Franktown, Colorado: Denver's premier pond tour is set for August 25-26, 2012. Once again, tour goers will be treated to the sights and sounds of approximately 40 ponds throughout the metro area. The two-day tour runs rain or shine from 9:00 to 5:00 Saturday and 11:00 to 5:00 Sunday.
 
The Parade of Ponds also serves as a community fundraiser with ticket sale proceeds going to a variety of organizations. Past recipients include Praying Hands Ranch in Parker, American Diabetes Association, Boys Hope Girls Hope, Adams Camp, Junior Symphony Guild, Misha May Foundation, Audiology Department at Children's Hospital, Hope House and many more.
 
Tickets go on sale July 1, 2012 at nearly a dozen Denver area locations. A list of ticket sellers can be found at www.ColoradoParadeofPonds.com. Tickets are available in July for the Early Bird price of $10 each. In August, tickets are $15 each. Children 15 and under are free. If you prefer someone else do the driving, True Pump & Equipment in Denver offers a bus tour on Saturday only. Make reservations in advance by calling 303-744-3505. Email  info@brdlandscape.com for more information regarding the Parade of Ponds.

2012 Parade of Ponds FAQ

Q: What is the Colorado Parade of Ponds?
A: The Colorado Parade of Ponds is an annual self-guided tour of 40 spectacular ponds through the Denver Metro area. It is the fifth largest pond tour in the country and also serves as a community fundraiser.

Q: Who benefits from the Parade of Ponds?
A: Ticket sale proceeds are donated to a variety of organizations ranging from nonprofits, 501c3 charities, hospitals, private schools, medical research groups and so on.

Q: Where can I buy tickets?
A: Tickets are available at several locations throughout the Denver Metro area including:

• True Pump & Equipment, 1429 South Broadway, Denver
• Hudson Gardens, 6115 South Santa Fe Drive, Littleton
• Nick's Garden Center, 2001 South Chambers Road, Aurora
• Tagawa Garden Center, 7711 South Parker Road, Aurora
• O'Toole's Garden Center, 5201 S. Federal Blvd., Littleton
• O'Toole's Garden Center, 1404 Quail Street, Lakewood
• Enery Water Gardens, 7601 Indiana Street, Arvada
• Timberline Gardens, 11700 W. 58th Avenue, Arvada
• Echter's Greenhouse & Gardens, 5150 Garrison Street, Arvada

Q: What will I see on the tour?
A: Each pond features the homeowner's unique approach to water gardening from small, intimate ponds, to large, elaborate water gardens, and everything in between. You will see a huge variety of water plants and fish.

Q: Who sponsors the event?
A: The North American Water Garden Society and BR&D Landscape. BR&D, the 10th largest Certified Aquascape Contractor in the nation, is headquartered in Franktown, Colorado. The company specializes in custom landscape design and installation for businesses or residences in the southern metro area. BR&D takes pride in the community and is very pleased to sponsor this fun event.

Q: Isn't building and maintaining a pond expensive?
A: Natural ecosystem ponds are low maintenance, similar to other elements in a garden. The plants need to be trimmed and fertilized, but they don't ever have to be watered! The tradeoff is the amount of enjoyment and "backyard therapy" they provide, which rivals anything else in a yard. Some people say they stay home more because sitting by their pond is like going on vacation, so the expense depends on your perspective. The prices for most new ponds range from $4,000-$15,000.

Q: Doesn't a pond take too much water in our semi-arid state?
A: When a pond replaces bluegrass, water use is often less. Besides removing grass to build a pond, there's often a large swath of mulched gardens surrounding the pond.

Q: What if I want fish in my pond? Won't they die in the winter?
A: Fish may be the best part of the pond. They're colorful, add movement, and are very low maintenance. In the winter, they go to the bottom of the pond and when they emerge again in the spring you'll be amazed at how much they've grown.

The Parade of Ponds is sponsored by the North American Water Garden Society, www.nawgs.com. BR&D Landscape, Inc., www.brdlandscape.com, is the corporate sponsor.