On Mon, 28 May 2007 09:11:35 CST, Hal wrote:

The little one I have in Q is a
kajaku (spelling?) very nice.

What color is that in English?

Hard to explain: http://www.hoshikoi.com/sale1/koi12.jpg
Course mine isn't worth the $2500 asking price of this one. Spelling is
Kujaku. Mine has yellow points instead of orange, and currently not as
prominent, hopefully those will come out more as it grows.

I have 4 adult 5 yearlings (8 to 12") and shredded lilies that I hope
will recover. Unfortunately I still have at least 5 goldfish, that
are black very fast and difficult to see on a black liner. I gave up
on catching all of them rather than drain.

Sounds like better numbers. Hal, you'll have to be this year's lecturer on
"Why you don't add or start with goldfish when you really want koi" pond.
;-) This is also why I'm sticking to fantails in the lily pond, so much
easier to catch.... even if the babies revert to a single tail, that egg
shaped body slows them down. I love wakins & shubunkins, so far I've
reminded myself of the catch-ability, and not purchased.

I was hoping for shade from the lilies and the fish seem to swim
around in the open water, so I never thought of them as blocking the
view.

If you get them too thick, like I had them. ;-)

You have talent for making things look good.

Thank you. I think it is my Asperger gene coming out in me, obsessive
compulsive about working on my pond plants. ;-)

I like cannas... the wind blew them over several times

Oh yes, I have this problem at times. I find bungee cords work very well.
Hook it, or 2, into the basket and under the rocks on the side. Also place
the tallest cannas so they fall against the side, not in the pond. If I'm
aware of windy weather I'll actually go lay them down so they go where I
want them too.

There are dwarf varieties that don't get as tall, I have 2 of those. One
sent to me years ago by Rod Farlee who last posted to RP in summer of 2002.
:-( I also have the Bengal Tiger he sent me going strong. Now that can be
get to be a HUGE plant by July.

That's interesting. I just got Louisiana iris last year and didn't
notice they grew before cannas, not much does here except parrot
feather, but I will be watching next spring and they do multiply well.
Have you ever tried them in shade? I have a vacant 160 gallon pond
under the gazebo now that needs something.

Never tried them in heavy shade.

I'm glad the rocks work for you. It seems every time I try stones it
sets up a small spot for collecting debris and gets nasty. Bricks
seem to work better for me, after I find a way to tie/attach them to
the plants.

I use big rocks, and then the plants are moved from one place to another
often enough, I guess, that not much collects. I do rinse the roots/baskets
between venues. :-) ~ jan
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Zone 7a, SE Washington State
Ponds: www.jjspond.us