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HOMES Saturday, August 27, 2011 Richmond Times-Dispatch

inside & OUt

KOi
Pond breathes life into backyard. Photos above and right, Courtesy Kathy LaMoreux

Koi fish create an effect that is peaceful, picturesque and brimming with positive energy. Its no wonder that homeowners are bringing these whimsical habitats into their own backyards. Theres nothing more soothing than sitting outside next to the koi pond. And, coming home from work at the end of the day, its like seeing your dog all the fish come up to greet you, mused Kathy LaMoreux, a Chesterfield resident.

By Joanna Ernst/ Homes Writer

Spellbound at Short Pump Town Center. Photo byJoanna ernst

If you are a native or long-time Richmond resident, youve probably crossed the stepping stone path across Maymonts Japanese garden. Then you are familiar firsthand with the super big, vibrantly-colored swimmers. Today, homeowners can bring this dynamic dimension to the home and transform the yard space into an aesthetic masterpiece Its a great feature for the backyard. Its relatively easy to fabricate it. With a close proximity to the outdoor deck, people can hear the water. The colorful koi are a major attraction and a nice focal point in the landscape, said Fred Nelson, the general manager at Colesville Nursery in Ashland. The pond has to have enough depth to sustain hibernating koi in the winter months, advised Shawn Peck, the sales manager at Stockners Nursery, who has built several ponds for clients. In our region, a 2-feet minimum depth is necessary. For larger ponds, the depth can range from 5- to 8-feet deep. Create varying depths, so the koi have a shallow place to eat as well as ample swimming space and protection from predators in a deeper end. Peck also emphasized that a suitable spot for the pond will be shaded and away from falling leaves. There will be more algae in full sun, so filtered sunshine is best, he said. We have a pump in the main pond that pumps the water into a pond that is a third of its size at 18-inches deep. The smaller area is filled with gravel and rooted water plants, so when the water circulates through the gravel and roots, it is cleaned and oxygenated before it returns to the main pond as clear water, described Nelson. For winter months, Peck pointed out that a hole in the ice or a floating heater helps to keep the water moving to replenish oxygen levels. Homeowners can master the water chemistry for a properly-purified pond system with simple water-testing kits. I was definitely a novice in the beginning, confided LaMoreux, But once you learn the whole key to the pond

Richmond Times-Dispatch Saturday, August 27, 2011 HOMES

testing the water and managing the chemicals then its easy. I have not lost a fish yet, even in the winter when the ice was an inchthick after all those snowstorms. Just learn to balance the water, and then everything just flies. Before the digging begins, consult the builder to ensure that no major electrical or plumbing lines will be disturbed. Also, go shopping for the proper koi pond liner, a particularly important piece of pond equipment. The liner prevents pond water from leaking into the surrounding soil for overall sturdiness. Concrete, fiberglass, rigid plastic and flexible liners are all viable options. Concrete will provide the longest-lasting liner and is best suited for permanent ponds but is steepest in price. Fiberglass has an average lifespan of 50 years, can be easily installed and also expands for ice without cracking. But the fiberglass does not bear the same traditional look as classic concrete. The cheapest option, a rigid pond liner, has a natural look and resists damage from rocks and sharp roots; the biggest drawback is its challenging installation. Flexible liners, on the other hand, are highly popular, last a minimum of 20 years and are a cost-effective alternative to a concrete liner. Installation is also made simple because of the materials malleability. The choice of liner depends on the homeowners aesthetic preference and price point. I prefer the flexible liner for residential applications, especially since the concrete can crack,

commented Peck. With the popular plastic lining, avoid sharp corners to prevent line breakage. Always know the actual volume of the pond, as these measurements will determine how much product to use when treating the water for proper pH levels. The pH level is important for the benefit of the fish and plants, explained Peck. The pH determines the balance for the least maintenance and greatest success, so test the water periodically. A variety of brands on the market make the filtration process relatively inexpensive and easy to install. A mechanical filter will help homeowners maintain clean water and happy fish. Skimmer filters circulate the water at the surface of the water and pump it through an artificial stream or waterfall before depositing it back into the water. A bottom drain is another essential consideration for the water flow. Ask a pet store professional about the pumps, filters and koi pond supplies necessary to stabilize the environment before adding any fish. Peck suggested a pre-made kit that includes all the basics for homeowners to getting started.

The important thing is a balanced filtration system, explained Nelson. Now that our pond is balanced, theres nothing to it. It becomes low-maintenance. Weve had our fairly large koi for the past 15 years. Nelson added that, while homeowners can install the pond themselves, a specialized landscaper makes the process that much easier, just like Kathy did at her Chesterfield home. The backyard was barren looking, and its just amazing how it looks now, she reflected.
Close-ups of the Colesville Nursery pond in Ashland.
Photos by darL biCKeL

Area 54
Bayhill Pointe 12630 Bu alo Nickel Drive

O ering at $224,900 4 bed/2.5 bath, garage on 1.3 ac of privacy. Close to schools, comm pool. Eat-in kitchen,walkout Dbl deck. Buyers to receive $1500 carpet allowance,1-yr Home Warranty. Call to view. MLS# 1109617

GAIL YOSS (804) 240-0600

GYoss@yahoo.com

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Waterfalls and colorful koi are featured in a Richmond backyard. Photo Courtesy gLynn brannan