Pondemonium 2009 Inspires Industry to Go Green

Hundreds of distributors, contractors and retailers from across North America came together for education, networking and fun at the 10-year anniversary of the industry’s premiere water gardening event, Pondemonium 2009, held July 16 to 19.A variety of classes and workshops filled the week, but the focus was on sustainable landscapes and rainwater harvesting. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in several hands-on training sessions, including a Standard and Advanced Build-A-Pond and this year’s highlight, the Extreme Green Community Makeover."Green" projects installed at the Lakes of Bliss Woods subdivision in Sugar Grove, Ill., during the community makeover included ecosystem ponds, rain gardens, RainXchange rain barrels and the RainXchange system paired with a Pondless waterfall, decorative fountain and pervious pavers and fountain. LED lighting installations, native plantings and permeable patios were incorporated into the residential landscapes. A large aeration system was added to the community’s retention pond, and native plantings were added to the banks of the pond.Capping the evening of the Extreme Green Community Makeover was the annual Pondemonium dinner and awards ceremony. This year’s Certified Aquascape Contractor of the Year award was presented to Jim Price of Pondtastic Water Gardens, Orlando, Fla.Enhancing this year’s green theme at Pondemonium was the ability to achieve Certified RainXchange Professional (CRP) status through hands-on builds, online training and testing.