Building a Pond

 koi fish  No Responses »
Apr 242009
 
by Ricki Geotti

Think about how great it would be to add a pond to your garden, it would definitely enhance your garden. Imagine sitting in your garden admiring the sound and sight of a well stocked pond full of happy fish.himeji garden
Creative Commons License photo credit: [3/4 of zer0]

With a pond you will create a focal point in your garden that will be admired by all. Ponds are peaceful and serene whilst also being an enjoyable hobby.

You can go for a wild life pond where you will not put any fish in or you can opt for the full fish experience. What about the type of fish that you might want to keep. Some people just have Koi so there whole pond is all about Koi, which are a beautiful fish and are not as hard to keep as some would have us believe.

Goldfish are a worthy contenders for any pond, they come in many different forms from the fancy Oranda’s, Black Moors and Comets and there are many more, right down to the common goldfish. There are a lot to checkout.

That greenish coloured Tench that has change to a beautiful Gold fish with blue grey fins and darkish red eyes through years of breeding now named quite rightly the Golden Tench. The Tench is a great fish to consider for your pond.

What about the Golden Orfe these are a very lively fish that are fast swimmers and on occasion have been known to jump clear of the water. I like the orfe’s because they are so active.

Before you start to dig your garden over there are a lot of things that need to be thought about before you take the plunge into building a pond. A pond plan is what you need if you want to get the pond of your visions. The more information you can put in your plan the better, it will help you decide such things as whether your pond will have a water feature, how big you want your pond and what plants you want in your pond.

For your pond project to be the success that you want it to be, it is going to take proper research that will make up the blueprint of your pond which you will enjoy for so many years in the future.

About the Author:
Do you want to create a pond to your garden so you can enjoy all the pleasures they bring to your home life. Then may be its time to see how Ricki Geotti can help you with his online pond center that will help you through the pond building process to the choice of Fish so you can plants. Take a look Right Here Right Now

Posted by Robyno Jamison at 9:50 am  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , ,

More Backyard Design Ideas

 backyard design  No Responses »
Apr 162009
 

As you plan your backyard design keep in mind the steps previously mentioned in Backyard Design Ideas. And as you move into the next phase of design remember there’s still time to change your plans you have on paper. I myself usually have three of four designs on paper before I select the final landscape design to use. Cat at rest - Heather Lenkin Garden
Creative Commons License photo credit: brewbooks

Once you have check for any City or State building codes, Home Association rules if they apply and know your property boundaries its time to start to create you backyard oasis paradise.

These are the final steps you will want to consider when finalizing your plan.

Colors

By landscaping with the colors you like, you will reduce the number of plants that you have to consider and your finished landscape will be more pleasing to you.

Natural lighting

This is critical in pool, pond and plant selection. Pools and ponds need enough light to warm and be a healthy environment. Plants will need to be selected by choosing the right plant for sun or shade. This will control the plants health and growth. If you have gardens you will need six to eight hours of natural sunlight.

Landscape Lighting

If you are planning to use the backyard at night or are adding special effect lighting this is the time to install it, before the entire backyard design is finalized. You don’t want to work around added hardscape and new plants. You may also want to look into solar lighting. It’s less work and going green is good for the environment.

Soil

Improve your soil before you add plants, trees and shrubs. Good soil promotes healthy plants and healthy plants take less maintenance. You can usually tell by the look of your soil if it needs compost or additives to make it drain better. But a test for the proper soil for the plants is not as obvious. Most County extensions will do a soil test for you or you can pick up a soil tester kit at hardware stores and farm supply centers.

My soil is a heavy clay base, rich in nutrients but usually need to have lime added. I also compost the ground heavily to help with drainage.

Plants

Plants add beauty and relaxation to a yard. It’s one of the final steps in creating a backyard oasis paradise. Besides knowing your growing climate and hardiness when you select plants you will need to take into consideration plant maintenance, and one of the most overlooked design in plants: Growth.

Plants may start out small but can quickly grow and you realize the plant, tree or shrub will need moved or cut down. So read the plant tag or research the plant to take into account how large it will grow.

