Aquascapeinc.com News

Aquascape Moves Back into Corporate Headquarters

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:08:12 +0000

Aquascape, Inc, the innovative leader of water features in North America and inventor of the low-maintenance ecosystem pond has moved office operations back into its corporate headquarters, dubbed “Aqualand.” A partial roof collapse 12 months ago forced the company to temporarily re-locate both its office and warehouse space.

In February 2011, the roof covering Aquascape’s parking lot collapsed on a Sunday afternoon following a major snowstorm that blanketed the Chicago area with 20.6 inches of snow in less than 24 hours. “Thankfully no one was in or near the building at the time of the collapse,” said Greg Wittstock, CEO and founder of Aquascape. “Our team worked quickly to re-locate both our office and warehouse operations and we were able to minimize the disruption of business to our customers. After a year of working from a temporary location, we’re extremely grateful to be back at Aqualand.”

Aquascape was granted office occupancy on January 30th. Warehouse operations are expected to move back to Aqualand in the near future. Construction continues on the company’s atrium at Aqualand and the Aquascape Water Gardening Store is slated to open for business on March 20th. The store carries everything necessary to install and maintain a beautiful water feature. Aquatic plants and live fish are available for purchase in addition to pond supplies and water gardening books.

For store hours and information, visit www.aquascapedesigns.com or call 630.659.2060.

Aquascape Releases 2012 Retail Water Garden Catalog

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:43:04 +0000

Aquascape, Inc, the leading innovator and manufacturer of pond products and supplies, releases its 2012 retail water gardening catalog that offers a full line of affordable, reputable pond and fountain products for the consumer.

“Although many companies have reduced spending on research and development during the economic downturn, Aquascape has focused its energy and resources on improving product quality while identifying ways to reduce cost to the consumer,” explains Scott Rhodes, director of product marketing for Aquascape, Inc.

Aquascape’s 2012 Water Gardening Catalog is available free-of-charge and designed for retailers to distribute to their customers. Full-color photos display a variety of water feature options for today’s consumers, and short stories highlighting benefits and features of ponds, waterfalls, and fountains are incorporated to create a first-hand experience of the water gardening lifestyle. Quick Response (QR) codes populate the pages for easy access to product videos and additional information.

Several new and improved products appear in Aquascape’s 2012 Water Gardening Catalog including, but not limited to:

Container Water Garden Filter, for containers holding up to 50 gallons of water
Pond Filter Urn, ideal for providing filtration for smaller ponds or container water gardens
Newly designed IonGen™ System, an electronic water clarifier that reduces maintenance
Evolutionary, second generation line of consumer water garden pumps
Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete, decorative fountains
LED Fountain Accent Light, creating drama for nighttime viewing
Granite Transition Garden Fountain, providing two fountains in one
Activated Pond Carbon, for clarifying water and reducing odor
Pond Air 2 and 4, providing beneficial, energy-efficient aeration
Koi Krunchies, a hand-feeding treat for koi and goldfish

Retailers can order free copies of Aquascape’s 2012 Water Garden Catalog to distribute to their customers by calling 866.877.6637 (US) or 866.766.3426 (CANADA). The retail catalog is also available online at www.aquascapeinc.com/product-catalogs for free download.

Aquascape Creates Sustainable Water Feature and Native Habitat for Chicago's Shedd Aquarium

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:51:08 +0000

Aquascape, Inc. and its network of Certified Aquascape Contractors (CAC) designed and installed a third, outdoor water feature at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium on August 18th, 2011. Under the direction of Ed Beaulieu, chief sustainability officer for Aquascape, the pond, stream, and wetlands area was devised to serve as a hands-on training event for CACs to earn continuing education units.

“The design philosophy behind the pond and stream project is to mimic a native Illinois stream with the associated flora and fauna,” says Beaulieu. “This water feature is not merely decorative but will serve as one of the Shedd’s exhibits and is meant to educate visitors about the importance of native habitats and how we can all make a positive impact on our environment.”

The 30’x15’ pond includes a 1,500 gallon sustainable reservoir, which allows operation of the water feature for extended periods without rainfall. The 50-foot stream and waterfalls were created with large, weathered limestone, giving the feature an aged appearance while providing a role in water chemistry as the stream receives dissolved minerals from the stone. Two hydraulically engineered, 9PL energy-efficient pumps power the stream with a combined flow rate of 12,000 gallons per hour.

An oversized wetland was included in the design to serve as a large, aquatic planting bed to introduce native aquatic plants to the system. The wetland filter incorporates Aquascape’s patented Snorkel® Vault and Centipede® Module technology, thereby providing optimum water quality.

