Koi Find Friendly Shores in Any Garden Style
http://www.decor-ideas.org 07/22/2013 12:25 Decor Ideas
Koi ponds are almost a staple of certain landscapes, particularly Asian- or tropical-inspired styles, and are easily at home in many contemporary gardens. If you love koi but these landscape styles don't appeal, don't worry. It's surprising how well koi ponds will fit into other gardens, from traditional to rustic.
Classic examples. A tranquil koi pond is right at home in this Asian-inspired landscape that's the perfect peaceful and relaxing retreat from a hectic world. Keep in mind there's no need to make the pond quite this large. But it is beautiful to behold and provides plenty of space for fish to roam.
The clean lines of a contemporary garden pool are a tailor-made backdrop for koi. The minimal plantings and spare hardscape allow the red and gold beauties to take center stage.
A koi pond set amid the lush greens of a tropical garden is an everyday reminder of a beach getaway. Whether it's a more natural look or a more modern approach, the combination of koi with tropical plants can't be beat.
Woodland-inspired approaches. The soft plantings surrounding this natural-looking pool are a foil for the fish. Like the teahouse in the Asian-inspired garden above, it's also a perfect spot for relaxing after a long day.
Just add a few chairs and carefully placed rocks, and you may not come in until dark.
The boulders serve a utilitarian purpose as well by providing shelter from predators.
Here, the koi pond creates a natural border between the patio and the planted areas beyond. A bit more formal than the previous gardens, the overhanging trees, soft brick and darker shades evoke the sense of a lake cabin getaway.
If rustic is your style, a rambling stream punctuated by deeper pools is a perfect match.
Geometry lessons. The strong, squared-off lines of this garden are softened by the moving water and the moving fish; and the low, wide walls surrounding the pool provide the perfect spot to sit and watch the koi to your heart's content. The walls also result in a deeper pool area, a plus for keeping marauding critters, such as raccoons, from feasting on your fish.
Geometric doesn't necessarily mean rectangular. This perfectly round pond provides the same structured effect.
No matter your pond style, adding a fountain or waterfall will help aerate the water.
Traditional approaches. A small pool surrounded by stones is usually filled with water plants, but if it is deep and wide enough, koi will feel equally at home.
Mediterranean gardens and koi ponds don't usually mix, but this installation proves the two can blend together with no problem.
A classic walled garden edged by a pond is enlivened by the colors of the koi.
On a grander scale, this English Tudor home includes a koi pond set along a pathway, allowing plenty of opportunities to enjoy the view.
Mix and match. Combining the contemporary lines of a fountain and koi pond with the relaxed feel of shaded woodland punctuated by wood steps and retaining walls results in the perfect spot to while away the summer days. Just add your beverage of choice.
It probably goes without saying that you can put a koi pond in an eclectic garden. Not only does it fit in, it can become the centerpiece, tying the varying elements together.
Make an entrance. Don't overlook your entry as a place for a koi pond. Of course, your guests might never make it to the front door because they're too entranced by your fish.
Beyond the garden. And if you really want to enjoy your fish throughout the day and night year-round, then simply move your koi pond indoors.
Warning: You might need a larger-than-average home to pull this off.
More: What to consider before building a backyard fish pond
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