Tucked into a residential backyard on the north side of Carmel, Indiana, Goldfish Gardens is the kind of place you might drive past without realizing it exists. But for the pond community in Hamilton County, this family-run Saturday-only shop has become an essential destination for koi, goldfish, aquatic plants, and pond supplies. The setup is charmingly unconventional — the "store" is literally someone's backyard, complete with stunning display ponds that double as both inventory and inspiration.
Customers rave about the water lettuce, pond lilies, and other aquatic plants, which are fairly priced and clearly thriving in their growing environment. The fish selection focuses squarely on pond species: koi, goldfish, tadpoles, and snails, all kept in outdoor ponds you can browse while chatting with the owners. Originally run by the matriarch of the family, Goldfish Gardens is now largely operated by her son and daughter, who've maintained the same warmth and deep pond knowledge customers have relied on for years.
Multiple reviewers mention getting personalized advice about their own backyard ponds — everything from plant placement to water quality management. One customer noted getting a Facebook response at 1 AM, which speaks to the family's genuine dedication to their customers. The shop stocks pond accessories, chemicals, and garden supplies alongside the living inventory, making it a practical one-stop for northside pond owners.
Several loyal customers return annually, some just to support the small business and enjoy conversation around the beautiful display ponds, which visitors describe as relaxing and worth the trip on their own. The tradeoffs are real: parking is limited, you may wait during busy Saturdays, and the selection won't rival a big-box retailer. But for pond-focused fish and plants in the Carmel area, the combination of knowledgeable personal service, quality livestock, and fair prices keeps customers coming back season after season.
If you're building or maintaining a backyard pond in central Indiana, this is where the local pond community shops.
Beth Stauffer
6 reviews
I dont recommend goldfish gardens (chuck) to install a pond. I text him October 5, 2024 about algae in my pond. This pond was installed July a 2024. He was supposed to tell me how to shut this pond down and walk me through the process of shutting it down and open it back up that never happened was supposed to make a net for my Pond that never happened. Finally text me back October 8. I’ll call you later. I’m driving was his response. he then text me back on October 12 and said we’re starting to net Pond’s this upcoming week. I’ve scheduled yours for Tuesday afternoon that never happened. I text him again on October 16 and asked if he was gonna show me how to shut this pond down he text me on October 17 I will text you two days in advance that never happened. I text him January 19 said my aerator wasn’t working he text me back January 21 and said I don’t have that model. I have to order replacement that never happened. I texted April 12 telling him my waterfall was leaking and no water coming out of the waterfall and as of April 27, still haven’t heard from him, oh, and not to mention, I was supposed to get some free plants that never happened. took my waterfall filter, apart the pipe leading out has bursted. and there was so much algae in my pond had to drain it, and there was 2 inches of muck in the bottom of it. Mind you this pond is only nine months old. and also he didn’t bring enough rock so I had some delivered never even finished installing that. I normally don’t write bad reviews, but for the money I paid to have this Pond, built. I am not a very happy customer. And he didn’t give me all the parts to the water fall, no skimmer either. I could go on for days…… very very unhappy customer
Joey Maris
12 reviews
Got exactly what I was looking for, super friendly at a great price!
Jessica Zoder
20 reviews
The owner and his daughter are amazing. Really nice people respond to you at 1am on Facebook. We go every year even if just to support this small business
Janna Moore
105 reviews
Great fish selection. Knowledgeable owner. Friendly and helpful.
Don M
80 reviews
Great pond plants and fish. They have accessories and chemicals as well. Been going here for 3 years. Only drawback is they're only open on Saturday.
Stanley J Harper
45 reviews
Great place, friendly people who are very willing to help new Koi owners like myself!
Scotty Alexander
203 reviews
Even thought it was poring rain, I still got excellent help.
Sandra J
89 reviews
Most excellent! The owners are super helpful and EXTREMELY knowledgeable! Great selection of fish & water plants. 🪷🐠🪷
Alan Skillern
37 reviews
A good place for pond plants in Carmel. Parking is limited and you may have to wait but the staff is knowledgeable and the plants fairly priced.
Joshua Leach
251 reviews
Great shop. Good selection of aquatic plants. Owner is full of great practical knowledge.
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (317) 997-3474 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Goldfish Gardens.
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750 N Rangeline Rd, Carmel, IN 46032
February 7, 2026
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