Pond Stars

Pond Stars is an innovative and engaging reality television series that aired on NAT GEO WILD in 2014. This unique show uncovers the intricate world of water features, primarily focusing on the creation, design, and maintenance of stunning backyard ponds. The series introduces viewers to the passionate team at Aquascape Inc., a company based in Illinois, USA, that has set the bar high in the realm of water garden design and installation.

Set against authentic suburban landscapes, Pond Stars are experts who transform ordinary yards into breathtaking water gardens that captivate the senses. Each episode of the series provides the viewers with an exciting immersive experience as they witness various artistic creations and natural beauty, all unravel in the pursuit of building an oasis for homeowners. The show doesn't involve merely digging a hole and filling it up with water but focuses on understanding the entire ecosystem to create balanced, self-sustainable ponds and water features that coexist with nature.

The show's protagonists are not your typical reality TV stars. The skilled team at Aquascape Inc. comprises the charismatic, light-hearted, and passionate duo - Greg Wittstock, the CEO, fondly known as "The Pond Guy," and his longtime partner, Ed Beaulieu, "The Scientist." Together, they bring an irresistible mix of immense knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to each water garden project.

In addition to showcasing their expertise, these Pond Stars are an absolute excitement to watch. Greg Wittstock is a fast-talking, fun-loving pond aficionado who loves converting traditional backyard landscapes into aquatic paradises. On the other hand, Ed Beaulieu is the practical, focused, and creative mastermind who specializes in designing these naturalistic, low-maintenance ecosystems. He ensures each project's efficiency, sustainability, and compatibility with the surrounding environment.

The Pond Stars team also includes Brian Helfrich, a construction manager who plays a pivotal role in the actual construction of the designs developed by Greg and Ed. His extensive construction knowledge paired with his ability to problem solve rapidly on site brings the beautiful, naturalistic designs created by Ed and Greg to life. Lastly, there's Chris Hanson, the construction crew foreman, who ensures that the projects remain on schedule and match the vision of the designers.

With their varied skill sets, the team at Aquascape takes on a variety of projects in each episode, welcoming different challenges that test their creativity and problem-solving abilities. Through a series of discussions, excavations, and transformations, the team produces awe-inspiring results. The masterpieces they create - from tranquil koi ponds to glistening waterfalls to quiet, reed-fringed marshes - are not only visually stunning but also help sustain local wildlife, including amphibians, birds, insects, and more.

Pond Stars truly exemplifies the channel's commitment to depicting the wonders of the natural world, venturing beyond the wild to usher the viewers into urban jungles. Coupled with the philosophy of Aquascape Inc., the show promotes the belief that a yard can and should be more than just an open space. It can be an environment that enhances the quality of life by providing moments of tranquility and aesthetic pleasure through a tuned ecosystem.

Aside from the spectacle, the show can also be seen as an educational resource. It provides ideas and insights, offering viewers a step-by-step guide on how to turn a conventional backyard into a perfect water garden, starting from the initial idea, design phase, material selection, all the way to the final creation and maintenance.

In conclusion, Pond Stars is a refreshing combination of entertainment, education, and passion for water landscaping. With its heartwarming team chemistry, aesthetic delights, ecological awareness, and inspiring transformations, the show captivates its audience and vividly celebrates nature's beauty in the heart of suburban America.