Hubby and I got home yesterday from work to find that the area we have picked out for our pond - which we outlined with a hose, is horribly suited. The utilities companies came out and marked most of the area up - it literally has everything running through that area - electricity, gas, oil, cable tv, and some flags I didn't even recognize.
The area for "Plan B" is next to our deck, sandwiched between the deck and a large Norway maple. The tree is actually decent looking and in good health, smack in the middle of the back yard. The "Plan B" area is partly shaded for most of the day and it is on the north side of the house so it gets the shadow from the house and deck for much of the day. I would say that the area does not get full sun for more than an hour or two of the day, the rest is dappled or complete shade. The benefit to this area is that it is right next to the deck, so we could really enjoy the sound of the water and I could just lean over the railing (deck is elevated only about 3' off the ground) to feed/enjoy viewing the koi. There will probably also be less tree roots to contend with.
I realize that it is too deep shade for probably any water plants except maybe something vigorous that is submerged. That is fine with me, as I can put a smaller shallow pond somewhere else if I really need full sun water plants.
The finished size will be 3,500 - 4,00 gallons, with a bottom drain and a skimmer, and a small waterfall. We'll be using a liner. No rocks in the pond.
Do koi need much sun? Would the fish be okay in this spot?
Thanks,
Elizabeth
How much sun do koi need?
Don't see why not. They are very hardy and friendly fish. They are also pretty social and will eat out of your hand with a little training. Both you and the fish would benefit from being in an area that you will be spending a lot of time in. There is actually an advantage to having it too shady for plants, that will help keep the tempation down. The koi would likely just root around and tear them up anyway. One thing I would not want to be without is a UV filter. Takes care of the suspended algea that turns your water green. Is this your first pond? If so, you will be amazed out how much you will enjoy your new garden. Be sure to take pics of your progress and post them for us!
The shade will also help keep the algea blooms under control and koi love cooler water.
I'm warming up to the idea of my "plan B" area. The pond will be smaller, probably more like 3,000-3,250 gallons versus 3,500-4,000 gallons in the "plan A" area. I started blogging to keep track of what plants might work in part-shade, there were actually more than I thought! I would like one waterlily, even though it probably won't bloom, a few oxygenators and a few floaters.
I will definitely have a UV filter!
IC- Is there anyway you can incorporate your pond so that is goes underneath your deck a little bit? I saw a pond like that at hotel many years ago and it was so cool to sit at the railing and have the fish sitting straight underneath (begging for food). With a pond edge it wouldn't be the same. Also, it would give the fish a place to hide if they needed to hide.
Also, regarding your trees and the shade concerns, did you consider trimming out some of the branches to allow even a little dappled sunlight to come through here and there? I trimmed out some of my trees and evergreens around the pond (I was scared to do this) and it made a nice effect on the stream and gave me more planting options in and around that area. I was also able to put hanging baskets underneath that added a ton of color to an otherwise shady area that went unnoticed.
Linda, I actually found a spot #3 in the yard that is a better compromise. But, regarding the huge maple, I'm going to have a tree person out in the spring to take off two of the huge branches overhanging spot #2 - they make the tree really unbalanced and should probably come off anyway. I might go back to the idea you suggested too, though. The problem with the deck...is that it was made by the last owner of our house, who was a complete idiot when it comes to home repairs. Literally, we sued him in small claims court (and won) over how poorly he "redid" the flooring in the bathroom - he put the toilet in wrong, which then leaked into the ceiling of the kitchen (under the bathroom) and we had to have the entire thing ripped up and redone. Earlier this year we had a completely new toilet and sink put into the bathroom and the kitchen had to be torn up again, this time to remove a lead pipe. We STILL have a hole in the kitchen sealing, because then the Iowa floods came and every drywaller in the state has been bEven though the deck was put in in 2006, it is NOT going to last very long, as we suspect it is as "well done" as the other repairs. I would hate to have to tear it down when a koi pond is under it. Worse, I would be afraid of it possibly falling INTO the koi pond on its own!
Spot # 3 is kind of to the side of Spot #1 and #2 and it would be ideal for looking at from inside the house (you would really not be able to see the pond at all from spot #2, which is why I moved it again). I should be home before dark today and will take a picture and post it. I like the idea of hanging baskets, too, that is a great idea. I have half a dozen shephards crooks in the garage, the nice double ones that are really sturdy. I used to have lots of bird feeders around the house but the squirrels drove me nuts so I stopped putting out feeders in the warmer months.
Elizabeth
Some sun helps the water warm up faster in the spring and keeps it a little warmer in the fall. It's a balance between full sun (>6 hrs of direct sun) , which I have and keeps you on your toes algae wise but managable and partial sun (4 - 6 hrs ) which still allows for some plant growth, reduced algae and cooler water temps in the heat of the summer. Full shade, even with bright but indirect sunlight would definitely result in colder water and few plants.