About Me

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.

Build Your Own Backyard Pond with the Pondlady

Learn to build a pond with the pondlady. She shares her almost 20 years experience in designing and building ponds cheaper and easier than any other method you have read about. From building to troubleshooting, from plants to fish, we talk about what...

Submerged Plants for Your Backyard Pond

Is your pond green? Ponds and water gardens need submerged vegetation to have clear water. Submerged plants give off oxygen for your fish to breathe and are fertilized by fish waste. They act as a natural filter and your fish eat them. What a perfect...

Water Lilies in Your Backyard Pond

Many people have ponds just so they can have water lilies. Here in New Orleans we love tropicals with their aroma reminiscent of tropical islands and colors that defy description. Hardy water lilies are beautiful and grow anywhere. If you have a pond...

The Louisiana Iris in Your Backyard Pond

Louisiana Iris is the Louisiana state wildflower. It covers bayous and swamps in the Louisiana spring. I use them in most ponds, in the water and out. See pictures of hybrids. Find growing conditions. If you are looking for an iris that loves wet fee...

Floating Plants for Your Backyard Pond

Floating plants for your pond are as necessary as water. Half of your pond needs to be covered so your water doesn't get too hot and to provide shade for your fish. Your submerged vegetation needs shade or it will burn in the sun. Floating plants giv...

Bog Plants for Your Backyard Pond

Bog plants, emergent plants, marginal plants are all the same. They all love wet feet and grow in swamps or bogs. Bog plants or marginal plants are at the height of their growing season in the heat of the summer. If they outgrow their pots, cut them...

Gardeners Gumbo

Gardeners Gumbo is a gardening forum where gardeners from all over the world share their ideas, problems, solutions, photographs, laughs, stories and good times. Join us and meet fascinating folks who share your love of gardening. We swap recipes, p...