Undoubtedly, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And no question, the beauty of the garden surrounding the koi pond is a matter of taste. But, does it matter if anyone besides the gardener is less than enamored by such a jumble? I cannot quite claim that I created this lovely mess, at least not all of it, though it was inattention that allowed a seedling beautyberry (Callicarpa) to climb high into branches of an ‘Okame’ cherry that overhangs the large pond. A yellow passionflower vine (Passiflora lutea) climbs still higher, as intended, and somehow I am fonder the wilder this scene becomes.

It was my intention to promote a naturalized garden surrounding the pond, so I take some credit that native Joe Pye weeds (Eutrochium purpureum) were allowed to grow into the shallows. Some editing occurs. Japanese stilt grass invaded the pond’s margins a year ago, and though I cannot claim a relentless effort to remove it, my occasional tugging and increased shading by Joe Pye and irises (yellow flag and Japanese irises) seems to have accomplished its removal.

I know, certainly, that my wife does not share my joy for this untamed area. She prefers more order, which she is able to enforce by chopping branches that stray over the garden’s paths, but this wildness is far beyond her capabilities to manage with her pruners. And, with uncountable koi from newborns to old timers, and plenty of crannies between stones at the pond’s edge for shelter, this has become a haven for water snakes. Not her favorite, so she’ll steer clear when the time comes to cut back vegetation that surrounds the pond.