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Resources

Water Feature Planning Library

A curated guide for homeowners in Southern Minnesota and the Twin Cities. Explore design ideas, investment planning, maintenance education, fish and koi care, and Minnesota-specific ownership tips.

Tip: Start with Design & Feature Guides. If you’re budgeting, go straight to Pricing & Investment Planning.

How to Use This Library

1) Choose a direction

Pick the feature type you’re considering: ecosystem pond, pondless waterfall, fountainscape, or lighting.

2) Set expectations

Use pricing and comparison guides to understand typical scope, investment, and long-term ownership.

3) Plan for longevity

Explore maintenance, Minnesota winter guidance, and fish/koi care so your feature stays healthy and beautiful.

Browse by Topic

Design & Feature Guides

Explore ponds, pondless waterfalls, fountainscapes, lighting, and design ideas for small or large spaces.

Examples: feature types, layout ideas, streams, small-yard solutions

Pricing & Investment Planning

Clear ranges, cost drivers, and budgeting guidance to help you plan realistically and confidently.

Examples: cost ranges, what affects price, standard vs signature

Maintenance & Ownership

Seasonal care, water quality education, and long-term guidance to protect your investment.

Examples: spring cleanouts, fall shutdown, algae prevention

Comparisons & Buyer Education

Side-by-side clarity to help you choose the right feature and approach for your yard and goals.

Examples: pond vs pondless, DIY vs pro, liner vs concrete

Minnesota Climate & Local Expertise

Winter ownership guidance, cold-climate considerations, and Minnesota-specific best practices.

Examples: winterizing, freeze-thaw, cold climate care

Pond Fish & Ecosystem Life

Beginner-friendly fish education: stocking, predators, fish health, and balanced ecosystems.

Examples: goldfish care, stocking guidelines, oxygen

Koi Ponds & Specialty Care

Advanced koi guidance: varieties, filtration needs, feeding strategy, and koi-focused pond health.

Examples: koi varieties, koi feeding, koi pond depth

Planning & Pre-Qualification

How to prepare, what to expect, timelines, and how to get accurate quotes.

Examples: consultation prep, access, permits, expectations

Project Breakdowns & Case Studies

Behind-the-scenes builds, design decisions, and outcomes to show what’s possible.

Examples: build breakdowns, before/after, design choices

Want Help Choosing the Right Direction?

Tell us what you’re imagining and we’ll recommend the best feature type for your yard, your maintenance comfort level, and your budget range.