In the heart of Richmond, Virginia, a residential property underwent a remarkable transformation. What began as a maintenance challenge for a koi enthusiast evolved into a full-scale, formal aquatic showcase. At the center of it all: nearly 200 adult koi. This exceptional home had long featured a large, picturesque pond. However, despite its beauty, the […]
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As I wrote this article, I found myself using the term “traditional” to describe koi ponds with clean lines and more of a geometric design than those natural koi ponds seen in beautiful Japanese Zen gardens. This made me pause to consider my choice of words. As Steve Urkel would say, “Did I do that?”
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A few months ago, I was browsing a local pond and water garden site and answered a question asked by a woman named Sheila. She got back to me and asked if I could help with their new pond, which was part of a backyard makeover. Sheila and her husband Kelly wanted a formal raised
Building a Formal Koi Pond & Outdoor Area Read More »
Second time around for formal turtle and koi pond It’s not often that you get a chance to design more than one formal turtle and koi pond for a customer. I’ve been fortunate enough to have that happen a handful of times. The client will move, or in one instance, just jump from one general
Repeat Business – Formal Turtle and Koi Pond Read More »
The best formal pond of 2024 was the work of Ryan Farnol, owner of Platinum Ponds & Landscaping, a water feature and outdoor living designer and installer in West Michigan. Best Overall Pond Project of 2026 Award Description The Best Overall Pond Project of 2026 represents the highest honor in the Water Artisans of
Water Artisan of the Year Awards―Best Overall Pond Project Read More »
Erick Santa of Bella’s Aquatic Gardens in Miami, Florida was the WATY winner in the formal ponds and water features category. Best Formal Pond & Water Feature This award recognizes an exceptional formal pond or water feature distinguished by intentional geometry, architectural character, refined materials, and precise craftsmanship. The project should successfully use water as
Water Artisan of the Year Awards―Best Formal Pond or Water Feature Read More »
In Friendswood, Texas, what began as a pond renovation quickly evolved into one of the most ambitious and rewarding projects of my career. The original plan was fairly straightforward: rebuild a failing waterfall system and upgrade the filtration on an existing residential pond. However, once we began draining the feature and inspecting the structure more
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For one weekend each spring, Las Vegas becomes the center of the koi world. The 2026 All-American Koi Show once again drew hobbyists, dealers, breeders, manufacturers and industry professionals from across the United States and around the globe to the Silverton Casino Resort, further solidifying its reputation as one of the premier koi events outside
The 2026 All-American Koi Show: Connecting the Global Koi Community Read More »
The pond hobby’s gateway drug or valid small-space alternative? The backyard pond, with its beauty and tranquility, is on the wish list of many a homeowner. But the required space, excavation, upkeep and expense drives many away from this dream. And what of those in apartments with just a window, or a condo/townhome with just
When I first began traveling to the United States more often, around 10 years ago, I had no clue how big, bold and busy the American pond and koi world really was. Over the years I’ve visited many pond builders, dealers and hobbyists across the US, including multiple trips with Brian Fitzsimmons and his team
How the UK Pond and Koi Hobby Compares with the US Read More »
