Spike and Ginger from Southern California are the original owners and have been in the home since 1973. They began the landscaping by planting the larger trees, canary island pines and liquid ambers, within a few years after moving in. The decks, patio area and walkways were completed in the early 1980s. The koi pond was also started in the early 1980s.
The landscaping was almost completely redone during early to mid 1995. During this time the pond was also completed. The current landscape design was done by a landscape architect who worked closely with Spike and Ginger incorporating the existing decks, patio and the partially-completed pond.
The philosophy guiding the landscape design was to create the impression that the home was placed into a natural mountain-like setting. Most of the obviously man-made things (buildings, decks, patios etc.) are geometric (rectangles, circles, etc.) while the majority of the landscape elements (pond, stream, plantings, etc.) are freeform.
In keeping with the philosophy, most of the plantings are informal and are intended to appear as if they could have occurred naturally. Outdoor heaters and a fire pit provide sources of warmth during chilly nights and allow an extended season for outdoor living.
Click on any image for a larger jpeg image.
Pond details
Gallonage (US)
Dimensions
Construction
Shape
Pre-filter feeds
Filter feed
Year completed
Time to complete
3,100 in total.
17ft x 13ft x 2.6ft deep.
Concrete & Concrete block over PVC liner, sealed with ThoroSeal.
Free form.
One 2" & two 1.5" bottom drains, two 2" skimmers & one mid-water.
Pumped through 2" pipe.
1995
3 months after restart.
Filter details
Gallonage (US)
Type
Media - bottom layer
Media - middle layer
Media - top layer
Pre filter/Settlement
Aeration
430 capacity (225 water volume).
Biological - Up flow (Burt Ballou design).
10" of 3/4 smooth rock.
14" of smooth pea gravel.
6" of #12 silica sand.
2' x 3' x 3"deep - 26 brushes & 2' x 2' x 3"o/c foam.
None.
Pump details
Type, make, etc
Pumping capacity
Location
Water returns
Sequence 1/4hp; Starite 1/2hp; 2 Rio 2500 -85 watt
4200 gph; 4000 gph; 670 gph each
Pump box after pre-filter; 2 Rio pumps in pond.
40ft water course; 2 circulating in pond.
Other equipment
Continuous water addition system. 180 gal/day (7.5 gal/hr).
This website started with a
booklet which I made up originally for the help of those members of the BKKS
- South Wales Section who were intending to start building a koi pond, and as the website has expanded more information and articles from other people have been included. This
is for general guidance only, and we do not take any responsibility for problems
that might occur by following these ideas. It is important
that you check out everything in your area, and check on local laws and rules
that may apply.
![[Spike's pond]](img/pond2.jpg)
![[Spike's water course]](img/pond11.jpg)
![[Spike's pond]](img/yard02.jpg)