The unmistakable sound of rushing water greets visitors to Boots and Karen Martin's Brookfield Township home.

The waterfall is just one feature of the couple's 4-year-old decorative pond.

In this pond, water flows from the fern-topped fall and onto layers of flat, hand-placed rocks before finally spilling into an ivy-lined pool filled with lilies and irises.

While sitting in the "Brookfield room" of his home, Martin is happy to tell the story of how his pond came to be.

He is one of 31 decorative pond owners in Trumbull and Mahoning counties who will have his aquatic creation featured in the third annual Tour of Decorative Ponds.

The drive-it-yourself tour, which runs Saturday and Sunday, is sponsored by Trumbull and Mahoning Soil and Water Conservation Districts and Colonial Gardens, Vienna.

This is Martin's second year on the tour. He said his pond, which is also home to seven koi, two comets and a few other fish, was a handmade gift to his wife Karen.

The pump puts out 4,000 gallons of water each hour and runs all day.

"I've been busy here," Martin said. "My ecology in the pond ... is really close to nature. I haven't had to add anything to clarify the water."

Mrs. Martin is just as delighted talking about her pond, saying, "I've always wanted to live near water ... this is close enough."

Their four smallest fish have names, and the Martins are glad to tell visitors what those names are and how the fish got them.

Another proud Brookfield pond owner is Ed Cole. A highlight of Cole's pond is the more than 100 carp he calls his pets.

Some of his fish, Cole said, are more than 20 years old.

Several generations of colorful Koi, comets, shubunkins and other fish swim harmoniously in his lush pond, which he started more than 30 years ago.

"I've always liked fish," the self-described nature lover said. "They are really friendly ... not afraid of you at all."

Cole's circular pond holds about 5,000 gallons of water, features a waterfall, aquatic plants and a custom-made lattice covering.

"It's very relaxing and gives me a lot of enjoyment," he said.

But what about mosquitoes?

In this age of West Nile virus, Cole said they aren't a problem because the fish usually get to the larvae before the insects become bothersome.

The main difference between decorative and farm ponds is size, said Sue Smith, Mahoning SWCD program coordinator. She said farm ponds may be any depth, but decorative ones are no more than 4 feet deep.

She said decorative ponds are gaining popularity, especially as people look for ways to beautify their homes.

"The trend is getting larger and larger and larger. It seems like everyone is starting a pond," she said. "For most people, having a decorative pond is a lot more feasible and cost effective than having a farm pond."

Both Cole and Martin said people thinking about starting a pond should attend the tour to get pointers from current pond owners.

Tour books, which list pond locations, are available at Colonial Gardens, 1419 Youngstown Kingsville Road, or at the SWCD office in Canfield. Cost is $5. Proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Summer Enrichment program for handicapped children in Trumbull County.

For more information on the tour, contact Mahoning SWCD at 330-533-2231 or visit the Web site at www.mahoningswcd.org.

030509