In the quaint city of Holland, Michigan, the team at Platinum Ponds & Landscaping embarked on an ambitious project aimed at creating a stunning and serene outdoor space for a homeowner. The centerpiece of this project is an impressive 20-by-30, 3-foot-deep koi pond. The pond enhances the aesthetic appeal of the yard, and serves as a peaceful getaway for a local couple and their dog Walter.
Walter was a huge part of the project, always willing to lend a helping paw. The homeowners, who are outdoor enthusiasts and pond vlog followers, were very involved and incredible to work with.
This Michigan koi pond project showcases a variety of features that blend functionality with beautiful aesthetics and integrates a natural backwoods forest backdrop. The pond features two separate cantilever flagstone seating areas, a wetland filter and a cozy pergola. We overcame significant challenges related to the sloped terrain. During construction, the morning after we first filled the pond with water, we found 0ur very first guest from nature. All of a sudden we heard a “plop” and a baby snapping turtle arrived in its new pond! The homeowners have taken the baby snapping turtle in and brought him inside to ensure his survival over the winter.
Wetland Filtration
The koi pond measures a generous 20 by 30 feet and boasts a depth of 3 feet. The entire system holds approximately 10,000 gallons of water, providing an ideal environment for koi fish to thrive. We built a custom fish cave into the bottom terrace of the pond that provides plenty of places to hide. To keep water temperatures cool and provide additional cover for the fish, we installed three hardy lilies. These, along with more than 30 other various aquatic plants provide shaded areas for the pond. A wetland filter, intake bay, a Signature Series 6000 BioFalls filter, and three custom-built aeration jets pushing approximately 1,500 gph per jet toward the intake bay ensured proper filtration for this incredible pond!
Since we were restricted by grades and space, the 8-by-10-foot wetland we felt was a bit undersized based on a 500-square-foot pond. To achieve the water quality the client desired, we decided to add the BioFalls filter with extra BioBalls filtration media. The three jets offer additional oxygen and push the water toward the intake bay to keep floating debris from settling and creating algae blooms.
Plants with Filtering Properties
We planted mini cattails and iris in the wetland, which can remain potted to prevent overgrowth. We wanted the filtering properties they offer. Even though they are among Mother Nature’s best-filtering aquatic plants that help remove toxins, they are often frowned upon. They tend to overtake and spread out of control. In most cases, we plant them directly in the wetland, but they can remain potted to allow the roots to extend deep into the wetland gravel for excellent filtration benefits. The only water treatment we added to the intake bay was beneficial bacteria. The homeowners report pristine water quality and clarity.
Unique Retaining Walls are a Highlight of the Michigan Koi Pond
The first thing one notices upon seeing this amazing pond layout is the unique shape and two different custom-built retaining walls with cantilevered edge-flagstone seating areas. A newer trend in pond construction is incorporating curved-radius-shaped retaining walls in certain areas of the pond. Often installed as an anchor for a fire pit or cantilevered edge patio, pond retaining walls offer a unique way to break up rock work and add unique shapes.
The large pond footprint features a flagstone seating area on one side elegantly shaded by a custom-built pergola. The opposite side of the pond is edged with a matching flagstone walkway. This invites one to walk down steps from the raised composite deck and step to the edge of the pond. A giant, flat, step-out rock carefully nestled right into the corner of the pond at the edge of the walkway provides the perfect spot to feed the koi. Three aeration jets were placed in the dead zones of the pond, with crossing beams of light from 3-watt aquatic lights.
We find that overdoing aquatic lighting can have a negative impact. The darker parts of the pond bring just as much interest as the areas that are illuminated. Ambient aquatic lighting and mild disturbance of the water from the aeration jets provide relaxation and peaceful sights and sounds.
An Aesthetic Harmony
A defining feature of the pond is two split streams that converge into a strategically placed wetland filter. This wetland filter located mid-stream just about the pond serves as the initial expansive pooling area. It facilitates filtration, but also the natural merging of the two streams into cascading waterfalls that flow into the wetland. From an aesthetic perspective, this design complements the existing landscape and ensures visual balance, preventing the streams from appearing lopsided.
The design required 200 yards of fill sand to elevate the grades and create a gently sloped berm for the waterfalls. The original contours of the property sloped away in the opposite direction. Fill sand was essential to establish a total head height of 3 feet above the water level of the pond. Each waterfall, distinct in its character, contributes to a captivating visual focal point. It also produces the soothing sounds of flowing water, enriching the overall ambiance of the water garden.
The sound of water is a powerful element in landscape design, and the team was mindful of its placement. Waterfalls can be enjoyed from different vantage points around the yard. Together, the pond, streams and waterfalls create a serene atmosphere where the homeowners can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. The project enhances the homeowners’ outdoor experience, and serves a valuable lesson in the importance of creating wildlife-friendly environments. This koi pond is a testament to the beauty of nature and the joy of fostering biodiversity in our backyards.
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