Koi
Today in class we were talking about how to build a garden that responds to the land we are on. We talked about soil types, water, landforms. We also talked history, culture, and economics. And of course we talked plants and animals, paths and furnishings. Vertical interest. Companion plantings. And so much more we have covered this semester.
Several students said they wanted to put in a koi pond. I immediately thought of all the challenges that come with that but kept quiet while they worked through the possibility. One student realized that winter is harsh here; how could the koi survive? Then a few minutes later another student said “I’ve got it!” And he pointed out that the pond could be put over the heating tunnel that leads between buildings and where the snow never lasts more than a day even when it’s bitter cold outside.
Such a joyful moment when the students, working on a problem together, discover other problems and then solve them.
We also looked at gardens on other campuses, including my alma maters: Middlebury, Penn State, and St John’s College in Santa Fe. And other places where I have studied and worked, like Oxford and a handful of places in Spain.
For your delight and for my students, here are two photos of the koi pond on the Placita at the St John’s campus in Santa Fe.
