#994 A beautiful koi pond has me swimming in smiles

Some of us live in a very hectic world yet one thing that always makes me smile and relax a little is a beautiful koi pond. Like I said in a previous post, we used to go to the park at Knott’s Berry Farm and feed the ducks and ducklings. I recall we used to go to a koi pond as well and feed the fish. I think that koi pond was at the Disneyland Hotel.

I don’t know what it is about a koi pond. Usually they are quiet and peaceful… at least until some kid (cough cough) takes a hand full of that special koi fish food and throws a bunch in at the same time igniting a feeding frenzy with much splashing about.
These days I spy a fish I like and toss a pellet to it and hope she gets it. (Yes, I play koi favorites and judge them based on their beauty and attractiveness. We all do it whether it be with fish or people. I am learning yet I am not perfect.)

Maybe the thing I find interesting about a koi pond, other than the beautiful fish is they generally have plants like Horsetail and Giant Duckweed that grow in the water. At least where I am from I do not see that a lot. (Actually, right now I live in the dessert so I do not see much water at all.) Vegetation it seems not only gives a koi pond a natural and beautiful look that will make you smile but also helps eliminate carbon dioxide from the water. Algae is an enemy of the koi pond and having plants can lower the growth. Plants can also provide food and shelter to the fish as well they can have a space to spawn. (Hey, I feel another post coming on…) Or maybe it is the fact you can build a koi pond in many different environments. I understand from reading different koi pond blogs they are not that difficult to build. You can even buy all the things you need online – a tub or liners, filters, pumps and even plants and fish! Who knew?

I have seen many koi pond as they are one of my favorite things. I have seen huge ones with too many fish to count such as the one at the Disneyland hotel. I have seen them portraying a sort of moat around a paddle boat themed hotel in Laughlin, Nevada. I have seen koi pond indoors in office buildings and estates sometimes surrounded by beautiful bonsai trees. My grandfather even had one in a whiskey barrel. Simple or complex they are all wonderful and make me smile.

What is your favorite color koi fish? Have you seen a koi pond that made you smile? Click here to leave a comment and share your opinion and experience. Would love to hear from you.

UPDATE: It seems like the koi pond is gone at the Disneyland Hotel and the fish have been moved to The Huntington and have a new home in the lily ponds there. Anyone have any news on this?