Water gardens and Koi ponds for your backyard or patio can be designed to fit your own lifestyle and wants. Do you want a fish pond designed into a natural setting, landscaped right into your backyard? Or is your water garden better suited to a smaller container? If you have a patio, for example. Yes, you can use a container for a fish pond – or if you’re not up for having pets, then just install a water garden with pond plants. Because they are pets. You’ll even find you have favorites. On the other hand, having plants alone is far less maintenance – but not nearly as much fun. Koi ponds provide endless hours of entertainment – you can even design a window right into your pond for better viewing opportunities.
I mean, really. Look at that photo – did you know that Koi love watermelon? And you have to check out the Koi elevators below – they are awesome. Your fish really are interested in what’s going on above the water. Who knew? It’s much more complicated and a larger commitment, especially with fish, than a simple water feature in your garden. But highly rewarding. We’ve presented 34 water garden and Koi pond ideas below for you to consider while pondering your own design plans.
Koi Pond Design: Landscaping Ideas
This water garden and fish pond has a pergola and swing at one end of the pond. If you’ve got space, you can do many wonderful things with your water garden design. Source
A rocking chair to rock in. Waterfalls to create that ambient sound. And a whole school of Koi in your pond. Source
A cubist water pond design – three water areas and a seating area. Did we mention the waterfall?
If money is no object, add a little Dale Chihuly glass to your Koi pond design. It will take that water garden up a notch, for sure. Source
A large space can give you excellent landscaping options for your Koi pond. Waterfalls are always a nice feature. Source
Using a Koi pond as a moat around the house is a unique water garden design idea. Source
Flat rocks make a great decking for a natural Koi pond design- down by the lake.
Waterfalls and colorful Koi – could there be a better place to while away a summer afternoon? Source
The waterfall acts as a aerator, adding oxygen to the water for the fish. Source
Koi Pond Pathways
A walkway of garden paver stones makes a great pathway down the pond – and also gives the fish something to hide under (they like that). Source
The Lautner-Goldstein residence is one of the most iconic houses in LA. You walk across the Koi pond stepping stones to enter the home. Source
A pathway leads through the water garden to a Japanese tea house. What’s the difference between a water garden and a Koi pond? Quite simply, Koi. Source
This modern entrance with a substantial Koi pond is full of Asian design influence. Source
This modern courtyard features two Koi ponds – one on either side. Source
Koi Pond Designs with Windows
A Buddha statue watches over the Koi. Isn’t it great to be able to look in the window? One of the best innovations in Koi pond design is viewing windows. Source
This patio features a full on water feature and wrap around Koi pond design with window (also pictured below). Source
The window is placed in the best viewing spot. Source
Koi and Carp will co-exist happily in your water garden. Source
Huge Carp congreate at this Koi pond viewing window. Source
Koi Ponds at Night
Lighting your Koi pond at night is a great way to double your viewing time. Source
Japanese landscape design is a popular style for Koi ponds. Source
Koi pond design can make the fish look quite dramatic at night. Source
Pull up a bar stool and watch the entertainment. Source
Floating candles make a water garden look very romantic. Source
Landscaping lighting will step up your Koi pond design. Source
Koi Pond Observation Towers
Koi love these observation towers – they’re like elevators to a different world. Source
Koi pond observation towers come in all shapes and sizes. Source
The Koi observation dome is like a big water bubble. Source
Even Carp like the observation towers. The fish really do want to come up and check you out. Source
More Koi Ponds
A small yard doesn’t mean no Koi pond. This one even has a waterfall. Source
You can put your water garden or fish pond in the smallest of places. Source
If you can’t afford Chihuly glass spheres, don’t despair. Metallic glass gazing balls look fantastic floating in a water garden. Source
A mermaid with a conch shell are the perfect statue to consider for your Koi pond design. Source
A colorful school of Koi and Carp in a tranquil pond. Source
