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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.
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.
