Pond # 4

You have heard  the saying about being a big fish in a small pond, well, here you will see a delightful, small pond about 15 feet in diameter with a really big bridge across the whole thing.  This 960 gallon, owner-built pond has a rubber liner and contains eight koi and 8 goldfish. There is a skimmer for clearing surface debris and a barrel/bog filter for water quality.  What makes this setting so unique is the abundance of yard sculpture, art objects and decorative accessories that provide interest and beauty to the eye of any beholder. Turtles are by far the predominant theme, but there is something here for everybody.  And before you leave, linger a while at the adjacent Tiki Bar and enjoy a sip of an exotic refreshment imported straight from wherever Tiki is.

Pond # 5

Another new pond built just this year that looks like its been there for many years  Created by local pond builder, Todd Karth, it features  a carefully placed combination of rectangular flat stones contrasted by an assortment of smooth, rounded river rocks blended in size  to achieve a most refreshing and natural look for bordering a backyard pond.  The waterfall focal point is very effective by its simplicity and should be a source of true inspiration for all  new pond owners contemplating a 1,000 gallon dream pond like the one seen here. A nice combination of aquatic and desert plants complete the waterscape, making this serene setting one worth revisiting in a few years when the growth matures.

Pond # 6

This nicely proportioned corner pond design features dual stream waterfalls   tippling  down  from  different  directions  into  a  1,600 gallon   koi  pond.   Opposite  the  delightful dual stream  falls,  you will  see what must surely be one of  the largest  Water Iris plants in all of Texas.  But, there  is a koi-keeping  use for its humongous size.  The  pond  owner has  purposely  let  its  massive  growth go untrimmed  as it provides  a perfect  place  for koi  to spawn  their eggs.  Once hatched, the fry are completely on their own and use the plant’s root system as their protected habitat. This pond holds two adult koi parents  and nine  of their babies that managed to survive thanks  to  the  huge plant.  This pond was shown on our first Tour in  2002, and has matured so well  in its five year existence that it’s worth a 2^nd look.

Pond # 6a -- Bonus Pond

Like good wine, the best ponds are those that have aged and matured over time. Here you will see a vintage pond in both design and vitality  providing a most tranquil habitat for some very prized koi, so much so that each one is lovingly named by the owner.  What is noteworthy at this location is the positioning of the pond in relation to the overall yard.  It meets the first rule of pond building by being up close to the house where the owner can easily observe her fish throughout the year, instead of being tucked back in a corner of the lot  as is often the case.  The multi-tiered waterfall and 1,200 gallon pond presents a very natural setting with its surrounding border of fieldstone and river rocks. It looks like the pond has been there forever, and someone finally came along to build a house around it.   In an era of big, bold and bouldered pondscapes, this little gem is truly a classic.  Be CAUTIOUS, however, and watch out for the many Desert Box Turtles who roam freely through the yard.

Pond # 7

This uniquely different pond looks as if it was built decades ago along with the house because the stones and rocks used for each blend together so well.  The 4,000 gallon pond, completed just this year by Desierto Landscaping is a very understated design showing great restraint by NOT using all the typical materials favored by the trendy pond builders of today. The two waterfalls compliment each other nicely without competing, and the Savio skimmer and biofilter system provides excellent water quality to the resident koi and goldfish. Note that the biofilter is in a remote location hidden behind a wall from the pond area. This is a good idea whenever possible for ease of maintenance.