Our Mission
Our mission is to educate the public about the importance of backyard decorative water features—also known as “blue spaces”—not only for human well-being but also for the health of our planet. These backyard oases create sanctuaries for many wildlife species, including native and migrating birds, pollinators, and butterflies. By providing these spaces, you not only create a place to unwind and relax but also help support a sustainable environment.
I call myself the PondMaster because this is my trade—my talent. I take ordinary landscapes and bring them to life with movement and beauty. I founded Aquastonia to share this gift with others. When I rebuilt my own pond years ago, I didn’t just improve my yard—I transformed my lifestyle. What started as a pretty feature became a place to drink coffee with my wife, watch my children feed the Koi, and capture precious memories. Since then, I’ve developed a deep passion for water gardens and want to share that passion and lifestyle with those around me. What I didn’t expect was to receive gifts of gratitude and inspiration from my clients in return.
When I create a water landscape for a client, I build a lifelong relationship with them. I’m there not only for the pond’s creation but also for ongoing maintenance. My clients often share stories of how their water features have changed their lives. One story I especially treasure is about a couple I’ll call John and Mary.
When I first met John and Mary, they couldn’t have been more different. John was chatty and eager to learn all about the Koi pond I was going to build, while Mary was quiet, nervous, and avoided eye contact. She barely said hello and quickly retreated inside their home. Though I didn’t ask, she seemed sad, almost as if life had been drained from her.
For several days, I spoke each morning with John about the work ahead, but Mary remained distant, quietly withdrawing indoors whenever I tried to engage her. The project itself was straightforward: within a few days, we completed a large pond filled with colorful Koi, blooming water lilies, and lush plants. I added a small bench beside the pond to encourage John and Mary to spend time together and enjoy the peaceful garden. As I left that day, I noticed Mary finally join John outside by the pond.
I didn’t speak with them for about a month, but then I visited to check on the pond. John greeted me warmly, but I was stunned to see Mary planting flowers around the water. Even more surprising was when she came to greet me with a smile and a flood of questions about the pond and gardening. The woman standing before me was transformed—lively, engaged, and full of joy. Before I left, Mary looked me in the eyes and said, “Thank you for giving me my life back. I can finally see the world’s beauty and color again.”
This story remains close to my heart because it shows how a water feature can truly change lives. My goal is for Aquastonia to continue bringing happiness and beauty to people’s lives—and to collect many more stories like this.
Igor Loos,
Founder
