Austin Pond Society

North - Saturday Ponds

North 1 - Eric & Jackie

Jackie has always loved ponds, and finally in 2014, she and Eric asked Hill Country Water Gardens to build their dream koi and goldfish pond. The pond’s dimensions are 12 feet by 20 feet, and its volume is 2500 gallons. It utilizes a Savio filter and has a 6000 GPH pump, a bog and an eight-foot long stream. The pond is nestled among xeriscape plantings, but the landscape also includes plumbago, canna lilies, artemisia, and a uniquely beautiful smoke tree. The property backs up to a local hidden gem, Balcones District Park, but raccoons are kept at bay by an electric fence.

North 2 - Laura & David

Built in 2012, this self-designed DIY pond was inspired by visits to the Austin Pond Society’s Pond Tours, Central Texas Gardener, and years of dreaming and research. Created on a rugged hillside garden with no formal master plan, the pond was dug almost entirely by hand around existing landscaping, a septic drain field, and stubborn metamorphic rock. The finished design features three descending pools with waterfalls, a recirculating stream, and a thriving ecosystem that includes koi, frogs, toads, minnows, and native wildlife. Located at the back of the property, the pond blends naturally into the garden’s slopes and contours, creating a secluded retreat. Over the years, the project has evolved through hands-on problem solving, including rebuilding part of the waterfall after tracking down a difficult leak. The pond reflects the owner’s artistic, learn-by-doing approach and has become a special place for enjoying nature and the property’s unique landscape.

North 3 - Carlos & Kate

Take time to pause and relax in this enchanting park-like setting and enjoy the calming sounds of the babbling stream.
This delightful 18 x 20 foot heated pond with ten-foot stream and 4,500 gallons of water was rebuilt by Focal Point Features in 2023. Koi, goldfish and Gambusia fish stay warm all year long and happily swim among the pond lilies, encircled by fig ivy, irises, Creeping Jenny, and Black Taro plants.
This site features a lush green landscape, an array of blooming flowers and enchanting garden art! Can you find the “sleeping lady?” Ask Carlos about the amazing heron fence that really works!

North 4 - Carol & Robert

This pond was taken apart stone by stone and rebuilt by Jorge Villanueva, a multi-talented Austin Pond Society member and amazing artist!
This inviting 12 foot circular pond holds 2,500 gallons of water, is three feet deep and has a 20 foot stream. There are beautiful views from either of the two decks overlooking the large back garden filled with native grasses and fun yard art!

North 5 - Joey

Walking into this yard is like entering a Japanese garden. Why? Because Joey is a member of the Austin Bonsai Society - and he has done this garden up right. You'll be greeted by a peaceful, elevated koi pond and a garden full of bonsai-style manicured trees and plants. Water trickles down a weeping wall into a streamlet that flows into the pond. And you won’t believe what he's used for a filter: a 35-gallon plastic barrel filled with lava rock, filter mats — and old pillows! Now that's ingenuity. Koi don't get along well with plants, so Joey has the answer. He built pedestals in the pond to hold bonsai plants above the reach of the fish. There is a lot packed into a small space in this garden.
Plan on spending a little extra time to explore all the plant varieties Joey has made into bonsai creations. You're sure to find some surprises!

North 6 - Brad & Elizabeth

This beautiful backyard water feature, built in 2025, by Stonebridge Pond & Waterfall Company, is a lush, naturalistic pond and cascading stream designed to feel like a small, living ecosystem.
At the heart of the design is a gently flowing stream that winds downhill over large, flat limestone slabs. The water moves in a series of short cascades and shallow pools, creating a soft, continuous sound as it trickles from one level to the next.
A standout focal point is the ceramic bubbling urn positioned near the front. Water wells up from the top of the urn and spills over its sides, feeding directly into the stream below. Its earthy tones complement the surrounding stone and add a sculptural element to the feature.
The planting is dense and thoughtfully layered, giving the space a mature, almost wild appearance.
This design feels like a natural spring-fed creek tucked into a garden, offering movement, sound, and habitat.

