Creating a beautiful pond is about so much more than digging a hole and filling it with water. You can really turn your water feature into something special by mixing in the right elements – things that boost both its looks and how it works!
Here is a list of some of the things we think would work great in almost any kind of pond; from large sized koi ponds to smaller wildlife water gardens.
1) Fountains
Fountains add life and pleasant sound to your pond while keeping the water moving and oxygenated. You can go with a simple bubbler for subtle ripples or a tiered design if you’re after a bit more drama.
Solar-powered fountains are a nice eco-friendly touch – no wiring headaches, just set them up and let the sun do its thing. They’re especially handy for smaller ponds and work best on bright days.
When setting up your fountain, try to avoid the edges so you don’t lose water to splashing. And check the spray pattern so it suits your pond’s size – circulation is key, but you don’t want a soggy lawn.
2) Waterfalls
Waterfalls turn a quiet pond into something dynamic. The sound of water over rocks is hard to beat, and it adds a layer of relaxation to your garden.
You can build waterfalls using natural stone or manufactured materials. Stack rocks to create different levels, letting the water tumble from one to the next.
Pumps recirculate the water, sending it up to the top again and again. This not only keeps things lively but helps oxygenate your pond, too.
3) Fish shelters
Fish shelters give your pond fish a fighting chance against predators like herons and neighborhood cats. They also offer hiding spots when the weather turns rough.
You can build shelters with rocks, logs, or even just dense clusters of aquatic plants. Big boulders away from the edge work well for deeper shelter.
Plants like floating lilies provide shade and cover, which helps fish feel secure from birds overhead.
If you’re into DIY, wood, mesh, or PVC pipes can be shaped into custom hiding places that fit your pond’s vibe and the fish you keep.
4) Underwater pond lights
Underwater lights really change the game at night. Suddenly, you can watch fish glide by and spot creatures you’d never see during the day.
Pairing these lights with waterfalls or fountains? That’s when things get magical – light bouncing through moving water is always a crowd-pleaser.
LED underwater lights are the way to go for efficiency and longevity. Most will run for ages, so you won’t be swapping bulbs every season.
Good lighting around paths and pond edges also makes evening strolls safer, which is one less thing to worry about.
5) Pond statues
Pond statues inject a bit of personality and artistic flair into your water feature. Place them in the pond or along the edge – either way, they catch the eye.
Stone sculptures look especially natural, and plenty of folks choose animals, mythological creatures, or classic figures for that timeless feel.
Small island statues in the middle of a larger pond can be surprisingly charming. Even a quirky birdbath or a unique stone piece can make the whole thing feel more intentional.
Just make sure your statues are built to last – weather-resistant materials will keep them looking good year after year.
6) Stone bridge
A stone bridge adds a touch of elegance and blends in beautifully with a pond setting. Flat stone slabs are simple and functional, but you can get creative with more textured rocks for a rugged look.
Stone bridges are great for spanning shallow ponds or even dry creek beds. They help prevent soil erosion and define walkways around your water feature.
Thick, flat slabs are safest. If you want to dress things up, surround your bridge with flowers or grasses for a softer, more natural edge.
7) Wooden pond bridge
A wooden bridge gives your pond a charming focal point and lets you stroll right over the water for close-up views of fish and plants.
Building one isn’t too tough if you have basic carpentry skills. Use weather-resistant wood like cedar or pressure-treated lumber for best results.
Place your bridge where it makes sense for access and looks good from different angles. It should feel like part of your garden, not just an afterthought.
8) Natural stone ledges
Natural stone ledges double as seating and give your pond’s edge some structure. Stack flat stones at different heights to create steps or platforms that blend right in.
Ledges at about a foot deep help keep raccoons and other critters from bothering your fish. Overhanging rocks make neat shelves for plants or small decorations.
Mixing up stone sizes and textures keeps things from looking too staged. Plus, stone is tough and pretty much takes care of itself.