Focal Points

Any yard benefits from having a focal point. These can be Arbors, Gazebos Pergolas, Patios, Unique Plants or Water features. A backyard pool is always a focal point. A backyard theme is also a wonderful focal point and you have room to experiment and change the theme. Most backyards benefit from one or two focal points depending on the size of the yard.

Plan for all Seasons

Plan you landscape design to look stunning in all seasons. Just because flowers are not in bloom does not mean you backyard has to lack color or design. Choose a few plants that won’t lose their foliage or where the structure of the plant or tree has an interesting look. Hardscape also adds form and texture to garden and backyard areas.

As a final thought when planning your backyard design, plan for change.

Families grow and so will the needs of the backyard. Keep this in mind when planning a children’s area, add water features or a pet area. You may find you want less mowing or gardens to tend to or that you want a Koi pond or patio area. The backyard area is meant to be an oasis for relaxation and will need to adjust to your needs in the years to come.

Posted by Denise at 11:52 am  Tagged with: , , , , , ,

Bagging and Transporting Koi

 koi fish  3 Responses »
Apr 072009
 

The backyard koi pond offers relaxation and enjoyment to the backyard oasis.  But your Koi fish may occasionally have a medical issue or it may be that the pond will need major repair or moved and you may have to transport your fish. Moving your koi is easier on you and the Koi if you bag them when moving them.koi
Creative Commons License photo credit: Naomi Ibuki

First, it is always a good idea to have all the equipment needed to transport your Koi on hand. You never know when it may be necessary to move you fish so be prepared. The equipment needed to bag and transport Koi is small, and will store easily when not in use.

If you kept the bags you brought your Koi home in originally, use those. If not you will have to make a trip to your local pet store to get proper bags for Koi transportation. Make sure to get the right size bags to hold your Koi. Note: Garbage bags do not work and may hurt your fish.

You will need quite a few good quality rubber bands for each bag you buy. There will be pressure on the rubber bands from the water so make sure you have high quality rubber bands and use several on the bag.

A paint bucket works well for catching your Koi.  Nets can hurt Koi where buckets will not. Just make sure that your bucket is large enough to hold your Koi. Nets work better for smaller Koi but they still may cause damage to the fish and they definitely cause the fish stress. If using a net lead and direct them into the place you want them to go.

Bagging your Koi for Transportation

First check the equipment to make sure its in good shape. Fill the bags with water to see if they are watertight and check the rubber bands to make sure they are strong. Have the net and bucket nearly. Tip: If you pond is large, you may want the help of your friends when bagging your Koi.

 

Use the net to guide the Koi into the bucket. Make sure that you checked the bags for leaks. Once you are sure that the bags will hold water, place the bag over the Koi from head to tail. Make sure there is enough water in the bag to completely cover the gills. Leave air room in the bag, this makes the bag lighter and easier to carry. Slip the rubber bands around the end of the bag and continue to double it until the bag is secure. Add one or two more rubber bands to ensure that the bag is securely sealed. Fishin'
Creative Commons License photo credit: OMFGmatt

 

Next place the bags horizontally in your transport container. Handle the bag carefully and make sure that you do not bend the fish when lifting it. Secure the bag in the transport container so that it will not move with bumps and turns. Also place a cover the fish so that as little heat and sun light can enter the bag as possible.

Treat the transport bag with care at all times. And when its time to return the fish to their pond, place the bag in the water and carefully undo the rubber bands. Let the top open slowly and the fish will wander back out into the pond.

Koi fish have been known to live for up to 30 years so take good care of them and they will be a part of your backyard oasis for years.

 

Posted by Denise at 12:17 pm  Tagged with: , , ,

Koi Pond Seasonal Care

 koi fish  No Responses »
Apr 052009
 

Winter is a time of rest and hibernation in the Koi pond and the Koi pond will wake up at first signs of springtime with the return of warm weather. This is the time you will want to begin maintenance on your pond, before the pond becomes active. Kauai Koi Pond
Creative Commons License photo credit: Mr.Thomas

This stage is easy to miss when the rest of the backyard is also waking and crying out for attention. But spring maintenance is very important in the Koi pond. Just remember when the temperatures are around 50 degrees its time to clean the pond and set it up for another year.

