Spring is finally here and it's time to get the koi pond in shape for the new season. There are several steps that need to be taken before starting up the pumps. No matter how well you cleaned the leaves out in the fall, the pond has become a magnet for wind blown leaves and debris throughout the winter months. Now is the time to net out any leaves and trash blown into the koi pond. Don't worry about getting every last leaf. The biological activity will take care of the rest. I do not recommend draining the pond to clean. Not only do you dramatically change the water chemistry when you do this but you also upset the biological filtration of the gravel bottom. Many people have lost precious koi during this process.

Studies have shown that water can help one to relax. Whether it's listening to the trickle of water from a small fountain, or just looking at the reflections on the surface of a pond, a water feature can help you to de-stress after a hard day of work. A water feature can make a great addition to your yard, and they aren't too difficult to build, if you do your planning. Certain things need to be kept in mind when you're planning a pond or water garden.

Why do people put up backyard ponds and waterfalls? Some people would find this just a bit too wasteful of resources. Some would think that putting up a backyard pond and waterfall would be equal to showing off. However, you need to know that people who put up backyard ponds and waterfalls do so for very good reasons.