Most gardeners, being the gardeners they are, want the beauty of plants to make the pond a true aquatic garden. Many plants are available and conductive to water culture. All water plants, just like their land cousins, must grow in dirt. The good news is that lilies, be they tropical or hardy, grow in gumbo clay, a ready soil in the North Texas area. Plants in clay pots sitting on the floor of the pond provide shade, a spawning area, and a hiding area for baby fish.
Fish can be pets, whether indoor or out.
They are a welcome addition to the outdoor pond and beautify the landscape with their darting and flashing of brilliant colors. Koi and common goldfish are a good choice, but not together. The koi are more rambunctious, and the goldfish more placid. Fancy goldfish do not do well in ponds that experience freeze, but koi and plain goldfish survive North Texas winters well. Hardy lilies will come back as perennial.