Your Koi water garden is finished and now the fun begins as you select garden features and water plants. Water plants help to create a relaxing feel and look to your water garden and turn it into a beautiful backyard oasis.
photo credit: shoe the Linux Librarian

Water plants add a final decorative touch to your water garden but they also help maintain the biological balance your garden needs to thrive and stay healthy. Plants help to control the balance of the water and keep the water cleaner.

Your water plant selection will be based on your likes and dislikes and also on the climate conditions you live in. When choosing your plants your local pet store, garden center or Koi dealer should be able to answer your questions about water plants. The internet and library will also have available information to help you.

Lotus Plants

Lotus plants are beautiful plants that give a tropical look to areas where they grow. For this reason they are very popular in Koi water gardens. Lotus plants have beautiful blooms, an artistic to the way they grown and move in the wind and a fragrance that adds another dimension the backyard oasis. For those of you who live in areas that have temperatures lower than 65 degrees will have to make arrangements to over winter the lotus if you decide the grow the plant. 
photo credit: tanakawho

I move my lotus plants into the house in the winter. I group them with my other tropical plants and get to enjoy their beauty in my zone 5 climate all year long. You may want to consider moving them to a greenhouse if you don’t have room in your house.

The lotus plants do require soil but grow semi submerged in water. They will also require a large amount of sunlight so may not be a good selection for a shady water garden.

Water Hyacinths

Water hyacinths have become very popular in the last few years because of their simplicity and ease to maintain. They do not require any type of soil or planting. After you bring them home you just place them in the water and lightly anchor them so that they do not float all over the pond. Water Hyacinths are extremely pretty and help to control both algae and blanket weeds.

Water Hyacinths are very invasive and will take over your pond and possible your yard if you allow them. They have been known to cross over fences and take over the neighbors yard, so proper control and care must be taken with these plants.

There are also plants that you add to your water pond by sitting just under the water but leave in pots. This gives you more control over adding and removing the plants and they usually are focal plants that add beauty to you garden oasis area. Your Koi dealer or garden center will be able to help you select these water plants. 
photo credit: sherrattsam

Underwater Plants

Underwater plants live below the water line and often go unnoticed. They help battle algae, put oxygen back into the water, feed your fish for you and offer a place for you fish to hide and relax during the hot summer days.

These plants can be found in bundles at your Koi dealer or local pet store. Most underwater plants will not need additional support during the winter. Once placed in the water garden you may not think twice about them again. But check the growing needs of the plants when purchasing them

Although these water plants are rarely seen the benefits they add to your water garden and for the fish make them well worth purchasing.

Water plants will add that final tropical feeling to your backyard oasis paradise and your Koi fish will enjoy them. Just remember to let you plants adjust to their new home for two to three weeks before adding your Koi.

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The Backyard pond adds to the feeling of the backyard oasis paradise. Babbling water, water plants, night lighting and pond decor can create an entire different atmosphere to a portion of your backyard. Adding Koi fish can add color and entertainment to your pond area. But as with all backyard projects they take thought and  planning to be successful.
photo credit: pondelegance

Set Up The Perfect Pond and Koi Environment

If this is your first Koi pond you need to plan your backyard pond area to be pleasing to the eye, fit into  your backyard oasis design and it needs to be set up properly. You will need to consider the ponds size, placement and type of pond.

Koi, are a very colorful variety of carp, they grow very fast and require a bigger pond than other backyard fish. So if space is a concern you may want to consider a different fish species. It’s also best to limit the amount of Koi you buy as they breed quickly.

Take your time and research building a pond. If it seems like it’s a job you might not like, leave it to the professionals. Building your pond will save you money but if it’s installed wrong it will cost more to fix the problem. You can always save money on decorating the pond and adding a waterfall or fountain yourself.

If you decide to hire a professional to install you pond check references, get several price quotes and remember that you have the final say. Listen to their suggestions about light, location and size as they have installed many ponds, but your decision if the one that counts. Also remember that the lowest price may not be the best.

Koi Care

Learn as much about Koi and their upkeep as possible. Pet stores and people who have raised Koi will be able to advise you about their eating habits, pond requirements, and seasonal needs.

Selecting your Koi

Once you pond is installed you will need to add water plants. Water plants add beauty to a pond plus benefit the fish. It will take about two to three weeks for you water plants to become acclimated to the new pond so don’t purchase your Koi until the plants have adjusted to the pond.

When selecting Koi look for healthy fish with colorful patterns. Also buy a few to begin with. This will help you get used to the care they need plus they really do multiply fast and grow rather large. Overpopulating your pond will create illness; an unhealthy pond environment and you will have the job of finding homes for your unwanted Koi.

