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A brass heron looks over a water garden that includes two waterfalls, fish, aquatic plants and a meandering stream with a stepping stone path. The ecosystem pond is among 20 open to the public as a part of this Saturday's "Parade of Ponds."

Call it an extension of the home, a retreat from the hectic world or simply a desire to keep motion, sound and natural beauty a fixture in the backyard.

Tranquil water gardens are becoming the rage for many New Jersey homeowners, and for a wide range of reasons.

"It's all about the fish," said Pat Tistan, a member of the Mid-Atlantic Koi Club, referring to the Japanese koi in her 8,000-gallon pond and water gardens. Tistan's pond and garden in Matawan are an example of what can happen when you combine imagination, a bit of courage and a green thumb. Add the kaleidoscope of color and movement and over 30 vibrant koi and you have a feast for the eyes and the soul.

(Photo: Alan Leckner)

On Saturday, Tistan's suburban oasis and 17 other private water gardens will be open to the public as part of the National Water Garden Association's "Parade of Ponds."

The Central Jersey version (the first and only one to be held in New Jersey) is being sponsored by GROUNDS KEEPER Inc. , an Old Bridge-based design and landscape firm, and will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Nashville, Tenn. The hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with catastrophic diseases such as cancer, AIDS, and sickle cell anemia.

Saturday's tour includes stops at five Old Bridge homes, three Matawan homes, and at least one stop each in Aberdeen, Manalapan, Holmdel, Middletown, Colts Neck, Red Bank, Wall, Sea Girt, Edison, Metuchen, Cranford, Morristown and Bridgewater.

Those interested can take a self-guided tour by picking up a packet, map and directions beginning at 11 a.m. at GROUNDS KEEPER 2545 Route 516 in Old Bridge's Bilow Shopping Center. There, visitors can also make donations to the children's research hospital.

There will be one bus tour provided on a first-come, first-served basis for early arrivals at Groundskeeper.

The tour is rain or shine.

"Hopefully it won't rain, but even if it does, they'll still look nice," said Deborah Friedman, spokeswoman for the event.

Friedman noted that gardening is one of the most popular hobbies in the United States, and those who take it to the next level are happy to show the public.

"They're very proud of it, and they want to share," she said.

Among those hosting will be Christen and Bob Guido, owners of River's Edge Cafe in Red Bank. Though they had a lovely pool at their West Long Branch residence, Christen and Bob rarely spent much time in their backyard. They always wanted to grow herbs and lettuce for their cafe.

So, last summer they bit the bullet, filled in the pool and had a water garden showcasing a bubbling millstone built with an eye-catching landscape ablaze with blooms, stands of bamboo for privacy and raised vegetable beds. Christin said that since her knees are not as good as they used to be; the raised beds allow her to garden until her heart's content. She and Bob now grow all the lettuce, herbs, cucumbers, tomatoes, and zucchinis for the restaurant and rate their outdoor room "their favorite."

For more information about Saturday's event, call (732) 679-8600.