Practical Magic
SAVE THE DATE!
The Pond Gnome and Andy Hull's Sunshine Foundation present the Moonlight Promenade of Ponds - the Valley's only nighttime garden tour!

The event will be Saturday, July 19, 2014.  


Quote of the Month
"The sound of water says what I think."
Chuang Tzu (c.360 BC - c. 275 BC)

 

Customer Satisfaction Survey
We could really use your help!  We want to be the very best at what we do, and we need feedback from our clients to help us out with that.  If you have not already done so, please take just a moment to complete the Customer Satisfaction Survey that we've set up.  It's short -- only 10 questions, and would mean the world to us!

Thank you!
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February 2014


We certainly hope this year is treating you well so far.  We are doing some exciting things!  We had a waterfall and stream display at TPC during the Phoenix Open, and now we're replacing some old concrete features in another residential community: Milano Terrace Private Residences.

And then there's the phenomenal weather we've been enjoying while the rest of the country is battling the Polar Vortex!  But, despite this unusually warm weather, it's not quite time for the annual cleanings, but we're getting close.  Right now, we are experiencing a drop in temperatures, and still have a chance of cold weather until the end of February.  The last thing we'd want to do is go out and trim up someone's pond and then have a surprise freeze kill all the aquatic plants!  So, we're being patient, and encourage you to do the same for just a couple of weeks more.



FREE Annual Cleaning Workshop
Essential Info for the DIYer

Don't forget about our DIY annual cleaning class next weekend, February 15th, at Harper's Nursery in Scottsdale.  No registration necessary -- just show up!

Ponderings
Even the cutest creatures can wreak havoc
Rodents!
During your normal pond maintenance, be sure to check around the biofilter and skimmer areas for rodent damage.  It can happen over time right under your nose!  They dig in and start tunneling around under the rocks and dirt. 

The result of rodent activity can be anything from a mild annoyance of having to re-stack the rock or add some larger rocks to keep them at bay (in the early stages) to having to completely tear apart and rebuild your waterfall area (if left unchecked).  We've had two incidents of the latter fairly recently because folks weren't checking around the whole feature; hence, the warning.

We know it's more fun to look at the waterfall from below, but once in a while you need to check the back end of things, too.  Just like you walk around your house occasionally to check for termite trails, right?  If you don't, that's another thing you should consider doing on a regular basis because prevention is a lot easier (and cheaper) than infestation.

On a brighter note, Spring is just around the corner for us and our aquatic plants and creatures will begin to shake off their "winter" slumber.  We'll let you know when you can safely trim back dead plant material, and when you can start feeding the fish commercial fish food again.  In the meantime, remember the heat that's coming, and enjoy this weather!
 
REWARD!
Refer a new client to us who signs a construction contract, and we will give you your choice of a free pond
water feature service, OR a new state-of-the-art LED underwater light fixture, OR dinner at your favorite Valley restaurant!

 

Offer open to existing clients.
Offer Expires: NEVER!
Remember, if you have any questions that can't be answered via our website, we are as close as your telephone at 623-572-5607 or e-mail.

 

Take care, and happy pondering! 

 

Sincerely,

 

The Pond Gnome
22767 N. 104th Ln.
Peoria, AZ  85383
623-572-5607
623-572-0483 Fax