2023 Pond Tour Guide (June 24-25)

Stroll through gardens and visit ponds in the Waco area. Whether you want ideas for creating your own water garden or just need a relaxing day, this self-drive tour has something for everyone!  From a small container pond to large in-ground ponds you will see a full array of ideas to inspire and delight!

The pond numbers correspond to the location numbers on the Tour Map page. To download a printable list of the ponds on the tour, click here.

Enjoy your visit

Ron and Rose Haft’s Ponds
408 Cindy Lane, Lorena

Saturday 9 to 5 PM
Saturday 8:30 to 10 PM
Sunday 12 to 5 PM

The Haft’s first pond was built in 2002, a small 600–700 gallon affair.  It was expanded to include a couple of tributary ponds with waterfalls added and then in 2015 added a 7,000 gallon koi pond that is 12’ by 16’ and 5’ deep. In all there are four connected ponds, ranging from the large one down to 100 gallons, plus two little puddles that are at the head of small streams. One pond is a settling tank to collect sediment and waste.  More recent additions include 4, three hundred gallon water lily tanks and a 750 gallon bog filter.  A swimming pool sand filter helps keep the water clear and drives the waterfall above the koi pond.  In 2020 several bog-plant beds were added and bonsai displays incorporated.

Directions: From Waco on I-35 south and take the first Lorena Exit (322). Turn right at the stop sign right on Old Lorena Rd., FM 2837.  Take the first left after railroad tracks onto Williams Dr. and then the second left onto Cindy Lane. Due to road construction, there is a “NO THRU TRAFFIC” barricade at Williams Rd and N Houston St. But you can go thru it to get to our house. DO NOT FOLLOW DETOUR!

Harv and Georgia Peterson’s Ponds
700 Fox Ridge Rd., Lorena

Saturday 9 to 5 PM
Sunday 12 to 5 PM

This backyard oasis has two 6,000 gallon ponds, two streams with waterfalls that flow into the lower pond, and a mega waterfall cascading into the upper pond.  A large 4’ X 24’ X  24” deep bog with two waterfalls and a stream also flow into the upper pond.  The birds, frogs, fish and dragonflies love their aquatic environment as we do.

Directions:  Take FM 2837, Old Lorena Rd., west to Chapel Road and turn left.  Go 1.2 miles and turn left onto Belver Rd., go to the Y intersection and bear left onto Fox Ridge Rd.  Go to the first driveway on the right.

Katherine and Marvin Matthys’ Pond
160 N Powell Dr, Hubbard

Saturday 9 to 5 PM
Sunday 12 to 5 PM

Take a nice drive via Highway 31 to the town of Hubbard, known as the Victorian Crossroads of Central Texas. While coming to see our pond, also drive around town to view the Victorian homes and even enjoy lunch at one of the food trucks located in the Food Truck parking lot. The pond was built in 1999 by my brother with a fountain circulating the water. We enjoy listening to the water flowing in the evening. It holds about 350 gallons of water, filled with goldfish, most of them born in the pond, surrounded by plants around the pond, hanging plants adorn the patio. sculptured frogs, fish and blue glass balls. Adjacent to the backyard is a garden with many tomato and pepper plants. A beautiful flower bed of snapdragons and iris grace the yard with Bradford fruitless pear trees providing an abundance of shade morning and evening. There are peach trees and a lemon tree close by.

Directions:  Take Hwy31 to Hubbard, exit Hwy 171 toward Hubbard, go thru red light to FM 2114, turn left go about 1/4 mile, turn left on the first road, house is on the left with a large brick mailbox.

Bevil Cohn’s Pond
251 Cross Creek Road, McGregor

Saturday 9 to 5 PM
Sunday 12 to 5 PM

Just a 10 minute drive from Richland Mall out Hwy. 84 across from the McGregor Airport you will find Bevil’s pond. It is home to butterflies, red dragonflies, frogs, and fish. Blooming plants in pots bring color to the area. Plumerias from Hawaii bloom among the foliage. Passion vines show off their dramatic purple blooms.