Since the Koi have been in hibernation, this is a time when they will be more susceptible to attacks from organisms such as bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. By cleaning the pool and adding treatment solutions you will be able greatly reduce the amount of disease. You will want to add another treatment once the temperature warms up to ensure that your Koi will be well protected while they gain energy and redevelop their immune systems.

 

Once the weather has warmed up the Koi should be ready for another healthy season in the pond.

 

The Koi pond is at its peak in the summer when the temperatures are beautiful and inviting. You are able to enjoy your pond more then during the cold winter months. Watching their antics and hand feeding them will offer much enjoyment to the backyard oasis. But remember, there is still maintenance that needs to be done to the pool to ensure the Koi stays healthy and the pond thrives and is beautiful. JapaneseGarden_6
Creative Commons License photo credit: HousemanStan

 

The oxygen level in your pond decreases in the summer months so precautions should be taken. This is particularly important if you live in an area where temperatures stay high for the majority of the year. One sure sign of a problem is if you notice your Koi hanging out at the top of the water, and they seem to be gasping for air. This may be an indication that your pond does not have a high enough concentration of Oxygen.

 

Heat also brings on potential parasite and illness, which are not noticeable to the naked eye. You will need to watch your Koi for signs of illness. These signs could be that your fish are rubbing against objects, scratching, shaking, or shivering. Each symptom could indicate a different type of illness, so it is important to watch them closely.

 

If you notice such changes, contact your local vet, pet store, or Koi dealer as soon as possible. Some parasites will cause little damage, but some Koi illnesses such as KHV or Koi Herpes Virus have a high mortality rate and need treatment as soon as possible.

 

With proper pond maintenance and healthy plants and your Koi pond will thrive and you fish should stay healthy and entertaining through all the seasons of the year. Koi add much color and enjoyment to the backyard oasis and can live for up to 30 years. So checking on their health and keeping the pond clean is essential.

Posted by Denise at 10:28 am  Tagged with: , , , ,

Koi Fish

 koi fish  No Responses »
Mar 192009
 

Adding Koi fish to your backyard will take planning a pond habitat that will fit there needs and learning about their care. But the addition of these amazing fish and a beautiful relaxing pond and possibly a waterfall or fountain will add to your backyard oasis paradise. Pile o' koi
Creative Commons License photo credit: dalangalma

Koi Fish, a variety of the common carp, and are often referred to as being “living jewels” or “swimming flowers.” They have very unique colors and marking that make each Koi stand out. And when swimming and dashing around in a backyard pond they add hours of entertainment for the family.

Koi fish are considered to be the most popular fresh-water ornamental pond fish. And the fact they are now bred in every country verifies their popularity. Some Koi varieties are known for their hardiness. Records claim Koi can live for long periods of time if simply wrapped in wet moss continuously kept damp.

It is believed that Koi originated in Persia and spread throughout the ancient world, possibly by trade caravans going to the Middle East. As time passed they slowly were traded and have become popular everywhere.

Koi fish are a wonderful addition to the backyard oasis pond. They make a great hobby for the entire family. They also help you to relax and relieve stress as you watch their antics in the pond. Although Koi will eat many natural food sources such as algae and plants, the greatest pleasure for many Koi keepers is in feeding them.

Koi look like piranhas at feeding time. They will churn the water, jump over top of each other, and some say they even seem to walk on top of the water when dashing for food. Koi will even swim up on lily pads to get food that got trapped there. Koi Pond in the Butterfly Haven
Creative Commons License photo credit: goatling

Koi are very smart, and can be trained to eat out of your hand. But this takes time and patience. They are by nature bottom rooting and feeding carp but quickly learn to eat floating dry food. The food typically runs $1 to $2 per pound. They also like fresh fruit and vegetables. Some people feed Koi bread but I think the chemical in bread would not be good for the Koi fish

You can also buy floating found floating feeding rings to add to the enjoyment of watching Koi in the pond. They learn to “hang out” around the feeding ring.

Koi fish will add so much to your backyard pond and are very friendly. There will be many articles on how to set up aKoi  pond and  koi care at the Backyard Oasis so check back in to find more koi articles.

To ensure that they have the right environment set up for healthy living you may want to check out this e-book on Koi Ponds and Koi Care. There is also a free e-course you can sing up for .

Posted by Denise at 9:38 pm  Tagged with:
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