9) Flat stepping stones
Flat stepping stones let you cross your pond in style. Lay them out just right, and you get a magical pathway over the water.
Go for natural stone pavers at least 2 inches thick for safety. Each stone should sit just above the water to keep your feet dry and avoid slips.
The way water reflects around the stones adds a nice touch. Spacing them about 18-24 inches apart usually feels comfortable for most people.
10) Gravel pathways
Gravel paths are a simple way to create walkways around your pond while keeping things looking natural. You can pick from pea gravel, crushed stone, or decorative pebbles to match your style.
They’re easy to install and a breeze to maintain. Gravel drains well, so you won’t end up with muddy patches after a rain.
Paths like these give you easy access to different views and help define the pond area. Plus, they blend right in with plants and rocks nearby.
11) Pond netting
Pond netting is a lifesaver for keeping out leaves and debris, especially in the fall. Just stretch it over your pond and secure it with rocks or stakes.
The mesh also keeps hungry birds like herons from snatching your fish. Most folks just use netting during the heavy leaf-drop seasons.
Keep the netting at least a couple of feet above the water so fish don’t get tangled and local wildlife stays safe.
You’ll need to clear off leaves and debris now and then – usually a quick job with a rake or leaf blower.
12) Submerged logs
Submerged logs add habitat for fish and visiting wildlife. Toss in a few branches or logs so they’re partly underwater, and you’ve got instant shelter and basking spots.
Fish appreciate logs for hiding and feeding, and the wood attracts insects while supporting beneficial bacteria growth.
Weigh your logs down so they don’t float away – drill holes and attach rocks if needed. Half-in, half-out placement is best, giving turtles and frogs a place to sun themselves while fish hide underneath.
13) Water spitter statues
Water spitter statues add fun movement and a bit of whimsy to your pond. These sculptures pump water through their mouths or other features, sending gentle streams back into the pond.
There are all sorts – classic fish, frogs, or even quirky characters. Bronze is timeless, but resin versions are more budget-friendly and still last a long while.
Besides looking good, spitters help aerate the water, which is a bonus when summer heat kicks in.
Most come as kits with everything you need to get started.
14) Goldfish
Goldfish are a classic choice for outdoor ponds. They’re colorful, peaceful, and pretty tough, so they’ll thrive in most backyard setups.
Watching goldfish swim is oddly relaxing, and they adapt well to different pond shapes and climates. They’re versatile and can fit into just about any landscape you have in mind.
15) Koi fish
Koi take your pond up a notch, turning it into a living work of art. These Japanese fish are famous for their stunning patterns and colors – blues, silvers, oranges, reds, and more.
Each koi has its own unique look, and watching them glide through the water is honestly pretty mesmerizing.
There’s something about koi that just makes a pond feel peaceful and complete.
16) Snails
Pond snails are nature’s little clean-up crew. They munch on algae and decaying plants, helping keep your water clear without much fuss.
Most pond snails stick to eating algae, so your healthy plants should be safe. If they run out of food, tossing in a few blanched lettuce leaves works as a treat.
As a rule of thumb, about 10 snails per 50 square feet of pond is a good start – bigger ponds will need more if you want to see a real difference in algae control.
17) Turtles
Turtles bring a whole new vibe to backyard ponds. You might attract wild turtles or add a few domesticated ones if your setup allows.
Rock piles with little crevices around the pond make perfect basking spots – turtles love to climb out and soak up the sun.
Native plants along the edges offer cover and a snack or two. Many turtles enjoy nibbling on aquatic plants and the bugs they attract.
If you’re mixing fish and turtles, stick to fish under four inches long. Bigger fish can hassle young turtles or compete for food.
18) Marsh marigold
Marsh marigold splashes the pond’s edge with bright yellow blooms in spring. It’s a member of the buttercup family and is right at home in soggy, wild places.
You can tuck marsh marigolds into pond margins up to about 15 cm (6 in) deep, or let them sprawl along boggy borders. They like full sun but will put up with a bit of shade, and they’re handy for filtering water and keeping the soil where it belongs.