There is a pergola with succulents and a shady patio for tropical plants. A very large staff horn fern amazes guests. Children are delighted by the playhouse and fort in the back yard.

Originally built in 2001 the pond is an irregular oval, approximately 8’ X 10’ and 3’ deep. A tractor was used to dig the hole and old carpet pads the liner. An antique clawfoot tub filled with reeds, elephant ears, and canna lilies provides the bio veggie filter. In 2015 7,000 pounds of rock were added for edging and to create a waterfall. A filtration system of barrels, rocks, and sand was added to improve water quality.

Directions: Take Hwy. 84 west towards McGregor. Across from the McGregor Airport, turn left onto Oak Creek Circle and then curve onto Cross Creek Road. The house is on your left.

Lisa Goodwin’s Pond
7959 Ivy Rd, Moody

Saturday 9 to 5 PM
Saturday 8:30 to 10 PM
Sunday 12 to 5 PM

Take a drive to the country to see this whimsical backyard on six acres with two ponds and a frog bog.  These ponds were self-built by the owner and are 175 and 250 gallons, containing large gold fish, shubunkins, fantails and koi.  The frog bog houses cricket, bull and leopard frogs, a turtle or two and numerous plants.  The yard is home to bluebirds, jays, inca doves, dragonflies, butterflies and hummingbirds.  Landscaping is designed with nature in mind and has been certified by the National Wildlife Federation for providing food, shelter and a place to raise young.

Directions:  Take HWY 317 south towards Belton, 4 miles South of Moody and turn left on Ivy Road. Go over the hill and the home is on the right with a red barn. Watch for yellow pond signage.

John and Susan Peitsmeyer’s Pond
205 Lake Drive, China Spring

Saturday 9 to 5 PM
Saturday 8:30 to 10 PM
Sunday 12 to 5 PM

Come out to the country and enjoy a beautiful above ground water garden oasis.  It is surrounded by a uniquely landscaped yard including fruit trees, vegetables, grape vines and much more.  Bring the kids and experience the joy of true country living.  We have chickens, wild rabbits, deer and a natural bird sanctuary.  We have a 2,400 gallon, 2-tiered pond with a waterfall.  It is a home to many koi, large goldfish and frogs.  Don’t miss the serenity of hundreds of rolling wooded acres with a view of a beautiful lake as our backdrop.

Directions:  Continue on Twisted Oak Lane and turn right onto Baylor Camp Rd., when you come to a T bear left to stay on Baylor Camp Rd., when you come to the stop sign turn right to stay on Baylor Camp Rd., at China Spring Rd., FM1637, turn left and go 4.8 miles and turn left onto Bend of the Bosque.  Turn Left onto Lake Dr.

Mindy Lawrenz’s Pond
5200 Links Dr., Waco

Saturday 9 to 5 PM
Sunday 12 to 5 PM

We wanted a relaxing, zen-ful area to enjoy from the backyard or sunroom, come enjoy it! This is our first pond but we created a natural feel. Approximately 2000 gallon pond with a waterfall and grid system for filtration. The goldfish are happy and enjoy the company of many birds, dragonflies, and frogs. 

Directions:  From China Spring Highway and Flat Rock road. Take Flat Rock Road and turn left on Country Lake. Home is located at 5200 Links Drive, Waco on the corner of Links Drive and Country Lake. 

Ron and Donna Linderman’s Pond
1158 Bend of the Bosque, China Spring

Saturday 9 to 5 PM (Only)

Come out and look at this peaceful pond,
Dazzling colored Koi fish glide with graceful swivels.
With the sound of food, they respond,
Coming closer to the surface to grab a few nibbles.

A few Lilypads dance alongside the Koi,
Scenic waterfalls cascade into the stream.
The bubbling sound of water for all to enjoy,
Take a seat on the bench to relax and dream.