Visitors to the Shedd Aquarium can interact with the water feature, located at the bus drop-off location on Solidarity Drive. For more information on the Shedd Aquarium, visit www.sheddaquarium.org.

Aquascape's Pondemonium 2011 Focuses on Building the Future Together

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 19:25:31 +0000

Hundreds of distributors, contractors, and retailers from around the world came together for education, networking, and fun at the industry’s premier water gardening event, Pondemonium® 2011, held August 18th -21st in St. Charles, IL. This year’s theme was “Building the Future Together” and offered workshops and hands-on training sessions designed to instruct attendees about effective, economical ways to grow their business.

The event kicked off with an advanced Build-a-Pond training session held at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, the third water feature installed at this historic landmark by Aquascape and its network of Certified Aquascape Contractors. The new 30’x15’ pond includes a 1,500 gallon sustainable reservoir, a 50-foot stream and wetlands area with aquatic planting bed. This newest water feature will educate visitors about the importance of native habitats and how everyone can make a positive impact on our environment. Capping the evening was a waterfall ribbon-cutting ceremony with dinner at the Shedd Aquarium’s outside terrace.

Friday’s classroom sessions started with keynote presentations from Greg Wittstock, CEO and Founder of Aquascape, Inc. and John Stanley, retail industry expert. Greg’s presentation, “Building the Future Together” focused on plugging your business into the philosophies and ideologies with water features that appeal to today’s new consumer, while John’s presentation, “Water: Make it Your Future to Have a Future” highlighted what’s being done to make water features vogue and how to leverage the past to build your business today and for the future.

New to Pondemonium® this year were “Cup of Coffee” roundtable discussions, led by a variety of water feature contractors and retailers on topics ranging from “Making Home Shows Profitable” to “Creative Construction Projects” to “Selling Your Passion” and more. Attendees could choose from over 60 discussions in which to participate before heading into classroom workshops on Friday and Saturday.

Networking events were offered throughout Pondemonium® and included a trip to Ball Horticultural Company for dinner and private tour of the expansive gardens. In addition, a coffee bar and beer garden at Aqualand, corporate headquarters of Aquascape, afforded opportunities for socializing and idea-swapping. A standard Build-a-Pond, pond tour, awards ceremony and annual Blow-Out Bash rounded out the agenda for 2011.

During the awards ceremony, Aquascape recognized customers who displayed one or more of the company’s core values of Character, Team, Win-4, and Fun. In addition, 3 recipients were chosen for special awards never before offered.

Tony Sargeant of Aquatic Creations in Grantville, GA was awarded 2011 Businessman of the Year by Greg Wittstock.
Chip and Sue DuBois of Chips Landscaping in Greenfield Center, NY were awarded 2011 Conservation/Sustainability Award by Ed Beaulieu, chief sustainability officer for Aquascape, Inc.
BJ Linger of BJL Aquascapes in Oceanport, NJ was awarded Artist of the Year/Workmanship Award by Brian Helfrich, construction manager for Aquascape, Inc.

Aquascape Sustainable Water Features Celebrated at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:51:43 +0000

Providing unique, conservation landscaping solutions that support water conservation efforts, Aquascape, Inc. will celebrate the completion of two outdoor sustainable waterfall features at Shedd Aquarium with a ribbon cutting ceremony Aug. 18.

The self-sustaining Pondless® Waterfalls were installed over the last two years alongside Shedd’s north outdoor terrace and East Solidarity Drive, welcoming visitors entering the building. The ribbon cutting, led by Aquascape Founder and CEO Greg Wittstock will take place at 6 p.m. on the aquarium’s outdoor terrace.

“It’s an honor to partner with Shedd Aquarium to provide interactive water features for the public to enjoy,” said Ed Beaulieu, chief sustainability officer for Aquascape. “We’re both committed to conserving Earth’s most precious resource through public education and increased awareness of sustainable methods. These ecosystem water features are just one great way for guests to see what they themselves can do in their own backyards to help.”

A third waterfall is set to also break ground earlier that day near the bus drop-off location on Solidarity Drive. Certified Aquascape Contractors from across the nation will participate in the installation during Pondemonium®, Aquascape’s premier annual training event. The public is welcome to watch the building process throughout the day.

Aquascape, Inc. Introduces Pond Fish Vitamin Treat

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 20:41:32 +0000

Aquascape, Inc. announces its new Pond Fish Vitamin Treat, complete with a revolutionary new application formula and scientifically designed to keep pond fish looking their absolute best. Each depression of the pump top bottle creates a small worm-like looking treat for your pond fish.

