Eric Wood gave an informative talk about the leading edge of water garden equipment at the TAWGS March 21 meeting.
New items that he talked about were:

• Pondbuilder Corner Falls, which fits snuggly into any corner and the Pondbuilder 20" mini cascade falls
• Oasis series pump vault and fastfalls
• Eco-Rise water feature riser. The extremely strong radial structure handles the weight of heavier statuary, vases and columns.
• Pondbuilder fountain basins with easy pump access
• Artificial rock bubbling features which are less expensive than real rock. Available from Kip Walker, Jackson Greenhouse, Serentity Water Gardens (formerly Hericks)
• Atlantic colorfalls
• Electronic clarifier & algae control system called IonMate, which will safely and effectively eliminate algae, resulting in less maintenance and provide crystal clear water.
• Replacement LED lamps for landscape fixtures.

Eric said that most of these items can be found on their website: completeaquatics.com. He did warn members though, that the prices of pond equipment have jumped dramatically. Most raised about 25%.

Alice Brooks from the Shawnee Country Extension Service gave a very informative talk on rain barrels at the TAWGS August meeting. Alice is the County Master Gardener Coordinator and is a Master Gardener.

"It is estimated that 40% of water used in a household in the summer is for lawns or ponds," Alice said. She said her rain barrel goes into a big concrete pond that was built 30 years ago. The overflow goes into a flower bed.

"You don't need a 55 gallon barrel to have a rain barrel," Alice said. There are all kinds of ways to save water. A trash can, whiskey barrel, urn or any another vessel that will hold water and can have a spout attached to it can be used as a rain barrel. You don't have to hide it because it can be made to look attractive. Some people paint their barrel or put a flower pot on the top of it. A bamboo screen or lattice work could be used to conceal the barrel.