Come see us at these events:

Mid-Atlantic Home and Garden Show
Virginia Beach, VA
February 15 to 17, 2008

Maymont Flower and Garden Show
Richmond, VA
February 21 to 24, 2008

Richmond Home & Garden Show
Richmond VA
March 01 to 02, 2008

Schedule of Demonstrations

Most of our programs are free of charge, don't require pre-registration and are held rain or shine! There is a materials fee for the Kid’s Day program because the children will have a real water garden to set up at home.
Our demonstration program takes you back to the basics of pond construction. Our sessions focus on what you’ve asked for the most, pond and waterfall installation. In addition to repeating the pond construction demonstrations over and over again, we sprinkle in a few other fun and interesting programs. Nothing beats starting out on your project fully informed. Once you’ve built your garden pond, make sure you attend one of our seasonal care seminars for timely and useful tips. Our knowledgeable and experienced staff can get you started on your adventure with water gardening. Look below for the demonstration topic you need and mark your calendar.

Stone by Stone, Pond and Waterfall Construction

We will guide you step by step, stone by stone, through the process of where and how to build the water garden of your dreams. We’ll teach you the right mix of information for a solid start without overwhelming you with extras. The program begins with a discussion of just where to place the water garden and how to make sure it’s right for you. We take you through the process of installing the pond using a rubber liner, skimmer, filter-fall and pump. After building the small pond, we have an in-depth discussion of pump sizing and selection, skimmers and filters. Next we are on to the waterfall to show you the tricks to making a natural-looking stream gurgling into your pond. We complete the demonstration by putting plants into the pond and waterfall and talk about establishing an ecological balance for a happy, healthy water garden.

Kids' Day $45.00 Registration Fee and Pre-registration Required

This is a favorite program for school age children, their parents and us too! We’ll take your child on a streamside and wetland tour to explore the fascinating world of water creatures and plants. Even though school is out for the summer, your child will learn (without even realizing it!) about pond ecology when they look in and around the wetland area here at Springdale. The wetlands help them relate stream habitat to the water garden creation that they will be making.
After the tour, we will make our way to the tent for selecting, planting and learning about the small water garden they will be taking home. We provide a kit that includes a Barrel Liner (23” X 15”), plants, scavengers and all the goodies it takes to make your child’s pond a success. Instructions are included for final set-up at home and seasonal care. This fun activity is geared to elementary and middle school age children and has proven quite popular with home schooled children as a valuable learning tool. Each child can build their own creation, or they can share in the project for a fun family time.

UV's A-Z: All you Ever Wanted to Know

Emperor Aquatic’s Guest speaker will explain how UV Sterilizers work and how they help you achieve clear water all year round. Find out how simple they are to install, how they can guarantee clear water and what the benefits of UV Sterilization are. A must hear for anyone who has ever had green water.

How to Design and Install a Dissapearing Fountain

The possibilities are endless! Using the techniques we show you, you’ll be able to create your own personal fountain using any urn, vase, statue or multiple combinations you choose. Complete construction tips and materials list are included in the actual demonstration of a working disappearing fountain. Where does the “disappearing” part come from? The water disappears into the ornamental rock at the base of the fountain and into a plastic box. This recirculating system is perfect for a unique garden accent and for the water gardener who wants a kid friendly fountain with no open water. A disappearing fountain is a perfect way to add the sound of gurgling water to your garden without the maintenance of a water garden.

Spring Fever-Let's Get Started
From early spring to summer care, all the information you need to make your water garden a success. We will advise you when to start feeding fish and plants and how to maintain them through the summer. Stocking a water garden properly with plants, fish and scavengers is explained as well as pond cleaning and replanting of plants.

Jack Frost Nipping at Your Pond

The season winds down and the pond begins to go dormant. As the water gets colder, everything changes. Learn when to stop feeding fish and plants, how to clean a pond, install pond netting, and get ready for Old Man Winter. We will discuss de-icers; operating a pump during the winter or letting the pond freeze over.