Common Koi Pond Problems and their prevention

Koi can have certain viruses and illnesses such as Kio Herpes Virus and KHV. Buy only healthy looking Koi from a reputable pet store or Koi dealer. Also quarantine the Koi from you other fish for a while when you first bring them home. Your dealer will be able to give you a quarantine time.

Test the water in your pond once a week. Kits can be purchased from a pet store. You are looking for high bacteria levels, air quality and checking the health of your pond. Ponds with toxins and an unhealthy environment will show signs. The water plants will also often look unhealthy.
photo credit: Mr.Thomas

Feeding Your Koi

Check with your pet store or Koi dealer for that to feed your Koi fish. They will be able to help you feed them the proper amount of food and types of food. The temperatures and time of year will affect how much your fish will consume. Koi can be fed fruits and vegetables. Some people use bread and store bought treats but I tend to want to feed fish food with as little added chemicals as possible.

Koi add color and fun to a backyard pond. They add additional entertainment if they are trained to eat directly from you hands. This takes time and patience, as the fish need to learn to trust you.

The backyard pond helps create another area of relaxation to your backyard oasis and the addition of Koi fish and water plants just adds to the tropical oasis feeling that makes your home an escape from the world.

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Ponds add to any backyard oasis by creating a more relaxing atmosphere and a tropical feeling to your living area. The addition of Koi fish to your pond will add more color, tranquility and entertainment to the pond area.
photo credit: Mr.Thomas

Koi fish are a more colorful domestic version of carp. Each Koi has very unique color patterns and watching their elegant movements in the water will fascinate children and adults alike. A well-designed Koi pond will turn any back yard into a backyard oasis paradise. Many Koi pond decorations include waterfalls, lights and ornamental sculptures.

How to decorate your backyard Koi Pond.

Water plants add to the gardens tropical look and benefit the fish by supplying nutrients and fresh air to the pond. They also give the Koi a place to relax and hide from the sun and predators. Water lilies and water hyacinth are good choices for you pond. You may also want to look at lotus plants. Make sure the plants are well established in you pond before adding fish that will be about two weeks time. Also you need to keep your Koi well fed with plants and vegetation from other sources so they won’t eat all the plants in their pond. Koi don’t eat salvinia (water velvet), so this plant is another option that you can add to your pond décor.

Install a waterfall or fountain as part of your backyard Koi pond. A waterfall ventilates the pond and supplies much-needed air to keep Koi and plants healthy. It will help keep algae under control with the movement of water. And a waterfall or fountain adds beauty through the water movements, light reflections and relaxing sounds of bubbling water. Water fountains add an elegance to the pond and backyard .  They also add air to the water helping to keep the pond clean and algea free.

Use stones to decorate around or in the pond. You can go for the natural look. I would chose interesting rock shapes in varying sizes. You can also select colorful vibrant stones from garden centers or a pet store.  Take time to arrange them in eye pleasing forms. This is a project your children might also enjoy helping you with. I would also try to set a few of the rock up so that the fish could hide or relax in them
photo credit: Mr.Thomas

By landscaping the area around your Koi pond you can make the pond look natural and like it’s always been a part of you backyard oasis. Add shrubs, flowers and other plants, both annual and perennial. If you have enough space in your yard you may want to add a stone path that leads to the Koi pond. This will lead the eye and people to your pond making it a focal point in your backyard oasis paradise.

Lights added around your pond will extend the time you spend in the backyard at night and add a mystical feel to the pond area. Tiki lights, hanging lanterns, tree lights and glass floats for the ponds are only a few of the selections you will have. Another lighting alternative are submersible spotlights and egg-shaped lights. Shop around for you best prices.

Most of all enjoy your pond and backyard oasis.

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A Backyard pond adds beauty and a feel of relaxation to your backyard oasis. The pond itself is not that difficult to put in, but sometimes the pond can be a challenge to keep clean. The best solution to pond cleanliness is to set your pond up to clean itself. 
photo credit: krossbow

If you follow these few simple steps when setting up your backyard pond you will cut down on maintenance. And if your pond is already installed and you have problems with cleaning, these steps will not take that much effort to apply.

Setting up a self cleaning pond

Start by using organic materials. This will to keep your pond safe for your fish and small children who like to play near the pond. First, add a pound of pond gravel for every gallon of water your pond holds. Next, level out the pond gravel. The gravel will help to absorb many of the toxins and waste products produced in your pond fish. An additional benefit is that pond gravel makes a great base for water plants.

