Gardening Wisdom

Koi Return to the Lower Pond

June 2nd, 2010

Our usual routine of moving the koi is necessary to be able to give the ponds a good cleaning. After leaf fall in autumn, the fish move from the Lower Pond to the Upper Pond. Sometimes they overwinter there, and at other times they are returned after the water is conditioned. Our city water contains, among other things, chlorine, chloramines, and ammonia. Chlorine breaks down naturally after a certain amount of time; the others need the help of chemicals or microbes to turn the water into a positive living environment for the fish.

The recent renovation of the Zig Zag Bridge required the Lower Pond to be empty for part of the process. The koi remained longer in the Upper Pond before they were moved back to the Lower Pond at the end of April. They were checked for health problems at that time and we found that they are all doing very well. Come and watch them swimming in front of the Heavenly Falls!