Tour goers are treated to pond accents like the one above that depicts Pan. Many of the pond accessories on the tour are carefully selected works of art crafted by American artisans. (Right) Kathie Thomson's pond in full bloom.
"I had to drop you a note to tell you how much I am enjoying my garden, pond, patio and courtyard even though it is the middle of winter. It is wonderful to look out the kitchen window each morning before leaving for work and see the pond and waterfall. It is even better to get home in the evening and walk through the garden I envisioned having for so many years! It is so tranquil and peaceful that the stresses of the day just evaporate. I can't even begin to imagine how wonderful it will be when the plants and flowers are actually in bloom and I can watch them evolve through the seasons!!
The entire yard has now become an extension of my very small house and I have no doubt that I will just about literally live out there from the first spring day to the last day of autumn...
You are so creative and talented. Each time you were at the house it was as if you were watching over your vision coming to life. It is obvious that your work is your passion and the finished garden is very much a personal expression of your artistic ability and considerable knowledge..."
-Kathie Thomson, Cranford, NJ
Kathie Thomson's pond was featured during the 2006 Parade of Ponds.
ANNUAL PARADE OF PONDS
The 2006 Parade benefited St. Jude Children's Hospital and was the first ever in New Jersey. Over a dozen private ponds were open to the public. The ponds were classic, natural and elegant. One pond-lover whose pond was on display was Pat Tistan, North Chapter Vice-President of the Mid-Atlantic Koi Club. These tranquil, private and captivating water gardens and more will open to the public again in 2007 on July 28th for the 2nd Annual Parade of Ponds sponsored by GroundsKeeper. The tour is part of the National Water Garden Association's Parade of Ponds.
Pat Tistan, North Chapter VP of the Mid-Atlantic Koi Club and an Old Bridge resident, has a private oasis that features magnificent Japanese Koi in an 8000
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"With the heat, you just want to jump in," Coury joked as she admired an Old Bridge backyard pond filled with water lettuce, tower lilies and a large porcelain turtle. "I have the perfect backyard - three acres, and I've wanted to have a pond since I moved into my house," she said, never looking away from the water pond. "I'm looking for ideas, and I figured I could learn a lot today." More than 80 residents including Coury signed up for the charity event, which gave tour-goers grand ideas and raised approximately $1,500 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis Tenn.
from the Suburban, August 3, 2006
2007 Parade of Ponds - July 28th, 2007
Almost two dozen captivating private water gardens will open to the public as part of the National Water Garden Association's Parade of Ponds pond tour. This exciting event was a huge success last year so reserve your spot early!
Attendees meet at Grounds Keeper's headquarters: 798 Highway 34, Matawan, NJ, or at any of the participating locations. There guests can pick up a map of the tour route that lists the addresses and details of the ponds, or take a bus provided by Grounds Keeper. Donations to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) or Township with a Heart will be accepted. Call 732-566-1600 for more information or to RSVP!
"We look forward to incorporating the peace and serenity of our garden into our everyday life."
- Verita and Arthur Francis,
Cliffwood, NJ
"It's our backyard fantasy garden. You open the gate and enter through an antique iron arbor quickly being overtaken by wisteria to a private magical sanctuary and follow the brick wlkway to a circular patio with stone walls, pergola and fountain set amongst the Japanese maple and bamboo. It is there that you enjoy the sound of softly gurgling water, bubbling through a large Maine millstone. Come watch the birds drink, bathe and play."
- Christine and Bob Guido,
West Long Beach, NJ
"We love how you created different areas in the yard. Each have their own charm; from the raised pergola covered patio to the nature trail along the lilac trees, the cozy swing on the blue stone patio to the soothing sound of the water feature. We've entertained many people since the project was finished. Everyone is amazed when they enter the yard; it definitely has that ′WOW′ factor. One look around and everyone says it's like being in another world..."
-Mara and Joanne
gallon pond and water garden. Pat's pond and garden are just one example of how imagination, daring and a green thumb can create a four-season suburban oasis tailored to suit any nature lover's interest. Add the kaleidoscope of color, movement and over 30 vibrant Koi and you have a feast for the eyes and the soul.
The 2007 Parade of Ponds benefits the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and Township With A Heart. ADA is the nation's leading 501(C)3 nonprofit health organization providing diabetes research, information and advocacy.
Founded in 1940, the American Diabetes Association conducts programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, reaching hundreds of communities. The mission of the Association is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. Representatives from the Bridgewater, NJ ADA Office will be present at the Parade of Ponds to answer questions and distribute ADA literature. Township With A Heart is a private nonprofit organization in Old Bridge, NJ that assists Old Bridge residents in need.
(Above) Visitors never know what to expect at the Parade of Ponds, a classic car provides an unusual, yet poignant complement to sunflowers; Visitors admire a pond in a secluded garden reminiscent of the European countryside; A bird's eye view reveals the entirety of the pond and landscape; Visitors relax in an outdoor room adjacent to a pond, an ideal spot for entertaining or solitude.