Water gardens became popular in China during the Tang Dynasty and goldfish were domesticated more than 1000 years ago. Beyond being beautiful and tranquil, water gardens have the potential for much learning in an educational setting, especially for learning through art. In this article, the author shares how he collaborated with another teacher in the Lamphere School District in Madison Heights, Michigan to engage students in transforming a weedy courtyard into a goldfish pond/sculpture garden. With a $250 grant and a few sponsors, they were able to develop their new environment: earth, wind, sky, and water. Students drew in sketchbooks they made, and designed clay titles that were incorporated into a small outdoor mural near the pond. They decided to share the beauty and enjoyment of the space with the school by having a pond party at the end of the school year. In year two, the pond area has continued to develop. They have taught art lessons there about artists who used nature for inspiration. (Contains 1 online resource.)