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H2O Designs Teams up with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to offer a $10,000 Backyard Makeover

March 7th, 2010 by admin

Habitat loss is the single most serious problem facing Kentucky wildlife today. Natural lands and farms are being converted into suburban developments at an ever increasing rate. Maybe you already feed wild birds, put up nest boxes, or plant flowers for butterflies. If so, your actions have benefited wildlife.

 

How would you like the chance to enhance your backyard habitat with a $10,000 Backyard Makeover? The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) in cooperation with the James C. Salato Wildlife Education Center, located in Frankfort KY, are holding a raffle to purchase chances to win a $10,000 Backyard Makeover. The raffle purpose is to raise awareness for the KDFWR Certified Backyard Habitat program. The winner will be drawn on Earth Day April 22nd 2010.

 

KDFWR has reached out to H2O Designs™ (located in Lancaster KY) to ask for their assistance in providing one of the basic 3 elements (food, shelter, & water) in creating the Backyard Habitat Makeover.

 

When we were first contacted about helping with the program it was almost unbelievable. Just weeks prior we had decided that as a company H2O Designs™ would be focusing on creating sustainable backyard habitats that also offers practical solutions to dealing with rainwater runoff for our customers. In addition to Habitat Loss, residential storm water runoff and the pollution associated with this is the second leading problem that we are dealing with (especially in the Central Kentucky Area).”

 

I believe that the Raffle will bring these two major issues into light so that people will start becoming more responsible for their environment. In the interest of adding value to the raffle H2O Designs™ will be offering the installation labor for the water feature portion of the makeover for free.

 

All proceeds from the raffle will go to the Salato Wildlife Center which features aquariums, dioramas, interactive computer programs, and exhibits of native species and habitats restored to Kentucky by the KDFWR. Outside, visitors may see wildlife in large, natural enclosures, as well as several native plant gardens, wetlands, and habitats representative of each area of the state. Educational programs focus on native wildlife, habitat, and ecology, reach all age groups, and are designed to help teachers meet the standards of the Kentucky Education Reform Act. Admission is free and the center is funded by the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and by donations to the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

 

To receive a packet containing Raffle tickets you can stop by our store located at 47 George Wilson Dr in Lancaster KY 40444 or call us at (888) 297-6637 and we will have them mailed to you.

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Backyard Habitats and Practical Solutions to Residential Rainwater Runoff

February 22nd, 2010 by admin

Backyard Habitats and

Practical Solutions to Residential Rainwater Runoff

“Stormwater runoff is the largest contributor to water quality problems in the U.S.”

“According to a state water quality report, 41 percent of assessed waterways in Fayette County are impaired, which means that these streams do not meet federal water quality standards.”

www.lexingtonky.gov – City News – Posted: 11/19/2009 3:15 PM

 

With the recent emergence of “Green” dialogs that include water conservation measures, you may have heard the term “storm water run-off” as an environmental problem in our region and in particular for Lexington, KY.   Storm water run off is the rain water running off rooftops, driveways and streets washing pollutants into nearby water sources.  Additionally, when the water rolls off these impervious surfaces it picks up speed and force that can cause local flooding.  Still not sure what this is?  Well a walk through the city of Lexington KY during or shortly after a heavy rain storm can give you a firsthand definition: rivers of polluted water running down streets and filling storm drains.  The residential development in many areas has created significant chemical run off from impervious areas into the water source thus changing the face of plant and marine life, not to mention overall water quality in our region.  Not only has the urbanization we have experienced in the region over the past decade decreased natural habitats for wildlife but it has also increased the overall square footage of man-made impervious surfaces which in turn decreases the areas that allow snow melt and rain to seep back into the soils and naturally recharge ground aquifers.

