GAZETTE Tampa Bay Gay and Lesbian News

By Hung Tran
The Florida Suncoast's weather provides its residents with the opportunity to enjoy nearly year-round pleasure working outside in the yard. Whether you are a weekend do-it-yourselfer, or prefer to use the services of a professional landscaper, few things add to the beauty and serenity of your own back yard like a pond.

But how do you make sure your pond is a thing of beauty, and not just a miniature mosquito swamp?

"Relax! We are here to help," says Michael Jones, of Pondscapes, Inc. "We can answer all of your questions about ponds."

Opened in 2000, Pondscapes (the name says it all - ponds and landscaping) has developed a sizeable clientele in south Tampa and Brandon. "I am happy to have such an ideal location that is easily accessible to Brandon (via the crosstown) Tampa and Pinellas County," Jones said.

Pondscapes, owned by Jones and his partner of five years, Kevin McLeod, offers a complete pond building and design service, monthly pond maintenance and a retail center full of supplies and materials for do-it-yourself pond builders.

Besides teaching and providing services, Jones welcomes new designs and ideas to his business. "I left Florida Progress in 1993 and turned my hobby into a career. For the first five years I designed and constructed fish ponds, using my home as an office. In 1998 I converted an old burned out gas station on Manhattan Ave. into a retail water garden center. We are an overall water emporium, offering a huge assortment of indoor and outdoor water fountains as well as all pond supplies. If it relates to water features, we will fill that need."

The water features business is booming, thanks in part to House and Garden Television (HGTV), which "has been a godsend in that it promotes water features in almost all gardens." One drawback to the TV shows, Jones shares, is that the programs tend to make so many water projects look much easier than they actually are. Since there are so many different kinds of fountains in the market, Jones strongly urges people to do their homework before tackling pond and fountain projects. He adds, "Our phones never stop ringing with people needing help with poorly designed or installed water features."

No matter who designs your pond, Jones says it is important to ask questions before and throughout the design and installation of the project. Researching the fountain before purchasing and checking for wet spots around the fountain are important steps, as well. "Make sure that the splash is well designed and that fountains will not require water being added daily." Another way to check fountain is to listen to the sound of it. Jones said, "Fountains have different sounds. You should find one that has tones that are pleasant to your ear, or that can help to drown out the sounds of the street."

If you have any trouble, you can always stop by his shop for more advice, Jones invited. "On most Saturdays and Sundays, I am in the retail store to act as a consultant on pond design, installation, and overall garden design." Pondscapes is open every day except Monday, and there is always someone on staff to answer most pond-related questions. Pondscapes also offers a free class on the basic construction of goldfish ponds on the last Saturday of every month.

Besides house-to-house service and delivery, Pondscapes also offers retail products, pond supplies and beautiful pre-made waterfalls in different sizes and styles, as well as other pond and garden materials. "If you're considering a pond, come by Pondscapes, check out the gardens, ask questions, and then go home and begin your project." Jones says that a great way to get in inspired is to attend the pond tour that they sponsor at the beginning of May. To learn more about this art, in some weekends, people can travel throughout the counties, seeing great ponds and gardens.

The ancient Chinese believed that waterfalls in the home attract wealth and good luck. Many Feng Shui practitioners believe that man-made waterfalls are excellent Feng Shui, especially when cleverly designed to blend harmoniously with the garden space. Waterfalls can also be very small, designed especially to enhance indoor spaces. Both work with equal potency. The best waterfalls have six steps, as this signifies luck coming from heaven.

Jones says "The belief in Feng Shui principles is not only great for my business but also for peoples' homes, The sound and the tranquility of the water makes people feel more relaxed and they can enjoy the artwork of the fountain or pond - that enhances their home a great deal." FMI click here.

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