Garden rocks, stones, seashells, and shade form the basis,
A 30 ft Bog naturally filters and cleanses the water supply.
Beautiful rose gardens add to the allure of the oasis.
Catch a glimpse of the whimsical flight of many butterflies.

Directions:  Continue on Twisted Oak Lane and turn right onto Baylor Camp Rd., when you come to a T bear left to stay on Baylor Camp Rd., when you come to the stop sign turn right to stay on Baylor Camp Rd., at China Spring Rd., FM1637, turn left and go 4.8 miles and turn left onto Bend of the Bosque.

John and Jan Enders’s Pond
111 Twisted Oak Lane,  Crawford

Saturday 9 to 5 PM
Sunday 12 to 5 PM

Welcome to a one acre oasis of beautifully landscaped yard with a 550+ gallon pond on the side of a beautiful patio.  A large Bronze Heron spitter sculpture and a waterfall are nestled in the rock patio with a wisteria covered pergola.  There are many interesting and unique features to this yard and pond to make you want to take the drive.

Directions:  Go North on Highway 6, past the Highway 185 intersection where there is a traffic signal light.  Drive on Highway 6 for 1.8 more miles to Baylor Camp Road.  Turn right and go another 0.9 miles to the main entrance of Woodfield subdivision.  Turn right on Twisted Oak Lane and it is the 6th house on the left.

Christian Tucker’s Pond
2211 Sanger Ave, Waco

Saturday 9 to 5 PM
Sunday 12 to 5 PM

The Pretty and Productive Pond was made for hosting egg-laying ducks. When you visit you will see the natural style of pond with sticks covering the filter and rocks I’ve collected from my travels displayed on the bottom and edges or the pond. Originally the ducks were completely muddying up a tiny plastic-lined sink hole at least every other day. So I dug a hole for a 6 foot diameter and two foot deep cow trough and put a 150 gallon Rubbermaid water trough on top that a local rancher was throwing away. I followed the “Skippy’s water filter” guidelines to create a massive filter, but that wasn’t enough to clean up all the duck mess. So then I added a glass waterfall that inside my greenhouse that flows into a stream down to that pond and brought the level up another foot, and tripled the pump size that brings water into the Skippy filter. The pond stays clear and hosts deep dwelling fish. The greenhouse portion hosts a red-eared slider turtle, who eats the ducks’ solids. And the skippy bio filter hosts some native plants and veggies, fed by the excess nutrients in the pond. There’s lots noise from the rock waterfall, pumps and aerators and lights. It’s no longer just for ducks, it’s a central component of our native and veggie and animal gardens and a perfect place to sit and reflect on the goodness of God.

Directions:  2211 Sanger Ave is very close to the intersection of Waco Dr and 18th St. If you are coming from downtown on Waco Dr, turn right on 17th, turn left on Sanger and look for the large white brick house on the right side of the road after 22nd. Walk through the open gate for the driveway on the righthand side of the house. When the driveway ends there are some little black gates between some fences. Come through those to see the pond. Feel free to look around at the veggie gardens, flowers, ducks, chickens, and bunnies. Please park on the street, the driveway is very narrow.

Kathy Dupree’s Pond
1161 LaMotte Dr., Troy

Saturday 9 to 5 PM
Saturday 8:30 to 10 PM
Sunday 12 to 5 PM

This pond is worth the drive to Troy!!!  It’s a 6,000 gallon pond with skimmer, veggie filter and rock waterfall.  The veggie filter is full of water celery, violet stem taro, elephant ears and yerba manza.  The pond is stocked with koi and red tail minnows.  The entire backyard is landscaped, including a greenhouse, flowerbeds, herb garden, vegetable garden, fairy gardens, succulents, palm trees, banana trees and a gorgeous swimming pool.  During the night tour the yard is lit with white and colored lights, so relaxing you’ll never want to leave!