“Our goal was to create a new and fun way of getting your fish to eat vitamins,” states Scott Rhodes, director of product marketing for Aquascape, Inc. “With Aquascape’s Pond Fish Vitamin Treat, you can create cool and nutritious worm-like snacks for your pond fish to enjoy!”

Aquascape Pond Fish Vitamin Treat increases appetite and vitality, enhances natural colors of the fish, and stimulates breeding. Pond and Fish Vitamin Treat includes vitamins, nutrients, lipids and garlic, used for centuries as a health supplement and recently as a control for internal and external parasites.

For information on Aquascape products, visit our product catalog page.

Aquascape Launches Pond and Landscape LED Light Kit

Wed, 18 May 2011 17:13:43 +0000

Aquascape introduces its new Pond and Landscape LED Light Kit for creating beautiful, nighttime focal points in water gardens or traditional landscapes. The small, compact design allows for easy installation in even the tightest spots.

“We’re excited about our Pond and Landscape LED Light Kit which is preassembled and pre-wired, making installation a snap. Simply plug in the transformer and the lights are ready to go,” claims Dave Kelly, Vice President of Product Management for Aquascape, Inc. “What’s more, the waterproof design of the LED light fixture makes the unit extremely versatile, allowing it to be submerged underwater, as well as used alongside the water to highlight waterfall cascades, fountains, or even plants and trees surrounding the water feature.”

The kit is listed at $109.98 MSRP and includes 3 single-watt LED light fixtures. Each fixture includes a high-output LED light combined with an optical lens, providing an extremely powerful light output for such a small fixture. Also included is a built-in photocell that automatically controls the lights, turning the fixtures on at dusk, and off at dawn.

Aquascape LED lights use approximately 80-90% less electricity and last 10 times longer than their halogen counterparts. This is especially advantageous in a water garden setting where a submerged light can be difficult to access.

To view a video on the Pond and Landscape LED Light Kit, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_44hzKsSWk. To place an order, log onto http://www.aquascapeinc.com/shop-online.

Colleen Heitzler Promoted to President of Aquascape, Inc.

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 21:51:51 +0000

Colleen Heitzler was recently promoted from her position as Chief Operating Officer to President for Aquascape, Inc. in St. Charles, IL. Heitzler will focus on building a solid foundation to continue to grow Aquascape’s profitability.

Heitzler began her career with Aquascape in 2001 as Controller. Her wealth of knowledge and experience quickly resulted in Colleen being named Chief Financial Officer, and most recently Chief Operating Officer.

“Aquascape is a forward-minded company with an exciting history of market development and industry leadership,” said Heitzler. “There is great deal of passion and talent on the team at Aquascape and it is a privilege to transition into the role of President.”

“Colleen has proven her enthusiasm, loyalty, and savvy as a leader in our company and the industry,” shared Greg Wittstock, CEO and Founder of Aquascape. “I’m proud to have her on our team in this extended role.”

Aquascape, Inc. Introduces New Waterfall Spillway

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 21:46:46 +0000

Aquascape introduces its new Waterfall Spillway, an inexpensive solution for creating waterfalls. This compact, yet extremely strong spillway includes strategically positioned internal barriers that diffuse the rush of incoming water, providing a smooth flowing waterfall through the front spillway.

“Customers have been asking for an economical way to create waterfalls and we’re excited to respond with our new Waterfall Spillway, which retails for just $119.99,” states Dave Kelly, Vice President of Product Management for Aquascape, Inc. “The Waterfall Spillway is an ideal solution for starting waterfalls on Pondless® Waterfall systems, where larger, more expensive biological filters aren’t necessary due to the absence of fish. The Spillway is also an excellent choice for designing additional waterfalls and streams onto ponds that already have a biological filter.”

The 22-inch wide Waterfall Spillway handles flows up to 7,500 gallons per hour and its one-piece roto-molded design makes it extremely durable. The unit is easy to camouflage since it can be buried beneath stone, gravel, mulch or soil. Use multiple Waterfall Spillways for larger, more creative waterfall designs.

To view a video on the Waterfall Spillway, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XLnkttdCA0. For more information about the Waterfall Spillway and other Aquascape products call 866-877-6637 (US) or 866-766-3426 (CAN).

Aquascape Introduces Pondless(R) Waterfall Vault

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:33:38 +0000

Aquascape is proud to announce the release of its new Pondless® Waterfall Vault for small to mid-sized waterfall projects. Developed by contractors for contractors, Aquascape’s Pondless® Waterfall Vault is packed with features that a professional installer will truly appreciate.

