HOME DÉCOR Aquatic Gardens: A Backyard Water Paradise

Imagine a tranquil pond with goldfish dancing under sparkling light. Imagine frogs resting on lily pads or a lotus blossom opening as the afternoon sunlight drips upon it. Then imagine this aquatic oasis steps from the backdoor. &emsp;&emsp;While many people associate water gardens or koi ponds as a feature of Japan or the warmer US states, Northeasterners in Vermont and New Hampshire can also enjoy the beauty and comfort of water gardens. Ponds can range from a compact waterfall or fountain that pours into a clear pond with lily pads (resembling a French Impressionist painting) to ponds spanning 20 acres. (For the sake of this article, I will stick with the smaller residential fish ponds). &emsp;&emsp;Fish ponds range from do-it-yourself kits with three to five goldfish bringing pleasure to a family to an elaborate waterfall and koi pond designed and excavated by an expert contractor. &emsp;&emsp;Depending on one's budget and love of the natural world, there are considerations ranging from creating a natural filtration system with plants or purchasing a box filter. Other considerations are the number of fish to purchase (koi grow up to three feet) and the type of fish (goldfish are more economical to buy than koi), the size of the pond, and the lining. &emsp;&emsp;Another consideration is the cost of hiring a design-contractor and the length of time from designing the pond to constructing it. Designing and building natural ponds "Typical projects go through a conceptual design phase that's an iterative process where we create preliminary designs and then modify them until we have a design defined," says Michael George with Gartenart USA Natural Swimming Pools and Ponds. &emsp;&emsp;"This is typically a one to two-month process," he notes. "From there, we move to the excavation, mechanical and planting plans, which take several weeks. And finally, to the construction phase, which typically takes up to eight weeks. So from end-to-end, a customer can expect to have a project completed within about a six-month timeframe. Often we are doing conceptual and design work over the winter months and then doing the construction from April through early November." &emsp;&emsp;Keeping the natural ecosystems in mind, the conscientious approach to creating a backyard oasis must be considered. Gartenart designs and builds natural ponds that require no chemicals or chlorine. George notes that all the water cleansing and treatment is handled through biological filtration via the roots of aquatic plants, gravel filtration beds, and water movement through this natural filtration system. (Note that Gartenart does not design these ponds to house fish.) Water gardens vs. the traditional flower garden For many of us, the concept of a water garden might seem novel. However, most of us have witnessed water features ranging from miniature fountains and waterfalls that cascade into pools in public parks. And the most fortunate have known neighbors or friends with water gardens. &emsp;&emsp;For best results, it's best to consult with the experts to avoid unnecessary labor in the future, such as cleaning algae off rocks and even dealing with water rights and permit issues. It's also a good idea to consult with plant and fish experts or at least research aquatic plants and freshwater fish (goldfish and koi). Overpopulating a pond with fish leads to water pollution and overcrowding. &emsp;&emsp;A regional water garden expert Paul Chapley (Chapley Gardens, Deerfield, Massachusetts), mentions the pros and cons of aquatic landscaping or ponds. The water gardens, he says, "attract multiple species of songbirds, butterflies, dragonflies, pollinators and frogs. It's a positive attraction to have a water feature for the backyard habitat. It's relaxing and soothing for the homeowner. We have people that meditate and find comfort in watching the movement of the water and the interactions of the fish and frogs. And there's no weeding, watering, or mowing." &emsp;&emsp;As far cons go, Chapley says that, in his opinion, there aren't any. However, he notes that if a water garden is improperly installed or filtration is undersized, then "the cons would be tracking down a leak or the frustration of not having clear water as desired by most homeowners." Goldfish or koi? While koi are the popular choice, goldfish, which are less expensive, can also brighten up a pond. When choosing the type of fish, consider the size of the pond and the budget. Make sure to get fish closer in size so that larger fish don't bully the smaller fish; bottom feeders help keep the pond clean. &emsp;&emsp;However, the big question centers on keeping the fish safe and healthy during Northeastern winters. &emsp;&emsp;While some fish experts advised bringing the fish indoors and housing them in aquariums or indoor ponds, Chapley disagrees with that common advice. &emsp;&emsp;"Fish are cold-blooded and don't eat once the temperature drops below 50 degrees; they continue to move but are in a semi-dormant state," he says. "We don't recommend bringing the fish indoors for the winter; this is extremely stressful on the fish and you." &emsp;&emsp;As far as bubblers and de-icers go, Chapley notes that bubblers or water aeration doesn't keep the water warm, but it does infuse oxygen into the water for the koi and goldfish during the winter months and also helps in removing the ammonia. &emsp;&emsp;"We aren't proponents of pond de-icers after several trials here at the store; they are heavy users of electricity and have been known to stop working in the winter when we spend the least amount of time paying attention to our ponds," he says. Other Considerations Besides the pond's location, size, and shape, consider that the property might not be suitable for a water garden (or fish pond). Depending on the type of pond, water depth, and location, the city building department might require building permits. There's also the ecosystem to consider, especially if the property is near a natural body of water or wetlands. &emsp;&emsp;The time it takes from designing the pond to completing the construction, fees and costs of the labor, materials (including plants), and fish are also considerations. Research is required, including visits to constructed ponds and garden centers specializing in water gardens. SIDEBAR 1 Tips for Overwintering Fish Make sure that the pond water is at least 3 feet deep. Clean filters and skimmers Ensure that the pump is functioning correctly Trim plants around the pond Don't feed fish when the temperatures drop below 50 degrees F. The fish will go into a semi-dormant state and survive the winter when following the above tips. SIDEBAR 2 Koi or Goldfish? When considering the type of fish to purchase for your pond, goldfish are more economical, but koi are prized. &emsp;&emsp;Goldfish will breed in the pond if there is a male and female present. This could lead to overcrowding. However, goldfish are still a delight to see playing in the pond. &emsp;&emsp;According to the Secret Gardens blog, goldfish prices range from $9.95 to $14.95 per fish, but Koi range from $20 to $85 each. &emsp;&emsp;However, according to Money Inc, prized koi range from $2,000 to $1.8 million*. &emsp;&emsp;For instance, a Kiko Kuryu or Ben Kikokurya costs $2,000, and a rare perfected Kohaku sold for $1.8 million. &emsp;&emsp;Koi fish originated in 4th Century China. However, modern Koi fish originated in 19th Century Japan and are highly prized. *Due to the current economy and inflation, prices will vary.