Directions:  Take I-35 South toward Troy. Turn right onto Big Elm Rd, exit 311. Take the next right onto Old 81 and then the first left back onto Big Elm. Take the next left onto Old Troy and then the next right onto LaMotte Dr. Watch for the yellow pond tour signs.

Jay and Elizabeth Trout’s Pond
725 Tahoe Trail Dr., Hewitt

Saturday 9 to 5 PM
Sunday 12 to 5 PM

After several years of enjoying a small, preformed liner pond we decided to upgrade. Our fish now live in a 1000-gallon pond with a natural bog. Home to two koi and some goldfish. Many birds visit us too. 

Directions:  Just off of Spring Valley Rd behind Spring Valley Elementary. 

Dave and Jerri Henry’s Fountain
8708 Gladedale Dr., Woodway

Saturday 8:30 to 10 PM (Only)

Enjoy an amazing music and light show! This 500-gallon fountain contains 11 water jets with a separate pump and LED light fixture on each nozzle. The spray height and light colors are computer controlled and choreographed to music.

Saturday evening only!

Directions:  From US-84 take the Estates Drive exit. Follow Estates Dr. for .4 miles and then turn right onto Gladedale Dr. for .2 mile.

Richard and Sue Wilshire’s Pond
860 Shilling Drive, Elm Mott

Saturday 9 to 5 PM
Sunday 12 to 5 PM

We’ve lived here for about 38 years and have a total of 8 acres that we have landscaped with many different native plants. After several years of enjoying a small preformed liner pond we decided to upgrade after going on the 2021 Pond Tour. This spring Sue and I constructed our new above ground pond using retaining wall blocks with a 40 mil liner with a natural bog made from a 110 gallon water trough. It’s home to 2 koi and several goldfish and numerous water plants. It’s visited regularly by Cardinals, Bluebirds, Yellow Finches, Black Capped Chickadees, Hummingbirds, Painted Buntings, Mockingbirds, House Wrens, Blue Jays, Mourning Doves, Red Headed Woodpeckers and an occasional Roadrunner.
We also have a 12” x 16’ greenhouse I built for Sue last fall for her plants during the winter.

Directions:  From I-35, take Farm to Market Road 308 West, Shilling Drive will be the 5th Street on the right, it only turns right, follow it for about ½ mile, our driveway is on the right, it has a pipe and wagon wheel entrance with a Flying W hanging from the crossbar, when you turn in the drive, go past the home on the left and follow it straight down to our home.
From Farm to Market Road 933, go north to Chal Bluff, take Farm to Market Road 308 East, Shilling Drive will be the on the left just as you get to Elm Mott, when you turn on it there will be 4 brick duplexes on the right, follow it for about ½ mile, our driveway is on the right, it has a pipe and wagon wheel entrance with a Flying W hanging from the crossbar, when you turn in the drive, go past the home on the left and follow it straight down to our home.

Tamra Walthall’s Pond
4101 Hermosa, Waco

Saturday 9 to 5 PM
Sunday 12 to 5 PM

Originally the Walthall’s were interested in Aquaponics (growing plants in water fertilized by fish), raising Butterfly koi and Tilapia.
During 2020, Tamra Walthall became intrigued with creating an outdoor pond for the larger koi.
The pond is 5’ at the deepest point, and is terraced to provide two levels of shelves for water plants, steep sides to protect against herons. A bog lines 3/4 of the shoreline, and two waterfalls accent the opposite end of the shoreline – a drip waterfall and a Fast Fall.

Soon after the pond was completed, we got a call to rescue some koi. These fish were a mixture of brightly colored Japanese Koi, carp and Shubumkins (a mixture of koi and Carp).

Directions:  The Walthall farm is at 4101 Hermosa Drive, Waco TX 76705, just beside Buena Vista Park.
Take Kendall Lane off Loop 340 turn left on Crow to Hermosa and Buena Vista Park, follow the direction signs to the pond.