“The New Pondless® Waterfall Vault was designed to improve integration with our AquaBlox® water tanks, which makes excavation and installation a snap,” claims Dave Kelly, Vice President of Product Management for Aquascape, Inc. “In addition, an extra wide opening provides easy access and the large interior fits a wide range of pump sizes.”

Horizontal and vertical water intakes provide excellent circulation while the built-in water level inspection port allows the lid to be buried out of sight. Listed at $239.99 (MSRP), the Pondless® Waterfall Vault comes standard for use with small AquaBlox®, but is available with an optional extension that slides on when using the large AquaBlox®. Professional grade quality and strength make the new Pondless® Waterfall Vault applicable to a variety of waterfall installations.

Click here to watch a video on the Pondless® Waterfall Vault.

For more information about the Pondless® Waterfall Vault, Pondless® Waterfall Kits and other Aquascape products call 866-877-6637 (US) or 866-766-3426 (CAN).

Aquascape, Inc. Covered Parking Roof Collapses

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 19:06:06 +0000

The covered parking lot structure holding portions of our green roof collapsed on Sunday afternoon. The portion of the roof that collapsed is attached to the main warehouse which sustained window damage.

St. Charles, IL, where Aquascape Inc's head office is located, had been recently hit with a major snow storm where 20.6 inches of snow had fallen in less than 24 hours, followed by above freezing temperatures causing a quick thaw. An ice damn at the base is suspected to have backed the water up over the parking structure causing its collapse.

Aquascape's employees will not be at work today, February 14th while structural engineers check to make sure that the integrity of the building is completely safe for them to return.

"Thank God it happened on a Sunday when we are closed. We are so thankful that no teammates or customers were here. Situations like this happen, it's how you respond that matters," said Greg Wittstock owner and CEO. "It was disheartening, but the office area and the warehouse did not take the brunt of the blow which is fortunate" said Aquascape's President Colleen Heitzler.

"We are so lucky that no inventory was damaged" said Roberto Cosme, Aquascape's Warehouse Manager. "As soon as we are cleared to go back into the building, it should be business as usual."

Aquascape would like to thank its customers for their patience while we work to get everything back up and running. Inquiries and customer support, please leave a message at our current phone number 1-866-877-6637 and someone will call you back as soon as possible.

Please note: The snow damage has caused a temporary loss of power to Aqualand effecting our phone, e-mail and internet. Aquascape is temporarily closed. We would like to thank our customers for their patience while we work to get everything back up and running. For inquiries and customer support please leave a message at our current phone number 1-866-877-6637 and someone will call you back as soon as possible. You can e-mail orders to aquascape123@yahoo.com.

Click here to watch a video about an update on the roof situation.

Aquascape Donates and Installs RainXchange for Universal Design Living Laboratory

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:51:07 +0000

Aquascape, Inc. is donating a 500-gallon RainXchange® rainwater harvesting system with 20-foot stream to Universal Design Living Laboratory (UDLL), a 3500 square foot home in Columbus, Ohio. The UDLL project was initiated by Rosemarie Rosetti, a motivational speaker, author, and wheelchair user, along with her husband Mark Leder, after a bicycling accident left Rosetti paralyzed from the waist down.

The Universal Design Living Laboratory will become home to Rosetti and Leder upon completion, in addition to serving as a learning resource for builders, designers, architects, and consumers. The couple’s mission is to raise awareness of quality indoor and outdoor lifestyle through universal design, green building, safety, and healthy home construction practices.

Aquascape is inviting a group of Certified Aquascape Contractors to participate in the hands-on training and installation of the RainXchange® rainwater harvesting system, which will bring biodiversity and a native aquatic habitat to this suburban property. Rosetti and Leder will be able to irrigate their home’s surrounding landscape with the captured rainwater. The 20-foot stream assists in aerating and filtering the stored rainwater, while providing beauty and soothing sounds to the home’s landscaping.

“Rosemarie was a keynote speaker at Pondemonium®, our annual premier training and networking event a few years ago,” stated Ed Beaulieu, chief sustainability officer for Aquascape, Inc. “When we heard she planned to construct a Universal Design Living Laboratory, we promised to provide a water feature for her new home. It’s an honor to make good on our promise by offering the RainXchange® System, which pairs a decorative water feature with a rainwater harvesting system.”

