The far side of the koi pond has grown beyond my control. Irises, an Oakleaf hydrangea and a seedling of the nearby Tardiva hydrangea have been encouraged to spread to fill a corner of the pond, but with the dense growth access has become difficult to control Joe Pye Weeds (Eutrochium spp.) and Jewelweeds (Impatiens capensis). Not that I’ve tried very hard.

If I had a voice in the matter, I would prefer the Joe Pye to be a few feet shorter, though I don’t care to reclaim an inch of its spread. Its flowers are coming into color alongside the hydrangea with a few early flowers of the dark leafed crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia ‘Burgundy Cotton’).

The splendid scene is interrupted by jewelweeds that splay in every direction. At close range, the yellow jewelweed flowers (above) are beautiful, but I must regularly pull many dozens to limit its population. At the pond’s edge, weeding is nearly impossible without tumbling into the water. So, I live with the chaotic scene.

The large koi pond and patio area are intended to appear natural. The surrounding overgrowth and clouded water are ideally suited to this scheme.