North 7 - Scott & Lori

Bring the kids to this one – big and small, dwarfs and elves alike will enjoy this new pond built by GoProPonds. Check out the magical hobbit house in the miniature shire which is reminiscent of the English countryside.

Scott is a huge “Lord Of the Rings” fan and helped build and design this pond complete with lights and fog machines. The 2000 gallon pond is about 7 feet by 12 feet long, and goldfish swim and play happily among the lilies and pond vegetation. There is also a seven foot long stream and an intake bay filtration system.

North 8 - Steve & Patti

This peaceful backyard oasis effortlessly blends rugged natural beauty with serene design. Water flows over a multi-tiered rock waterfall and drops into a crystal-clear koi pond, creating a soothing soundscape for the outdoor living space. Built by Scott Martin of Go-Pro Ponds, the dimensions are 13 x 16 feet. The pond is four feet deep, and the volume is 3,000 gallons. The filtration is a pool-type skimmer. The gorgeous boulder-wrapped stream measures 11 feet in length.
Steve decided he needed to build a pond when he visited his neighbor’s pond, also built by Go-Pro Ponds; he loved the tranquil sound of the waterfall and the beauty of the koi pond.

North 9 - Gwenn & Glenn

This hill country pond won Pond Trade Magazine's Most Naturalistic pond in 2025. It was designed and constructed by Eric Arntson of the Stonebridge Pond and Waterfall Company. The home sits on a one-acre lot, and the owners were very involved in the design of the xeriscaped gardens and the pond area. Built on a hill and backed up to a ranch with endless views, the pond utilizes 24 tons of limestone boulders to support it. The pond is 4 1/2 feet deep and contains 4000 gallons of crystal-clear water. It has a 15-foot stream with a natural stone bridge. The landscaping around the pond is lush and attracts butterflies and birds. Many stone statues throughout add a bit of whimsy to the natural landscaping. The property has been designated a National Wildlife Federation habitat.

☽ Night Pond - Dan & Melissa

Built in 2025, this swim pond is the first pond its builder, Dan Johanson owner of Focal Point Features, created for himself. It was inspired by natural swimming holes and the desire for a place of restoration.
At the center is a 27’ x 24’, 15,000-gallon swim pond built with large Oklahoma river boulders, a vertical stamped concrete wall, staircase entry, and a multi-tier waterfall complete with fog effects and a jump rock. Nestled beside the falls is an immersive hobbit house overlooking the pond, where low-voltage lighting and outdoor surround sound transform the space into a calming nighttime retreat.
The pond is filtered naturally through a wetland and BioFalls system powered by dual 1HP pumps, creating crystal-clear water where people, dogs and koi swim together beneath waterfalls. Water lilies, iris, mint, taro, umbrella palms, banana trees, cannas, sunflowers, grape vines, vegetable gardens, and a winding mini hiking trail blur the line between landscape and living ecosystem.
Relax by the firepit, listen to the waterfalls, and experience a pond builder’s version of a pool — natural, immersive, and designed for year-round wellness, wonder, and connection.
Visitor Notes: Limited parking is available in the cul-de-sac. Please park on Villa Park and walk to the property. Terrain is mostly flat and accessible, though some natural pathways may be difficult for wheelchairs.

South 1 - John & Jane

You will be in for a very special treat as you visit this Hill Country property with an impressive water feature designed and built by Stonebridge Pond and Waterfall Company. This is a multi-tiered cascading stream that gently steps downhill over broad limestone shelves, creating a series of shallow pools and miniature waterfalls, leading to a 4’ koi pond with crystal clear water, and culminating in a large unground water storage system by way of a negative edge.

The flowing water introduces movement and sound without overpowering the calm character of the space and mimics a natural creek bed.

Naturalistic planting with native grasses, agaves, and drought-tolerant perennials soften the hardscape. Mature live oaks and cedar frame the feature, and the design encourages exploration, with stepping stones and layered ledges creating changing perspectives as you move through the landscape.

Be sure to notice the owner's water collection system.

