Brenda Bartz, speech recognition medical transcription editor at ThedaCare Physicians-Shawano, uses her gardening gift to build her own little paradise at her home in Shawano. In her backyard, Bartz cares for beautiful gardens and two ponds full of stunningly colorful koi. She currently has 19 koi, some of which were rescued and rehomed.
Bartz was first introduced to koi fish when she was in the Army stationed in Hawaii and, after seeing koi in many of the gardens in Hawaii, she decided she wanted to have koi of her own one day. Bartz built her first small pond in 1995 and found caring for koi was not easy. “I found it frustrating as businesses sold pond supplies and koi, but could not tell you how to care for them,” she said. “I started researching information on my own and my experience has grown over the years.”
Bartz loves to share her knowledge of koi and gardening, so after most of the koi and pond building businesses in the area closed due to the economy, she decided to host an Annual Koi Experience the last Saturday in July. The Koi Experience helps others who may have questions or problems with their ponds, koi, or gardening. It’s also fun and a great way to introduce gardening to children.
“Kids especially love it,” Bartz said. “They can run and explore the paths and feed the fish, which is so much healthier than sitting at a computer screen or video game.”
Bartz also shares her gardening expertise by bringing flowers to brighten up the Shawano Medical Center Cafeteria and through her work at TCP-Shawano. “With our new hospital being built, I try to forward information on gardens and green environments and their health benefits, including quicker healing, lower blood pressures, better moods, etc,” she said. Bartz volunteers in the Courtyard Garden at TCP-Shawano with administrative assistant Renee Elertson to help create a positive and relaxing garden for patients, visitors and employees to enjoy.
“Gardening is one of many gifts with which I have been blessed, and I love to share it with others. It is good for your physical health, your mental health, and the earth.” – Brenda Bartz
