Gardeners Gumbo

When Jan Goldfield took up the task of building a pond in her backyard in 1987, it was strictly as a hobby. Once completed, Goldfield´s garden and pond was such a showpiece that friends encouraged her to market her skills. With a direct mail piece picturing her pond, and referrals from local nurseries, Goldfield started her water garden business. From them until her retirement in 2006, she had a career designing, installing and maintaining aquatic gardens. Goldfield was the premier water gardener in the southern region of the United States and the only one in New Orleans for many years.

Happily for the homeowner who is not handy in the yard, Goldfield points out, ponds require minimal maintenance." They´re completely balanced ecosystems that benefit most from benevolent neglect," she says.
Goldfield has done work for a variety of commercial and public spaces, including Bienville House Hotel, The French Quarter Inn, St. Louis Cathedral, City Park and the New Orleans Museum of Art. She´s given seminars in such places as Longue Vue House & Gardens, City Park, the New Orleans Nature Center, Hilltop Arboretum, Crosby Arboretum and dozens of garden clubs.

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