South 2 - Terry

Terri was inspired by the ponds and gardens that she saw on past tours and decided that she needed a view with a pond and a waterfall! With a little help from her two friends in landscaping businesses, they started digging the 25 x 30 foot , 7500 gallon pond. The pond is located in full sun, and the surface is covered with water lilies and surrounded by iris and other water plants. There are goldfish, koi and delightful rosy red minnows.

This attractive garden is surrounded by native oaks, and the pond is centered between two large pecan trees. There are also Mexican plum, agave, and yucca, as well as a variety of native perennials.

South 3 - Greg & Melody

This is a beautifully integrated pondless water feature designed & built in 2025 by Stonebridge Pond & Waterfall Company.
At the center, a large, established oak tree anchors the space, with the water feature built around it in a gently curving, raised bed constructed from light-colored limestone blocks. The feature uses layered natural stone to create a cascading stream effect, where water flows over flat rock shelves and disappears into a hidden underground basin rather than collecting in an exposed pond. The stream is shallow and organic in shape, with multiple small drops that create movement and sound without needing a deep pool.
Surrounding the feature are fresh herbs, and accent plants—softening the stone edges and giving it a landscaped, garden-like feel. 

South 4 - Leona Botanical Cafe & Bar

Stop by and take a break for a bite to eat, coffee or a refreshing drink along your tour route on Sunday or visit on Saturday. There are three distinct restaurants from which to choose: Leona Cafe & Bar, Veracruz and Dee Dee All Natural!! Meander through the botanical gardens, and enjoy these unique new restaurants, bar and cafe. Check out the gorgeous ponds, waterfalls and streams built by Matt Boring’s Texas Ponds and Water Features. This new venue aims to provide an immersive dining experience while honoring the environment.

South 5 - John & Courtney

Built in 2025 by Rapid Water Gardens, this stunning swim pond has a gravel beach area and is surrounded by enormous boulders. The pond is 30 feet wide, 60 feet in length, and 6 feet deep. The volume is 60,000 gallons, and it features a 25 foot stream which contains the bog and wetland filter. There are multiple waterfalls and a 10,000 gallon rainwater capture system; all of this is set in a gorgeous riparian zone. There are beautiful roses, grapevines, blackberries, and fruit trees galore. The huge garden is home to pet hens and friendly emus and is brand new to the tour. You really don’t want to miss this one!

South 6 - Jennifer

Jennifer inherited not only her home, but also her father’s love of ponds and gardening! He built the original 10 foot by 12 foot, 1200 gallon goldfish pond, and it was rebuilt by Stonebridge Pond and Waterfall Company in 2025.
If you like Texas natives, you’ll love this biodiverse Eco Eden, containing many native plants and flowers: pecan, fig, Anacacho Orchid Tree, Wafer Ash, Buckeye trees and flowers. Don’t forget to explore the bird aviary, chicken coup and look for the vintage garden art.

South 7 - Lisa & Mark

***Parking:  Please park on the street or at WLHS parking lot.

Certified Wildlife Habitat
Lisa loves water, so she and Mark started with a small pond before adding their second pond and waterfall. The newer 20 by 20 foot pond was built by Hill Country Water Gardens in 2009 and is about 3500 gallons. It has a bog, plus net filter, and is surrounded by water lilies, large fern, taro, and Indian Shot Canna lilies!
Nestled within the dappled shade of the well-established mature landscape, are lovely garden fountains, Mexican Plum and Red Maple trees. Large koi and turtles are at home in the peaceful zen-like serenity of this beautiful wildlife habitat!

South 8 - Dan & Paula

Wheelchair Accessible

***Parking: Please do not park on anyone's grass.

Flagstone and granite borders filled with native plants, cactus and agave welcome you to this impressive site. As you enter the back garden, there's a low waterfall and stream to the right. The stream is so natural you would never know that it disguises the bog filter system. The pathway takes you to a complex waterfall that drops into the 17,000-gallon liner pond. It is over six feet deep, crystal clear and surrounded by native plants, salvia and irises. Spectacular.