They spread out pretty quickly – great if you want to fill in bare spots. For a small pond, three to five plants do the trick; if you’ve got a big area, you might go with eight or more.
Heads up: marsh marigold is toxic to cats and dogs. If you’ve got curious pets, a sturdy fence is a good idea. You still get to enjoy those golden flowers, just with a little peace of mind.
19) Pickerelweed
Pickerelweed is a real show-off in summer, sending up purple-blue flower spikes above the water. It’s a native aquatic, topping out around three feet, and it likes its feet wet but not too deep.
Stick it in water about 4 to 6 inches deep, or keep it potted at the pond’s edge. Either way, pickerelweed adds a nice touch.
The heart-shaped leaves add texture, and pollinators seem to love those blooms. It spreads by rhizomes but doesn’t usually get out of hand.
This low-maintenance plant is hardy in zones 3-10. Try it next to water lilies – you’ll get a nice contrast in height and color.
20) Water hyacinth
Water hyacinth is one of those pond plants that floats around with thick, glossy leaves and surprisingly pretty lavender or pink flowers. Under the right conditions, they can shoot up over 36 inches above the water – impressive, honestly!
They’re great for boosting oxygen in your pond, plus they give fish some much-needed cover from predators. Just make sure they get plenty of sun and warmth.
Here’s the catch: water hyacinth grows fast – like, really fast. In perfect conditions, they can double every couple of weeks. You’ll want to keep an eye on them and thin them out before they take over.
21) Hostas
Hostas bring lush, leafy borders to shady spots around your pond. Their broad leaves – ranging from deep green to blue and creamy white – add a lot of visual interest without much fuss.
These shade-loving plants are perfect for those tricky areas where other things just won’t grow. Nestle them along the pond’s edge to blur harsh lines and make everything look a bit more natural.
They look great with ferns or water-loving irises. The big leaves really pop next to smaller pond plants and help frame the water in a way that just works.
22) Yellow flag iris
Yellow flag iris is a classic for pond margins, with tall, sword-like leaves and bold yellow flowers in late spring. These perennials can hit 2-5 feet tall, so they stand out.
Stick them in shallow water (about 6 inches deep) or let them root in boggy soil right at the edge. They’re flexible, working in anything from small container ponds to sprawling natural features.
If you don’t want them spreading too much, plant them in containers. Even when they’re not blooming, the upright green leaves add a nice vertical accent.
23) Ornamental grasses
Ornamental grasses add movement and texture to your pond area, and honestly, they’re pretty easygoing. You’ve got lots of options for height, color, and texture, so it’s easy to find something that fits your vibe.
They do well in most soils around pond edges – even in spots that aren’t exactly prime real estate. Some species are tough enough for challenging areas near water features.
Don’t forget to give them enough space. Most perennial varieties need a foot or two between plants, depending on how big they get.
24) Lotus plants
Lotus plants are the drama queens of the pond world – big, bold blooms and those unmistakable leaves. You can pick from white, pink, red, yellow, lavender, and even blue varieties, with flowers showing up all summer.
They need a good 2-3 feet of water to be happy, and a roomy container (at least 2 feet wide) so they can really stretch out.
Lotus plants are tougher than they look, surviving down to zone 5. When planting new tubers, make sure the water’s at least 70°F or they’ll sulk.
25) Water lilies
Water lilies add a kind of effortless charm to any pond – those colorful blooms and floating leaves just feel right. Besides looking great, they throw a bit of shade for your fish and help filter the pond water at the same time.
You’ll want a wide pot, something like 12-20 inches across and 8-10 inches deep. Hardy types are usually the way to go – they tend to come back year after year, even if your winters get rough.
Ideally, the pond should be at least 2 feet deep so the water stays stable. Stick them in aquatic soil and toss in a bit of fertilizer if you want to see them really take off.
