Fully or semi-raised koi ponds incorporate design practicalities that allow for easy water maintenance, straightforward construction, a multi-purpose frame, and general safety. Unlike traditional ornamental ponds, which involve disturbing bottom substrates, raised ponds can be built in practically any part of a home or garden. Their edges often double as seating areas or, when high enough, a nifty means to prevent children and wild visitors from falling or creeping into the pond. For koi, fully raised ponds need to have a depth of at least 2 – 3 feet (61 – 91 cm).
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For partial shade and protection from the elements, situate the raised pond beneath a trellis or canopy. Use natural materials, such as wood or stone, to add complexity to a bare design. Widen the edge as desired to act as a bench or surface for maintenance tools, pots of plants, and décor.
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Add a central feature, such as an alluring marble sculpture, to draw attention to your raised pond. Complement its design by using a similar material for the pond’s edges. Marble or polished concrete can strike a beautiful balance between the non-living and living elements of your pond.
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A raised edge can be deftly designed to blend in with its surroundings. Applying color, organic curves, and texture to a concrete basin may provide the illusion that it is molded from natural stone. Use a combination of smooth boulders, rough rocks, and plants to naturalize it further.
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A mosaic of rocks, topped with a smooth stone surface, should make for a splendid raised edge. Like a natural bath or pool, this ornamental pond’s edges would undoubtedly highlight your koi’s best features. Highly textural ferns placed across one corner of the raised edge should soften its appearance.
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Go for an organic shape! A cashew or bean-shaped raised pond would look fantastic in a fenced backyard. Marginal grasses, placed along the far edge, add even more vertical dimension and texture. Visually, these allow the pond to seamlessly merge with its backdrop.
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It can’t hurt for pond water to flow above a raised pond’s edges ever-so-slightly. This gives it a finish that is reminiscent of infinity pools or flowing water features around a stately manor. The edge can be divided into sections made of different materials. The contrasting colors and finishes would add unforgettable character to medium and large-sized ponds.
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Terracotta pots look great over a bricked edge! Use these to grow a few valuable herbs and flowering annuals. Touches of color and tender leaves and blooms should have you visiting the pondside time and time again. Just make sure they don’t get knocked over by curious pets!
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A raised, circular pond could always use a simple (or incredibly elaborate) fountain in the center. Apart from aiding in pond water oxygenation, this acts as a surface on which beneficial mosses or filamentous algae may grow.
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A built-in spillway, for water exiting the pond and into an adjacent “stream” would be a great way to incorporate motion into a koi pond’s borders. Stones should help filter out fish waste and increase the surface area on which beneficial bacteria may grow. Similarly, a raised spillway can also be used to introduce filtered water into the pond itself.
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If you’d like to keep the pond’s raised edge unobstructed and free of plants, consider situating rooted, floating-leaved ornamentals further inside the pond. Restrict the roots of these plants to within moveable pots. This way, their position relative to the pond’s edge can be adjusted.
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It’s possible to wildlife-proof a raised edge! Keep your valuable koi extra safe by installing a removable barrier, designed to be propped right on the edge’s surface. This works for semi-raised koi ponds (with a partly sunken depth) or those with markedly low edges. Raccoons, opportunistic rodents, and curious foxes should steer clear of this barrier!
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Surround a classical, rounded edge with a pathway and trimmed hedges. Visitors should feel inclined to walk in slow circles along the perimeter of the koi pond.
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If you have the space for and the time to maintain one, consider constructing a multi-leveled raised pond. This takes koi cultivation to new heights – literally! Make sure to include secure steps for accessing the upper pond level in your design. Of course, designs like this one are best viewed from a higher vantage point.
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A smooth, slightly curved edge, safe for children to lean on as they peer into the contents of a raised koi pond, would be ideal for public spaces. Consider the depth preference of your koi (jumbo varieties will require a higher depth) when determining the right height for the pond’s edge.
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If you like the look of a raised edge, but don’t want it to be too tall, a higher depth can be achieved with a partly-sunken design. A pond like this may seem shallow from a distance, but upon close inspection, you may find that it is adequately deep for koi. This “semi-raised” edge is easily integrated into a bed of turf.
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A mix of potted plants and marginals pleasantly contrasts fixed materials along a pond’s edge. Deep green and variegated foliage, in various shapes and textures, enhances warm hues. When abundant, these may blur the edges of a raised koi pond.
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Stone slabs and limestone bricks make for a timeless raised koi pond design. When surrounded by deep and bright green hues, these do a great job of brightening up outdoor spaces.
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A flat, wide edge becomes very useful when cleaning or stocking an ornamental pond. If you intend to oversee your pond’s maintenance yourself, keep some sections clear of plants and décor. This way, you’ll always have a spot to prop a leg, hand, or foot as you reach into the pond.
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Raised koi ponds can double as a source of nutrient-rich water for an outdoor aquaponic setup or an adjacent water garden. Enhance your system’s sustainability profile by providing means for water recirculation.
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Don’t limit yourself to a perfect circle or four corners! Raised ponds can be as whimsical and playful as you wish them to be. An extravagantly-shaped koi pond would be the perfect focal point for a well-manicured landscape.
Final Thoughts
The “raised” aspect of a koi pond should give you more freedom to explore how shapes, colors, and a variety of construction materials can be woven into outdoor spaces. As both the edges and floor of a raised pond are usually fully lined or non-porous, seepage issues are less likely to occur. The key to ensuring your design is functional and foolproof would be to review the specific needs of your koi, your pond’s potential visitors (e.g. children, senior citizens, wildlife, etc.), and its exposure to the elements. Apart from being able to withstand weathering, the pond’s edge should be both deep and sturdy enough to hold high-value fish and plants.