A Garden-Lou Visit with Jim Haegele
Jim Haegele’s favorite time in his garden is the evening, when the lights start to come on and the garden transforms. “Everything looks its best,” says Jim. But the transformation from day to night is minor compared to the shift from an ordinary suburban backyard to a full-immersion Asian Adventure.
“I’ve lived here for 37 years and started the first pond in the early 1990s.” Jim grew up in South County and moved to Fenton in 1988. The ¼ acre backyard was basically a clean slate. “I would have made the pond a foot deeper, but since I did it all by hand in rock-laden ground, it would have been impossible without a backhoe or Bobcat machinery.”
As for maintenance, this time of year, fall netting takes priority to keep the pond free of falling leaves and to protect the koi in the 9 x 13’ koi pond from predators like great blue herons and mink. “I credit research and sharing ideas with others in the St. Louis Water Garden Society for mostly winning battles with predators now.” Jim’s garden is a favorite stop on the society’s Pond-O-Rama Tour.
The netting is removed in spring when Jim takes his bamboo ownership seriously, keeping the bamboo at bay every few days since it can grow a foot per day that time of year. Despite its aggressive nature, the towering bamboo grove gives the garden a more authentic look and feel, completely hiding the neighbors. A sense of mystery intrigues visitors as they explore the boardwalk paths through the grove. “I enjoy anyone I know, or complete strangers when they come to visit,” says Jim. The lit, raised paths lead visitors past statuary, including Bling Bling, the resident baby panda, who hides among the bamboo stalks.
Multiple seating or dining areas are tucked into quiet corners or waterside. The garden doesn’t have a bad angle thanks to Jim’s creative eye. Quiet details like Asian ceramic containers full of evergreens or painted lanterns offer a stoic side to the garden, balancing the dramatic details, such as the golden gong or the fountain dripping with plants and water.
That water is the key ingredient for Jim’s garden, be it the waterfall that feeds the koi pond, or a simple bamboo fountain. “I personally gathered all of the rock for my water features so I may appreciate that aspect of the transformation,” says Jim. “Wherever there is moving water, though, that’s my favorite part.”
Quick Facts:
-Size of Garden? ¼ acre
-When was the garden started? Early 90s.
-Is there any other garden or gardener that inspires you? Since my garden is strictly Asian-oriented, anytime I see or read something on that type of gardening, I take interest.
-Do you have any other passions besides gardening? I like hiking and photography in the National Parks, and I play soccer for fitness. One day, I will try golf again.
-What’s your favorite gardening tool? I guess my hedge shears. I have to use them for my bamboo, but I get to use them more often for fun since I’m starting to trim full evergreens to appear to have a bonsai look. BUT I DON’T HAVE SCISSORHANDS YET.
-If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only have ONE plant to keep you company, what would it be? (It doesn’t have to be a food-bearing plant since this island has a free buffet!) When I was in Italy last year, it was the first time I saw stone pines. (Pinus pinea) They are commonly called Umbrella trees because that is what they look like, and they could afford me attractive shade. Too bad they don’t grow here.
-Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com
Words and photos by Jo Batzer
© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com-2025, All rights reserved.
