Water Gardens

   Many landscape architects will tell you that nothing can beautify a backyard like a water garden.  When built correctly and maintained, water gardens add both color and character to a backyard or existing garden area.  A growing trend in water gardens are koi ponds, named for the colorful fish that live in them.  Water gardens are not terribly difficult to build or maintain and do-it-yourself kits for water gardens can be purchased online or at most major retail utility stores, such as Menards, Lowes, and Home Depot. 

   When building a water garden, you must take a number of things into account.  Pond depth is a very important aspect because it will determine what type of fish you can have and the amount of filtration that will be necessary.  Desired plants are also very important because some water garden plants require different amounts of shade/ sunlight. 
    Picking a site for a pond is also important because you will want to be able to see the water garden from your home, regardless of weather or other outdoor elements.  Ponds should be built away from possible run-off because run-off can carry unwanted chemicals into the pond.  Also, a pond should blend into it's surrounding environment.  It should be noticeable, but not obnoxious.  

    Most ponds use a flexible rubber liner because of it's clean look and durability.  Water gardens are built with 2 shelves, so that both shallow and deeper water plants can flourish, as well as a natural desired depth for the fish.  After the pond hole is dug and lined, it is filled with water.  Upon completing this task, one can now install and pump and filter system to help maintain the pond and keep a fresh supply of water in.  A shelf diagram is shown below.

Koi/Goldfish

    Koi fish are descendants of common carp and are naturally a brown color.  However, through selective breeding, the Japanese have been able to create many different colors of Koi, as seen below. Koi fish weigh about 35 lbs. and can grow to 3 feet long.  Their size demands a pond with at least 1000 gallons, as well as a specific filtration system in order for their survival.  While some Koi can be very expensive, most are affordably priced for the common water gardener.  

       Goldfish are no longer found in the wild and are, rather, only selectively bred for specific needs.  There are a number of different breeds of goldfish, with many choices in color, shape, size, etc...  When supplied with an average water temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as a healthy diet of weeds, worms, insects, and small shellfish, goldfish will flourish and breed several times a year. 

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