Building a Backyard Water Garden: Goldfish/Koi Pond Makes the Perfect Zen Zone

In my personal quest for enlightenment, I discovered that self-reflection comes easily when I am quiet and peaceful. I decided to create my own space in the form of a backyard water garden. But before I could relax and spend time reflecting, I had to look outwardly and contemplate exactly what it was I wanted from this precious pond.

Focal Point:

It was important to me to be able to see my Water Garden Zen Zone from the kitchen window while I was doing dishes, and at the same time, have the waterfall feature facing the backyard towards the side of the house so that it and the water plants would be the first things visitors saw as they came around the corner.

Natural:

I wanted the pond and waterfall to be made of natural looking materials, flush with the ground, so that it would blend with the rest of my backyard. I chose inter-locking pavers for the base, and then covered the top of the ponds with dirt and creek rock that brought out earthly hues.

Size:

I had six fish in my fish tank at first. After I transferred them, they spawned into 14, and then those multiplied to over 60. After a visit from a blue heron, affectionately dubbed "The Balbi Buffet Pterodactyl", nature took its course and now I am back down to five. I discovered that 12'l x 8'w x 40"d, with staggered levels, worked well for the koi. I live in New England and did not want to worry about my fish freezing; go deep enough to get under the frost line at a minimum of 36". If you worry about freezing fish, install a pool heater.

Fish will spawn if the conditions are acceptable; adding shelves below the water line of various heights allow for water plants to grow and give fish places to hide. Couple this with an overhang of rock to protect the fish from predators which can also provide shade for the really hot summer days.

Step 1: Design it in your mind, on paper, and then use stakes, string and/or a can of spray paint to map out your plan. If you are using a multi-level arrangement, make sure the upper and lower ponds meet so the water falls naturally from one to the other.

Step 2: Dig the lower hole big enough for either a pre-formed pond mold, or use a heavy duty pool liner from your local pool store - taking care to make sure there are no creases in the fold. You can also cover the ground with an old piece of carpeting before laying down the liner to help protect from tearing it.

Step 3: Build the wall, taking care to backfill with dirt after leveling it meticulously. Keep in mind the higher you go, the less stable the wall will be. Manufacturers' recommend using rebar for added strength on anything over 5' high.

Step 4: Lay the pool liner over the top pile of dirt, underneath the upper pond, and begin layering dirt and rocks. Take care to level them so that the waterfall draws downward, allowing the water to flow corectly. At this point, you will want to fill the upper pond so you can see how the water trickles down. Getting the angle correct so that the water doesn't backwash is very important unless you plan to add water daily.

Step 5: After filling it, allow the water to settle for at least two days before moving the fish from the fishtank to the pond. Use this time to layer the top of the pond area with creek rock, plants and other ornaments. Install pump, hose, and filter and let the water run. Watch carefully to ensure water line is stable. If you decide to add rock below the water line, keep in mind that this will create additional maintenance because of algae buildup. A pool brush can be used to keep the liner clean.

Step 6: Induct the fish and watch them get acquainted with their new environment. They will grow based upon pond size, fish population and food availability. If they turn white, check the water content for foreign materials.

Cost: Stone, dirt, creek rock, filter, liner, water plants; roughly $400 - $1000, depending upon your choice of material and the size of the water garden.

Effort: Two to four days build, about seven days overall (notwithstanding material delivery).

Rewards: Fish, Frogs, Snakes, Chipmunks, Birds, Bees, Bats, Hummingbirds,,,,
Peace, Tranquility and Enlightenment - the perfect Water Garden Zen Zone.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zen#Zen_teachings_and_practices

http://www.aquarart.com/Solutions-rocks.html