Ever wonder where decorative water gardens and their giant goldfish come from? You don’t have to go far to find out – just a few miles north of Ellijay at David Cochran’s Whitepath Water Gardens.In business since 1997, Whitepath offers a range of services, including breeding and sales of several varieties of fish, pond plants, and landscape plants. The company also sells water garden hardware and provides fish and water quality management services for lake owners.

So, where do giant goldfish come from? David was happy to take me on a tour of his facility and show me first hand. Whitepath raises 16 varieties of Koi in giant plastic drums enclosed in greenhouse type buildings. Separated by age, the tanks contain thousands of the brightly colored fish – from tiny hatchlings to 18-inch adults. David feeds his fish just like you would a goldfish, with handfuls of pellets tossed into the tanks.

Next on the tour were the catfish and bream quarters. The company currently stocks and manages 18 lakes, providing expert fish fertilization and water testing services.

In addition to fish, Whitepath also raises and sells aquatic plants. Varieties include water lilies, lotus, and arrowhead. A great addition to any water garden, the plants are attractive and provide a more natural environment for Koi.

As David showed me around, it became clear that he is not just an expert in the water gardens and fish breeding business. The man also loves his fish and what he does for a living. Come by Whitepath Water Gardens on Highway 515, four miles north of Ellijay, and he and his staff would be happy to share his passion for water gardening with you.