Pond Tour in Chicagoland 2016

There is something magical that happens when you sit next to a pond or running water feature. Your heart rate decreases, you breathe easier, you touch nature a little more closely, and of course, you smile. When I first began investigating ponding and fountains it was in the category of garden beauty. I wanted some beauty in my garden. After living with the sound of a rainwater cistern and fountain in my garden for six years now (above), I can say that water in your garden represents something much more than beauty; it is about wellness and calming. I have found it immensely therapeutic. (Follow this LINK and see how my rainwater cistern and fountain were built.)

Aquascapes Inc. invited me on a recent preview pond tour that gave an overview of some of the ponds that will be shown on all their amazing summer 2016 Aquascape Water & Garden Showcase through the Chicagoland area. Each pond was different and special, be it a naturalistic woodland pond (above) or a suburban water feature (below), they were all beautiful, but more importantly, they were special because of the wellness aspect. Standing next to a pond, while breathing it all in is a special kind of magic. If you’ve always wanted a view of the water, you don’t have to move near a lake or river to live your dream. Instead, you can attend the 2016 Aquascape Water & Garden Showcase tour in the Chicago, Illinois area.

Each of four community events this summer features private properties, all open to the public. Visit at your own pace, one home or all. The free, self-guided walks are open-house style and take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays in Geneva (June 18), six homes; Elmhurst (July 16), five homes; and Naperville (Aug. 20), seven homes. The showcase culminates in St. Charles (Sept. 17), with tours of six properties between 2 and 7 p.m., followed by an evening celebration from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Aquascape, 901 Aqualand Way in St. Charles. Each walk features complimentary refreshments at a “Pond Central” location, where experts will share inspiration, tips, and design ideas. Suggested on-site donation for the evening event is $10 per person with proceeds supporting The Aquascape Foundation, developed to promote awareness of water as one of our most precious resources through environmental, educational, and philanthropic efforts. For more details about the 2016 Aquascape Water & Garden Showcase – including maps, descriptions, and locations – visit THIS LINK.

Running water feature in garden