It’s wise to install a filtration system. The system will remove large pieces of algae and debris. It will also regulate the toxic substances in the water. And water movement helps with keeping the pond cleaner.

To install a filtration system you will need a pump, rubber hose and a pond filter. Often times these items can be purchased in one set and will come with instructions. If you buy separately unwrap the biological filters and place them in the filtration housing and clamp down the lid. Attach the in valve to your pump using a rubber or plastic hose. Then attach a rubber or plastic hose to the out valve. Place the filtration housing behind pond art or rocks to hide it and give your pond a natural look. The water pump is placed in your pond.  Take the time to hide the pump in a corner or behind plants.  Check to make sure the out hose flows back into your pond. This is what will aerate the pond water for your fish and provide the pond with filtered, clean water.

If you don’t want to add a filtration system, a fountain or waterfall is almost as good. Both will keep the water moving and add fresh air to the pond. They just won’t remove debris.

Every pond should have water plants. Besides adding beauty to your pond setting and supplying your fish with a place to rest and hide, the water plants absorb some of the carbon dioxide produced by your fish. This helps to maintain the balance in the water. Plants will also utilize the waste material your fish produce.

Fish don’t require much time and add to the fun of a pond. Watching the fish play and hide in the water plants will entertain the entire family and your friends. Koi fish are very popular backyard pond fish and come in a wide variety of colors.

Snails and crustaceans eat algae that form on the sides and bottom of your pond. These little creatures take care of themselves and clean you pond.

The addition of fish and water plants enhance your pond area and dramatically cut down on pond maintenance. These few steps will simplify any cleaning you may have with a pond and only add to the beauty of your backyard pond oasis. And a cleaner pond with moving water will not have as many mosquitoes, possibly no mosquitoes.

Now its time to set back and enjoy your pond!

Technorati Tags: Backyard Pond, koi fish, water plants

A Backyard pond is a wonderful relaxing addition to any backyard but sometimes space, time to create a pond or cost can be an issue. By creating a barrel pond you can enjoy all the benefits of a pond in a smaller space and have it set up quickly.
photo credit: HM Hedge Witch

You can pick up a barrel at a garden center or by going bargain hunting at garage sales or auctions. I picked up a barrel near a dumpster for free. You can also use bucket or old washing pans. Basically if it will hold water you can adapt it, but a barrel has rustic character that usually fits any garden plan.

Your first step after acquiring your barrel is to cut it in half so you can easily work with it and so that it has a proper pond depth.  You also need to select its permanent location. Once its filled it will be extremely heavy and you will not want to move it. Place sand under the barrel and even the location where it will set. Check to make sure the barrel is level.

Next fill the barrel pond and let it set. This will check for any leaks you may have. If the water level drops or the ground is damp outside the barrel you will need to fix your leak. This is quite easy; just let the barrel dry well. Once dry, seal it with an asphalt-bases sealant. These are available at any garden center and most hardware stores.

Fill your barrel pond and let the water set for a week. This gives the water time to warm up and if the water has added chlorine, time for the chlorine to dissipate. Now is the creative part of the projects: adding water plants. You will need an assortment of both floating plants and submerged plants. Both plant varieties are required to create and maintain a healthy water environment.

Submerged water plants grow at the bottom of a pond and naturally add oxygen to the barrel pond. This will keep algae in check. Floating aquatic water plants have roots that grow in soil Their leaves float on top of the water, which provides shade and helps inhibit the growth of algae. Water lilies thrive in a barrel pond and add beauty to any pond.

When you are ready to add your plants you will need to pot the water plants in water-plant baskets. Or you can use black plastic pots with slits cut into the sides. Fill the pots with a potting mix making sure that you do not bury any part of the water plants crown. If the crown is at all covered, it will cause the plant to rot and die. Finally cover the surface of the potting mix with coarse gravel.

Note: Water plants tend to be heavy feeders, so I add about one-third composted cow manure to ensure that they will stay healthy.

Submerge the pots in slowly into the water. Make sure that any air bubbles escape gradually. This will prevent the soil from being disturbed. You may need to set some of the plants on rocks or bricks if the plants are low and their leaves do not float on the waters surface.

As with any pond you need to allow time for the plants to adjust to their new surrounding and the ponds environment to stabilize before you add fish. This may take several weeks in a barrel pond.
photo credit: diana_dee_sophia

A barrel pond will take some care and maintenance. But if the barrel pond is kept clean and the plants are healthy your pond should thrive and add hours of entertainment, relaxation and beauty to your backyard oasis.  Include this project in your next backyard design creation.

Technorati Tags: backyard design, backyard oasis, Backyard Pond, barrel pond, water plants