Koi Ponds and Water Garden Ponds.

At Metro GreenScape, our landscape and outdoor living designers can help you decide what kind of a pond you want to create, and where to put it. Before you select a site, consider what kind of pond and pond environment you want to create and how close you would like it to be situated to your residence.

During the site selection process, note the location of trees, roofs, or other landscaping. Fertilizer runoff and leaves can affect the health of your pond, so make sure not to locate it at the lowest point on your property. Make sure drainage is designed to divert runoff from your pond area. Consider, too, that your aquatic plants will need at least four to six hours of sunlight a day, so heavily shaded areas are not an option unless your pond is strictly fish-only.

A drain, liner and edge should be in your pond plan, and make sure water and electricity is available to fill your pond and operate a pump. If you do not wish to have fish in your aquatic environment, consider a smaller pond that will act as a collection point for a waterfall. Small waterfalls use surprisingly little water and yet provide the sound and ambience of a larger aquascape.

If you want your pond to be a home to Koi or goldfish, design a slightly larger pond than you think you will need. More pond area gives you more options for more kinds of fish or other wildlife. Here are two kinds of ponds to consider:

• Koi ponds require more space because this valuable Japanese fish grows to large sizes and requires a depth of four to six feet. Koi are plant eaters and your pond will need to be at least a thousand gallons in order to support enough plant life to keep your fish happily fed. You can calculate the rough capacity of your pond in gallons by multiplying width, times the depth, times the length, times 6.5.
  
  

• Environmental ponds, also known as water gardens are ponds that combine various plant and fish types. This type of pond should be at least two feet deep, and more if you live where deep freezes occur. While not strictly necessary, your pond can benefit from having a pump and biological filter to keep water cleaner. Circulated water allows you to utilize a watercourse, waterfall or fountain, adding ambient sound to your pond environment.

Hard edges should be a part of your pond to protect against erosion and contamination by soil -- but a simple frame of slate, concrete pavers or other stonework may appear too artificial. Vary the outline and height to create a natural look and feel. If your property is home to pets or native animals that like fish, make sure your pond has walls on one side, or inaccessible deep areas where fish can retreat if threatened. Planted areas around your pond can also help conceal fish from predators.

Water lilies and other aquatic plants should be planted as soon as your pond is filled. Since algae is a common pond problem, plant one bunch of Anacharis for every two square feet of pond surface to control the buildup of algae-loving nutrients. Your aquatic plants should cover at least half of your pond’s surface, and more if it is exposed to direct sunlight for long periods during the day.

Our professional designers can help design, and then build. your landscape's new pond feature!