By Jenfren
Herefordshire,
United Kingdom 
We have a raised fish pond with koi carp in on our patio, As it tends to look a bit utilitarian and the pump and filter are ugly, I am trying to soften it with plants. They need to go in pots either next to the pool or standing on the walls. So far we have a fatsia and a small palm. They need to give shade to the pool so something spready would be good, hardy if poss.,but could take in in winter . Any ideas would be welcome, I have in mind a sort of jungley effect. Its quite sheltered but sunny or at least would be !
17 Aug, 2012
Answers
Are you keen on Gentiana ?
17 Aug, 2012
If its sheltered how about a japanese acer......palmatum dissectum, going with the bamboo would begin to bring a japanese feel
We,ve koi too......they fascinate me.....
17 Aug, 2012
Woops I didnt mean putting Gentians by the pond, it was just your unusual name.
18 Aug, 2012
Of course, the ultimate plants to have around your koi pond would be Bonsai. You can pick up some good bargains from ebay.
18 Aug, 2012
Thanks, some good ideas (did wonder about gentians). Are bonsai hardy ? I guess they must be if the large trees are. Think a might go for bamboo for height and look into bonsai as I had not thought of that
18 Aug, 2012
Any form of grass or bamboo would suit...maybe a spreading juniper in a pot
17 Aug, 2012