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 […]
Designing a Formal Koi Pond Read More »
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?”
Building Formal Koi Ponds Read More »
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 »
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
Inside a 360-Degree Koi Pond Environment Read More »
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 »
The journey of creating a dedicated koi pond in Missouri Valley, Iowa, spanned a decade of planning, research, and patience. The questions, and first phone calls began in June of 2014 when owners Matt and Kat first discussed their goals. For years, the idea of a custom pond had been a dream. When they finally
A Dream Koi Pond Becomes Reality in Missouri Valley, Iowa Read More »
We are super excited about a new project we recently started. We are converting an old abandoned estate garden back to its original glory. Only this time we are building the water features our way. Believe it or not this was once a residential property. The property had been left unmaintained for quite some time
A New Vision for the Ponds at Servant’s Oasis Read More »