Woodland Oasis

This stunning woodland property feels bucolic and dreamy with this custom-designed waterfall pond. Note the natural-looking plantings that give this an organic quality, as if it is naturally-occurring.

Simple Build, Natural Look

This small pond and waterfall feature was built using pavers, natural stone and pondliner. The plantings look like they’ve been there for years, and include a mix of perennial ground covers tucked in among the stones, and specimen plants.

Lush Koi Pond

With a small curving bridge and statuary, this water feature in a quiet setting has the feeling of a Japanese ornamental garden in its tasteful array of design elements. The waterfall is subtle here, with a small rambling brook kind of feeling, feeding into the gorgeous custom koi pond surrounded by lush woodland greenery.

Pondless Waterfall

The “pondless” waterfall feature is becoming more popular. It simply refers to a re-circulating waterfall or stream feature that does not include a pond. These systems are relatively easy to install and include a pump that keeps the water moving, unlike ponds which can sometimes grow algae. This design rehabbed a pond with small waterfall to a pondless water feature.

Reflecting Seasonal Color

This angular pond with grey stone edge and small waterfall is visually balanced by the soft organic shapes and brilliant seasonal colors of the Japanese maple trees surrounding it, allowing reflections of the bright reds and yellows in the water.

Sculptural Setting

This beautiful pond design includes a stone wall backdrop made with pavers, and stairs on either side inset into the landscape. There’s a small waterfall, statuary and attractive plantings including colorful perennials like bright purple Siberian irises, spireas, peonies and heucheras.

Brimming with Pond-Friendly Plants

This pond is full of juicy green plants including lilies and lettuces. Check with your local nursery to find out about pond-friendly plants, which may also include water poppies, Siberian iris, cat tails, water mint and water hyacinths. Aquatic plants are necessary for the health of a pond’s ecosystem, depriving algae of its food source and helping keep pond water clean.

Waterfall by Night

If you enjoy spending time in your yard after dark, why not add some lighting to your waterfall? The combination of lighting and moving water is unbeatable for creating a soothing yet thrilling atmosphere.

Rehabbing a Concrete Pond

This project in the UK refurbished and rehabbed an old concrete pond into a charming koi pond with a waterfall feature. The cast iron pump for circulating the pond water was removed and reinstalled, and the waterfall structure with natural looking boulders was added.

Mossy Rock Waterfall

Many of us who liked exploring creeks as children learned that mossy rocks were slippery. Moss forms over time in suitable conditions (like moisture and shade) and creates a charming rustic landscape feature; this waterfall trickles gently over the lush green growth.

Koi Pond Vista

The simple ground level layout of this koi pond with small waterfall allows for maximum visibility of other parts of the yard. The planting of pink painted daisies creates a dramatic focal point in the foreground

Japanese Style

This koi pond in Portland, Oregon features a simple and stunning Japanese style design. The moss-covered rocks and stone statuary are decorative and organic. The plantings of boxwood, ferns and creeping ground covers near the waterfall emphasize the natural forest surroundings.

Working with the Landscape

This waterfall feature utilizes a stunning landscape setting with large boulders and native plantings, making the most of an already gorgeous location and enhancing the view.

Evergreens for Structure

This pond and waterfall setting has lush evergreens, natural stones in a variety of shapes and some interesting and unique statuary for a personal touch. The mature trees give a sense of structure and longevity to the design.

Shady Seating Area

A waterfall offers a relaxing and cooling focal point to this shady abode, while plants like the elephant ears provide a tropical feel. Note the open patio space that allows for different furniture arrangements, like pond-side dining or just a quite seat for reading.

Simple Design Elements

This well-constructed pond and waterfall needs very little ornamentation to create a classic and simple yet beautiful vista. A wraparound pathway lined with tropical plantings in sight of a metal dining set make for a charming setting to relax on a hot summer day.

Tiered Basins

This waterfall feature makes great use of a small space for maximum effect. The light color of the stones and concrete give the illusion of a larger space, and succulent plantings stay green all season in this sunny spot.

Tropical Color and Texture

This koi pond has a pleasing border of colorful tropical plantings, with a mix of shapes and textures. The large fern leaves surrounding the waterfall create a sort of hidden oasis look. Since many tropical plants do well in high humidity, planting them near a pond helps keep them healthy and happy.

Defining a Large Space

With a large backyard, choosing structures and larger designs can help make the most of space. The gazebo provides a comfortable seating area, while this sprawling water feature with gradated waterfall and beautiful plantings form a stunning centerpiece for a yard that beckons guests to walk and take in all there is to see.

Annuals for Color and Flexibility

Planting annuals around your waterfall feature is a great way to give it a fresh and different look every season. The long-blooming annuals provide a long season of color, also, and are suitable for shady gardens. The elephant ears can be dug up and preserved over the winter to replant in spring if they’re not hardy in your growing zone.

Golden Light

Though many choose brightly colored lights for their water features, this pondless waterfall features a very natural looking golden light. Shown here at dusk, it almost looks like there is fire beneath the water.

Dramatic Drop

Multiple Waterfalls

Shady Pond

One almost expects to see a satyr peeking from behind these lush ferns surrounding this small but dramatic pond with waterfall. The water plants and creeping ground covers on the edges give this pond the feel of an oasis tucked into the woodland landscape, a bucolic design making good use of the shady conditions.

Mix of Shapes and Textures