Michigan Gardener

SIGN UP to stay in touch!
We will send you occasional e-mails with gardening tips and information!


Digital Editions

Click on the cover to read now!

PLEASE NOTE: In the autumn of 1995, we hatched the idea for a free, local gardening publication. The following spring, we published the first issue of Michigan Gardener magazine. Advertisers, readers, and distribution sites embraced our vision. Thus began an exciting journey of helping our local gardening community grow and prosper.
After 27 years, nearly 200 issues published, and millions of copies printed, we have decided it is time to end the publication of our Print Magazine and E-Newsletter.

Archive for the pond tag

Website Extra: An eclectic collector’s garden

  •   1 Comment

To read the entire article, pick up a copy of Michigan Gardener or check out our digital edition.

In 1985, the Hodgsons contracted with an individual who wanted experience in building a koi pond, so they exchanged the experience for the construction. The soil removed from the pond hole was used to build the cactus berm. The pond water is green because of an algae bloom caused by warm, sunny weather and organic material in the water. If controlled properly it is not harmful to the fish.
In 1985, the Hodgsons contracted with an individual who wanted experience in building a koi pond, so they exchanged the experience for the construction. The soil removed from the pond hole was used to build the cactus berm. The pond water is green because of an algae bloom caused by warm, sunny weather and organic material in the water. If controlled properly it is not harmful to the fish.

 
Mick picking up fish is a demonstration activity. This koi is an early version of the butterfly koi, known for its long fins and tail. The Hodgsons hand feed the koi from the same location multiple times a day, so the fish anticipate the feeding and come to beg when Mick and Cathy are in the backyard. The older fish in the pond teach the young fish about this group activity.
Mick picking up fish is a demonstration activity. This koi is an early version of the butterfly koi, known for its long fins and tail. The Hodgsons hand feed the koi from the same location multiple times a day, so the fish anticipate the feeding and come to beg when Mick and Cathy are in the backyard. The older fish in the pond teach the young fish about this group activity.

 
Cathy feeds goldfish in the figure eight pond.
Cathy feeds goldfish in the figure eight pond.

 
The Hodgsons created this area to bring two paths together and provide a reflective, cool place to sit and rest. In the center is a suspended natural ledge rock with native moss. Water gently overflows from the rock’s center and trickles through the moss and over the edge back into the water. There are a few smaller goldfish to add movement and mosquito control. The Buddha sculpture meditates across from the stone bench and frogs come and go.
The Hodgsons created this area to bring two paths together and provide a reflective, cool place to sit and rest. In the center is a suspended natural ledge rock with native moss. Water gently overflows from the rock’s center and trickles through the moss and over the edge back into the water. There are a few smaller goldfish to add movement and mosquito control. The Buddha sculpture meditates across from the stone bench and frogs come and go.

Copyright 1996-2025 Michigan Gardener. All rights reserved.