Course curriculum

  • 1

    Introduction

  • 2

    Liner & Underlayment

    • Liner & Underlayment

    • Liner & Underlayment Quiz
  • 3

    Excavation

    • Excavation

    • Excavation Quiz
  • 4

    Piping

    • Piping

    • Piping Quiz
  • 5

    Rock & Gravel

    • Rock & Gravel

    • Strapping Techniques

    • Rock & Gravel Quiz
  • 6

    Advanced Techniques

    • Bridges

    • Logs & Stumps

    • Decorative Elements

    • Details

    • Seating Areas

    • Advanced Techniques Quiz
  • 7

    Project Showcases

    • Top Heavy System

    • Creative Solutions to Problems

    • Logistical Challenges

    • Mid-Stream Filtration

    • Using Slopes to Your Advantage

    • Million Dollar Backyard
  • 8

    How to Design & Price a Large Residential Project

    • Designing a Large Residential Project

    • Pricing a Large Residential Project

    • Incorporating All Design Elements (Shaq Build)

    • Shaq Build Part 1

    • Shaq Build Part 2

    • Shaq Build Part 3

    • Shaq Build Part 4

    • Designing and Estimating a Large Project Quiz
  • 9

    FAQs on Large Projects

    • What are the pitfalls of large projects?

    • Do you do progress payments on large projects?

    • What type of contract do you use on a large project?

    • Do you charge consultation fees on large projects?

    • Is it possible to heat the water on a recreational pond?

    • What are the pests to worry about on a large project?

    • Is a large water feature easier or harder to maintain?

    • How do you find a leak in a large water feature?

    • Do you do drawings for large projects?

    • When do you use concrete cloth on a project?

    • When do you seam liner?

    • Why do you wait until the project is finished to have electrical installed?

    • Well water vs. city water - part 1

    • Well water vs. city water - part 2

    • Do you build ponds differently if you know there is an abundance of wildlife nearby?

Instructor(s)

Vice President of Field Research and Contractor Development

Ed Beaulieu

Ed has been with Aquascape since the summer of 1993; his background and passion for the environment is evident in his numerous design/build projects. Ed uses his expertise and experience to create and improve industry products. Ed holds a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology with an emphasis in limnology (study of freshwater ecosystems), with graduate studies in marine biology and coastal zone management.Ed has designed and installed over 1,000 water features of all sizes. He’s an author, inventor, and speaker for the water garden industry. His role in consulting and construction services has allowed him to travel the world to practice his craft. Ed recently appeared as “the scientist” in Nat Geo Wild’s “Pond Stars” series. As the Director of Field Research at Aquascape, Ed tackles a wide variety of unique projects. He continually pushes Aquascape products to their limits while exploring innovative solutions and techniques to stay in front of the competition. Ed sums up his career in the words of Robert Mondavi, “Find a job that you love and you’ll never work another day in your life.”

Vice President of Construction

Brian Helfrich

Brian has been with Aquascape, Inc. since 1995, starting out in the warehouse and working his way up to his current position as construction manager. He’s given hundreds of pond construction seminars across the country and is considered to be one of the premier waterfall builders in the nation. Brian shared his pond expertise as a contributing author for The Pond Builder’s Bible, published by Aquascape, Inc. Brian’s creative pond designs have been featured in numerous publications, including Better Homes and Gardens special interest publications, and Nature’s Garden. In addition, Brian has generously extended his pond artistry to several impressive, public water feature designs including Epcot® International Flower and Garden Show, Chicago Lincoln Park Zoo, Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, and more. He also appeared on Nat Geo Wild’s “Pond Stars” series. Since 2006, Brian has designed and led the project team for Aquascape’s signature water gardens at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show, much to the delight of show attendees. In 2009, Brian and the Aquascape Designs construction crew received the Silver Award for Excellence in Landscape from the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association.