed and manufactured by Aquascape, Inc. Initially, the pond water treatments will be available on Aquatic Connections website, but the product line will be launched in the retail pond store in the Spring of 2010.

The new line of pond water treatments come in a new "Push Pump" style bottle, making application to the pond water easy and convennient. The dosing amount is the same for every liquid water treatment. One "pump" treats one hundred gallons of pond water. The concentrated formulas and new dosing instructions make these pond water treatments economical and easy to understand. Aquascape has taken the guess work out of balancing a pond's ecosystem. Aquascape, Inc. combined science with simplicity within their complete line of new and improved water treatment products, making it easy to maintain a healthy, well-balanced water garden. The line-up of water treatments includes pond detoxifier, beneficial bacteria, sludge cleaner,barley extract and many more.

"Aquascape, Inc surveyed consumers on their pond treatment preferences and the overwhelming response was something that was easy to understand,” says Scott Rhodes, Director of Product Marketing for Aquascape, Inc. “Combining a simple, consistent dosing method with convenient packaging makes our new water treatment line easier for the consumer to use.”

Pump top liquid dispenser bottles and easy-to-use bubble tabs provide a simple dosing system, taking the guesswork out of pond treatment application. The water feature and fountain treatments of the new line boast refreshing aromatherapy scents, like lime and lavender, to help consumers relax after a long stressful day. Industry-leading CFU counts or bacteria concentrations were used in conjunction with other ingredients to optimize the entire pond ecosystem.

A new Spring Starter Kit and a Pond Maintenance Kit round out the Aquascape water treatment line and provide an easy means for customers to acquire the right product mix to maintain a clean, clear and healthy pond.

Family Fright Night Rescheduled Due To Weather

Hello Pond Fans! We're sorry to say that we have had to reschedule our Family Fright Nights this weekend due to Frost Warnings for our area.

We are planning on holding the Family Fright Night on Friday, October 23, 2009 from 5 to 8pm. If you have made reservations for the event this weekend, your reservation will be honored for next weekend. We apologize for any inconvenience, but we are looking forward to seeing you all out there!

If you haven't registered to attend Family Fright Night yet, this is a perfect chance to go ahead and do so online by clicking on the button below.

Click here to register online for the Family Fright Night on October 23, 2009.

Also, we would like to remind you to use the water temperature of your pond and not the air temperature when considering whether or not to feed your pond fish this weekend. If you have any questions regarding your pond, feel free to Call 1-866-AQUATIC or Email online@aquaticconnections.com

Family Fright Night at Aquatic Connections!

Looking to get an early start on the Halloween festivities? Aquatic Connections is hosting a Family Fright Night on Friday October 16, 2009 and Saturday October 17, 2009.

Bring the kids to Family Fright Night from 5pm to 7pm on Friday or Saturday. The kids can make their own Halloween Candy bag and then go Trick or Treating around our ponds! Dress them up in their Halloween Costumes so they can enter the costume contest! Snacks, drinks & all activities are FREE! The event will be geared towards children under 10 yrs, but all are welcome. All parents will receive a discount coupon good for any purchase made during Family Fright Night! Please register your children, by clicking on the link below, so we can plan appropriately. Thanks.

To register for Friday October 16th, 2009, click here.

To register for Saturday October 17th, 2009, please click here.

Or you can call us at 1-866-AQUATIC.

Spots are filling up fast! We hope to see you there!

Happy Haunting,