Squirrels Crawl Under My Pool Cover

I couldn't believe what I saw out my kitchen window yesterday. As I looked out across my backyard, I saw a squirrel disappear under the pool cover of my inground pool. It walked right up to the edge, near the ladder in the deep end. Much to my surprise it crawled through the slit in the cover where the rails come out of the pool. I stood there, almost holding my breath, and waited. I sure hoped he was going to climb back out. I really didn't feel like going out there and rescuing a drowning squirrel from the frigid pool water. Luckily he did come back out a minute later. Why did he do that, I thought. I took a look at my pond-frozen! I took a look at my heated birdbath-empty! He needed a drink. Fresh water is so important this time of year. It can be very difficult for animals to find it sometimes. My heated bidbath works great-when I keep water in it. And yes, I have seen squirrels drink from it. They take turns with the birds. They all need water. My heated birdbath helps more than just the birds! Call Aquatic Connections and see how you can get one for the wildlife in your backyard. Visit Aquatic Connections website to learn more about our committment to backyard habitats.

Are Pond Hobbyists Creating a Sustainable Environment?

Who benefits from having a pond? I guess to many, the immediate answer that comes to mind is the homeowner. Ponds certainly are relaxing, inspiring, and a conversation piece. After a hectic day at work, most pond owners can find some peace and tranquility sitting around their pond, enjoying its beauty.

But, the pond is more than that. It's a living environment, a well balanced ecosystem that is home to many plants and various creatures. Hardy pond plants return each year, filtering the water with their roots, providing shelter for your fish, naturally providing oxygen as they grow and thrive in your pond. Plants and shrubs that are used to landscape around the pond provide a source of food and shelter for many forms of wildlife. Bees pollenate the flowers, birds are provided shelter by the surrounding foliage. Various forms of wildlife inhabit your pond, too. A pond's year round inhabitants may include your fish, but also, frogs and snails. Visitors may include birds, butterflies and dragonflies. Each species needs your pond for a reason. Squirrels can be seen drinking from the edge of the pond. Birds drink, eat insects or perhaps fruit that may have fallen in from a nearby tree. They take baths along the edges of the pond or waterfall, as do butterflies and dragonflies which are attracted to the calm shallow water.

Sustainability is a huge buzzword right now. There are many agencies and organizations trying to deveolp theories and guidelines to make sure landscapes provide a sustainable environment. The goal is to make sure that landscapes benefit humankind and other organisms by providing valuable ecosystem services, which improve environmental quality. I think pond owners are on the right track, don't you? Visit Aquatic Connections and take a tour of the water garden center. You'll be inspired. For a preview of the ponds that can be created, go to Aquatic Connections website. A pond can bring your backyard to life!

Elementary School Students Build a Pond - Ponds for Kids 2008 K-1

Aquatic Connections is involved with the Ponds for Kids Program for the 4th year in a row at a local elementary school. Twelve kindergarten and first grade students signed up for a six week, after school enrichment class. During the class, the kids will actually construct an indoor pond. They learn to work together as a team, using various math and science skills, measuring the gallons of water, weighing the rock that they use, and taking the water temperature. Their pond will be a complete ecosystem with plants, fish and proper filtration. The class sparks their curiousity and their imagination. It's a great way to learn about ponds and nature. To see photos of their pond as they build it, visit the projects & photos page on Aquatic Connections website.

Garden Centers Closely Watch the Fashion Industry for Color Trends

Did you know that the gardening industry closely follows the fashions trends for the upcoming year? They take a close look at the hottest new colors that clothing designers are using. The newest color trends for clothing spill over into many other industries, outdoor living for example, and yes, even gardening. Pottery and Flowers that have interesting color names are more appealing to consumers. Like Pink Mist,Daiquiri Green and Snorkel Blue to name a few. Pantone's Fashion Color Report lists their top ten picks and you can find them list on Aquatic Connections Website under "2008 Trends" in the FAQ section. Click here for a direct link, so you can be in style this spring.