The RainXchange® System will be installed at the UDLL home on October 8th. More information about the Universal Design Living Laboratory is available at www.udll.com. Information about the RainXchange® System can be found at www.rainxchange.com.

Click here to watch a video about the UDLL project.

Pondemonium 2010 Gets Back to Basics

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:46:44 +0000

Hundreds of distributors, contractors, and retailers from across North America came together for education, networking, and fun at the industry’s premiere water gardening event, Pondemonium® 2010, held August 5th – 7th at Aqualand, the corporate headquarters for Aquascape, Inc.

A variety of hands-on training sessions and workshops offered the basics, and more, for what’s needed to succeed in today’s water gardening industry. Ample networking opportunities were provided to allow attendees to share their expertise with one another.

During his opening address, Aquascape founder and CEO, Greg Wittstock emphasized the benefits of getting back to water garden basics in order to succeed in today’s economy. “Smaller water features and pond rehabs are popular requests by consumers across the country right now,” stated Wittstock. “While a good number of contractors are landing advanced projects and RainXchange® rainwater harvesting installations, the bread and butter of today’s industry lies with basic water features such as re-circulating fountains, Pondless® Waterfalls, and smaller ponds.”

At the close of his address, Wittstock announced the promotion of Colleen Heitzler to President of Aquascape. Heitzler has been employed for 9 years with the company, most recently as chief financial officer and chief operating officer. “Colleen has proven her enthusiasm, loyalty, and savvy as a leader in our company and the industry,” shared Wittstock. “I’m proud to have her on our team in this extended role.”

Additional recognition during Pondemonium® 2010 was given to Certified Aquascape Contractors (CAC) during the closing dinner on Saturday evening, held on the site of last year’s Green Community Makeover in Sugar Grove, IL. CAC of the Year (US) was awarded to Atlantis Water Gardens of Rockaway, NJ. Canadian CAC of the Year was presented to Bloom’n Dales Landscape & Design of Brampton, ON. Rookie CAC of the Year (US) was bestowed upon Earth Works of Jacksonville, FL, and Canadian Rookie CAC of the Year was awarded to Terra Nova Landscaping of Bedford, NS.

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Aquascape Designs Celebrates Ribbon Cutting and Pond Tour

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:22:19 +0000

Members of the Lisle Chamber of Commerce were on hand for the official ribbon cutting at the new Aquascape Designs Water Gardening Store during a Business After Hours event. The new water gardening store, located at 1815 Ogden Avenue in Lisle, offers everything you need to get started with water gardening, from pond kits to fish and aquatic plants.

Randy Russell, chairman of the board for the Lisle Area Chamber of Commerce, wielded an oversized pair of scissors to cut the ribbon as members and customers enjoyed wine and cheese while mingling with store personnel among the store’s numerous outdoor water feature displays.

Aquascape Designs is hosting a free pond tour for the public in the surrounding Lisle and Downers Grove area on Saturday, July 24th from 10 am to 5 pm. A map of pond tour locations is available at the store, or can be downloaded at www.aquascapedesigns.com.

Aquascape Designs Water Gardening Store is open 10 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm on Saturdays, and 12 to 5 pm on Sundays. The full-service water gardening store offers do-it-yourself options as well as professional installation services.

For more information about Aquascape Designs and its installation and retail services, log onto www.aquascapedesigns.com or call 630-659-2057.

Aquascape Launches Get Your Feet Wet Campaign

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:10:10 +0000

Aquascape, Inc. is proud to announce its new “Get Your Feet Wet” campaign designed to make it simple and profitable for landscape contractors to add water feature installations to their existing line of service and products. “Get Your Feet Wet” offers 3 basic kit models which provide quick, easy, high-profit jobs that can be installed in a day or less. Aquascape created the new water feature campaign to address consumer demand for entry-level, low-cost water features.

“We’re confident that contractors new to water gardening will find the basic kits simple to sell and easy to install with this campaign,” states Sue Soderberg, National Sales Director for Aquascape.
Aquascape provides free, local training seminars at distributor locations across the nation for contractors interested in installing any or all of the kit options:

Mongolian Basalt Fountain kit
4’ x 6’ MicroPondless® Waterfall kit
8’ x 11’ MicroPond® System kit

Consumer awareness for these 3 basic water features will be created through Aquascape’s national marketing campaign via its website. In addition, a consumer video highlighting the 3 basic water features is available at www.getyourfeetwetnow.com.

Contractors interested in learning more about Aquascape’s “Get Your Feet Wet” campaign can call 866-877-6637 or visit onto http://www.aquascapeinc.com/contractors/index.php?page=articles&a_id=163 .