 

“April Showers Bring May Flowers.” Right? Well now you can learn how you can capture those April showers and use that rainwater to service your garden and provide a natural wildlife habitat throughout the growing season in your very own backyard.  On Saturday February 27th at 11:00 AM at the First Annual Madison County Home and Garden Show (http://madisoncountyhomeandgardenshow.com) Jeff Duggins of H2O Designs Inc will give an hour long lecture on the effects of residential rainwater runoff on our environment and how we can create habitats in our backyards that make a difference in both our Local and National environments. The lecture will focus on the historical cause of rainwater runoff, how it effects our environment, & what technologies are available today to help homeowners economically catch and utilize the worlds’ most valuable resource for maintaining their backyard habitats. Specific solutions to be covered will be Rainwater Harvesting, Rain Gardens, & Backyard Wildlife Habitats.

 

“The concept of “harvesting” rainwater is not a new one” states Duggins. “I can remember having a cistern under the front porch of my house with a gutter draining into it when I was a kid. However, not only are we catching the rainwater runoff we are putting it to use in our backyards to support nature and also provide a usable water source to provide water to the surrounding landscape. There truly is nothing as fulfilling to me as looking out my back door on any given morning and seeing the Blue Jays, Cardinals, Rabbits, Butterflies, and other wildlife that are making use of the backyard habitat I have created for them. My hope is that everyone attending our lecture takes away at least a general knowledge of what is happening in our area streams and lakes and that even their small backyard habitat can make a huge impact on our environment and ultimately our future”.

 

H2O Designs is located in Lancaster Kentucky. Their focus is on creating environmentally friendly organic water features and landscapes for their customers’. They are the largest Aquascape™ Retailer/Contractor in Kentucky. Additionally, H2O Designs Inc. is the only Certified Aquascape™ Contractor and Certified RainXChange Professional in Central Kentucky.

 

For more information or to contact H2O Designs Inc., visit http://www.h2odesignsinc.com or call (888)-297-6637

 

To conclude Duggins adds: “We take special care to ensure that our customers are educated with all aspects of their landscape design and that we take into consideration their lifestyle and desires, how we can positively affect their local environment, and how we can utilize the existing natural resources of their yard. Sometimes this includes a full blown RainXchange™ (www.rainxchange.com) Rainwater Harvesting system combined with an organic pond and rain garden; other times it is as simple as a small bubbling urn. No matter what the design, the end solution always creates another piece to the local ecological puzzle that in turn positively affects our local environment.”.

 

The future of preserving, recycling and reusing our most valuable resource is being mapped out today by innovative companies such as H2O Designs Inc. who promises to pave the way to practical solutions to rainwater conservation and backyard habitat practices for schools, homeowners and businesses in Kentucky.

 

 

 

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Winter Pond Tips

January 6th, 2010 by admin

We have been inundated with email and phone calls this week about the safety of fish and pumps in the recent arctic temperatures we have been blessed with here in Central Kentucky. Therefore, I felt the need to reiterate some basic winter pond tips and offer some trade secrets to get you through the unusual cold weather we are experiencing. As always if you have any specific questions or need assistance please do not hesitate to call or email us.

Ponds

If you have Fish in your pond you MUST NOT let the pond freeze completely solid. Keeping at least a small hole in the ice will allow otherwise fatal gasses to escape from the water and keep your fish healthy. There are several ways you can accomplish this

Keep Your Pump Running - With the recent cold weather this may be a challenge for some pond owners. When your pond and stream freezes the resulting ice takes water from the pond that sometimes drops the pond level so low that your pump does not get sufficient water. There are a couple of ways you can combat this issue.

  • Use a Pond Heater - Placing a pond heater near the skimmer will help keep the ice from blocking the waterway into the pump and help keep your pump running.

  • Adding Water - Most of the time you will ultimately need to add water to your pond in order to keep your pump circulating. To do this we recommend keeping a “Winter Safety Hose” Handy. This is simply a hose that is stored in a place that will prevent freezing (Garage, Basement, etc). When water is needed simply pull out your “Safety Hose” and store it when finished. I personally recommend allowing all of the water to drain from the hose before storing. Additionally you may need a Hair Dryer or Heat Gun to thaw your outside spigot enough to allow water to flow.

Shut Your Pump Off

While I only recommend this as a last resort sometimes there may be nothing else you can do depending on the design of your pond and pumping system. If you do shut your pump off it is IMPERATIVE that you keep a hole in the ice so your fish can remain safe. a POND HEATER is the easiest and most effective way to achieve this. Also, you should restart your pump as soon as the weather permits.

