NOTE:The next meeting of APS is on Monday, September 16, at the usual meeting place, Zilker Botanical Gardens.
The first part of the evening will be devoted to a Swap and Sell meeting which will be taking place outside for the first 30 minutes or so. Bring along anything pond or garden related to Swap or Sell or maybe just give away and in return, browse to see if there is anything that others have brought that might interest you. Remember, if you don’t manage pass your stuff along to somebody else, you must take it back home with you. Plants are included if you have some to pass along to the Members.
Following this, Members are encouraged to enter their pictures in the Photo Contest the judging of which is done by the Members. Winners are not only collecting cash prizes but their photos will be used in next years Calendar.

The meeting starts at 6:30 pm with a light meal. Members are encouraged to bring covered dishes and/or deserts. Hope to see you there.

The following are a peek of the upcoming Speakers and Programs for the next few months. More details as we get closer.

September-
Photo contest and garden and pond items sale
October-
Culinary Plants for Ponds/Bogs
November-
Fall Fling/Holiday Party

Members Only- October TBA
Gary and Lynn W

You might be interested in a new idea that we are kicking around where as individuals, we can help out our fellow Ponders in times of need. Because maintaining a pond is fairly specialized, it is not easy to find someone to look after the pond if you as the pond owner, want to take a trip and be away for a few days. It would be doubly nice if you knew that person is also handy enough to make any small repairs that might be needed and it would certainly give you peace of mind during your absence. Read more here on Pondsitting.

Are you thinking of rebuilding your pond or maybe starting a new one? There are several used pond items for sale that could give you a good start and at a lot cheaper price than buying new. Skimmers, filter boxes, waterfall boxes and such do not wear out and a used item is every bit as good as a new piece for less than half of the price. Use this link to review the items available.

We sometimes get requests from pond enthusiasts who for various reasons, are no longer able to take care of their ponds and water features and are looking to shut down the ponds and re-home the fish. We have a very organized crew of volunteers with all of the equipment needed to perform this task. We also find new homes for the fish among our members as we have learned by experience that there is no sale for these fish regardless of the pedigree. If you have the need for this service, use the link to learn more about it

Membership in the Austin Pond Society is a wonderful way to meet other pond lovers and learn about the many joys of having a backyard pond. In addition to our regular monthly meetings where you’ll hear professionals speak on pond building, plants, fish and other wildlife. you’ll get to participate in hands-on demonstrations and give back to the community by helping us out at the Zilker Garden Center and area elementary schools where we teach and assist in building and maintaining their ponds.

• As a member, you also receive these member-only benefits.
  POND-O-VAC – Use this link for details
  125 GALLON TRANSPORT TANK – $25 per week donation plus deposit
  GENERAL MEETING EACH MONTH – wonderful speakers, great food and friendship with like-minded folks
  THE MARKETPLACE – sign up and receive notification whenever pond equipment, Koi, goldfish and plants are being given away.
  POND STARS – experienced ponders can help with advice on your pond problems
  APRIL PLANT SWAP – bring a variety of plants and go home with your car full.
  MAY SPONSOR NIGHT – come and meet our APS sponsors and check out the newest products and enjoy great discounts.
  MEMBERS-ONLY EVENTS – outings to members’ ponds, garden centers, water-lily growers, fish hatcheries
  WEBSITE – contains information on all aspects of APS activities
  THE STREAM – MONTHLY CALENDAR – keeps you current with the month’s activities
  COMMUNITY SERVICE – volunteer at Zilker Botanical Garden, the Zilker Garden Festival, and the Austin Pond Tour. Participate at the annual pond cleaning at Zilker Gardens or other sites that need our assistance