The Unique Backyard Feature Fixer Upper's Joanna Gaines Uses To Spruce Up A Space

If you're searching for the perfect outdoor upgrade, take a cue from Joanna Gaines on "Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse," (via Magnolia). Gaines is proof that sometimes you need to think outside the box in order to create a jaw-dropping outdoor space. She chose to install a curved koi pond in the home's airy courtyard. Prior to renovations, the property was already oozing mid-century charm. However, this quirky addition emphasized the era even more. Ponds and water features in atriums, entryways, and backyards were particularly popular in mid-century homes. 

Gaines opted to forgo an unkept garden bed in favor of a tranquil koi pond. She installed a wall-mounted water feature to create a zen-inspired look and sound. Koi ponds can promote inner peace and change the atmosphere of your outside area. Gaines added thoughtful landscaping and painted the surrounding columns an earthy brown, making the koi pond blend with the serene space. Many original elements of the courtyard were preserved, such as the light fixtures, but the koi pond was a new addition that seamlessly fit into the space. Consider digging your own koi pond to give your backyard a timeless upgrade.

One of the most important elements of installing a koi pond is to ensure it is lined and sealed correctly. While rigid pond liners might be tempting, they are not ideal for the durability of your pond due to their tendency to crack during winter. Alternatively, high-density polyethylene liners are a great option for longevity and preventing leakage. In addition to the resilience, you want to make sure you are using a material that is safe for your fish, as there are containers made of materials that are deadly for koi fish. 

Gaines added several koi-friendly plants such as water lilies for visual interest and to enhance the health of the pond. Koi fish feed on the roots and lay their eggs under the water lily leaves. Overall, aquatic plants can act as a natural filter, helping to maintain the ecology of your pond. Gaines also included an additional filtration system, which is essential for most aquatic environments. While it's possible to create a pond with a self-cleaning biofilter, it's an extremely delicate ecosystem to get right. A mechanical or biological (sand or gravel-based) filtration system is preferable to chemical filtration if you have live fish. However, even with good filtration, cleaning your garden pond is a key part of the overall maintenance.