Pondless Waterfalls

Pondless Waterfalls are a easier to take care of since you don’t have to worry about keeping your fish safe. You have the same 2 options that you do with ponds for dealing with the frigid temperatures. The only exception would be to place the Pond Heater at the base of your waterfall (Where the water enters your basin) so that the water will not be lost outside of your basin resulting in water loss.

Streams

If you have a long stream or a moderate water flow you may experience ice dams in your stream. Most of the time the water will continue to run under the ice. However, if you do experience ice dams there is unfortunately not much you can do other than break the ice, place a Pond Heater in the dammed area or shut your pump down.

Fountains/Bubbling Boulders

The only real issue you should have with fountains and bubbling boulders are ice dams forming at the base causing water to escape. If this happens again you really only have 2 options (break the ice, place a Pond Heater in the dammed area or shut your pump down). Most fountain pumps are below ground and will not be harmed from being shut down.

While many of you may cringe at the frigid temperatures, I personally think that the “Winter Pond” with all of its magnificent natural ice sculptures is one of the most beautiful sights that Mother Nature blesses us with. Until Spring stay warm and enjoy your “Winter Pond”.

Sincerely,

Jeff Duggins

H2O Designs Inc

Winter Night Pond

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Pond Reflections

July 31st, 2009 by admin

Pond Reflections

Pond Reflections-1One of my most favorite aspects of owning and building ponds are reflections. Before you go off an think “Man Jeff has really lost it this time” please allow me a moment to explain myself.

Still water provides Mother Nature a Perfect canvas for some incredible views. For you pond owners I challenge you go out to your pond late this afternoon with a cool glass of ice tea, sit by your pond, and watch. Dragonflies dance by. Water striders and fish make small ripples on the pond’s surface. The atmosphere is calm and conducive to quiet relaxation.

Pond Reflections -2To create dramatic reflections you should Choose Foliage That will reflect dramatically in the pond. When placing plants beside your pond, consider how their leaves will reflect in the water. For example cattails, trees with plump seeds at the end provide dramatic reflective properties.

When I am designing a pond I often consider how the sunlight will fall on the pond in different seasons through the leaves of the larger trees and bushes. I often make plans to place plants in spots where they will reflect into the water in the late afternoon/evening.

Plant colors do not reflect perfectly. However, choosing a variety of colorful trees and shrubs will help make pond reflections beautiful and generally enhance the pond environment.

Finally I would say my favorite reflection happens midday on a clear blue sky day. There is absolutely nothing more spectacular than watching clouds glide gracefully across your pond surface.

The next time you need to be relieved from the stress of your day just sit out by the pond and get lost in it’s Reflections….

Sincerely

Jeff Duggins

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Central Kentucky Pond Tour 2009..

June 17th, 2009 by admin
Central Kentucky Pond Tour 2009..

Saturday August 15th & Sunday August 16th 2009

Tickets: $10/Adult. Children under 16 Free

It is time again for Our 2nd Annual Central Kentucky Pond and Waterfall Tour. While we are still locking down the tour details we wanted to let you know that this years tour will be even more spectacular than last years featuring over 20 of Central Kentucky’s finest Pond’s and Waterfalls and more importantly the areas most unique and intriging pond owners. This years tour will feature spectacular Ponds, 100 foot long Streams and Waterfalls and 2 of the areas only Rainwater Harvesting Systems. Set the dates on your calendars now and don’t miss this unique and fun event.

All Proceeds for the pond tour will benefit Camp Horsin’ Around. A 191-acre property located in Kentucky’s Boyle and Mercer Counties that will provide permanent facilities necessary for ill children including a fully equipped clinic area, dining hall, cabins, and activities areas including a pool and horse stables. The mission of Camp Horsin’ Around is to provide a camp facility specifically designed and equipped to enrich the lives of children with serious, chronic illnesses and physical difficulties.

Website: www.camphorsinaround.org
Email: camphorsinaround@windstream.net
Phone: 859-381-9998

Sincerely

Jeff Duggins

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