2022 Pond Tour Guide (June 25-26)

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
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.

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.

Spencer Gardner’s Pond
149 County Rd 424A, Lorena

Saturday 9 to 5 PM
Sunday 12 to 5 PM

Built in 2021 against the house foundation the roughly 5000-gallon pond has a bog and a stream that helps to keep the water clear. It also provides a unique view from inside as water can be seen from every window. All of the koi hatched from eggs collected at another pond. It is about 4 feet deep at its deepest point and most of the rocks have been hand collected over the years. The pond also contains red shiner minnows instead of the usual mosquito fish and numerous species of frogs and other wildlife visit the pond frequently

Directions:  Head down hwy 77 to Golinda, turn left on East Central (next to Golinda County Store), then drive about a mile and a half and turn right onto Buckner Rd. Drive past the first street (424B) and take a right onto the second street 414A. We are the first driveway with a green fence and gate.

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 Airpot you will find Bevil’s Pond. There will be a Mardi Gras celebration around the pond.  It is home to butterflies, red dragonflies, and frogs.  Hibiscus plants blooming in pots bring color to the area.  Plumerias from Hawaii bloom among the foliage. Lemon and lime trees will be providing fruit.  Passion vines show off their dramatic purple blooms.

There is a pergola with succulents and a shady patio for tropical plants.  A very large stag horn fern amazes guests.  Children are delighted by the playhouse 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 bathtub filled with umbrella plants, elephant ears, and canna lilies provides the bio veggie filter.  In 2015 7,000 pounds of rock were added for edging and to create the 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 left onto Cross Creek Road.wards McGregor. Turn Left onto Oak Creek Circle and then left onto Cross Creek Rd.

Susan Maxey’s Pond
107 Whistling Wind Tr, McGregor

Saturday 9 to 5 PM
Sunday 12 to 5 PM

TBD

Directions:  107 whistling wind trl McGregor Tx it is located between Woodway and McGregor in Sunwest addition across from the McGregor airport. Turn into Sunwest addition (from Waco that would be left). Make a right on stage line road and then a left onto whistling wind. 4th house on the right. 

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

Saturday 9 to 5 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. Striking Koi fish swim with a graceful swivel. With the sound of food, they respond Coming closer to the surface to grab a nibble. A few goldfish dance alongside the Koi. Scenic waterfall cascades into the stream. The bubbling sound of water for all to enjoy. Sitting on the bench allows you to dream. Rocks and shells and shade form the basis. Rose garden adds to the allure of the oasis.

***This small 400 Gallon Koi Pond is about to be transitioned from chemicals and UV to a 30 square foot bog.

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.

Ron and Lori Galt’s Pond
360 Winding Trail, Crawford

Saturday 9 to 5 PM
Sunday 12 to 5 PM

About 4 years ago we decided to build a Japanese Garden in our back yard. We now have two ponds connected by a winding stream and numerous plants that are still growing. We have a small wooden bridge, over the stream, leading to a large red Torii Gate guarded by two Terra Cota Warriors, that opens to a view of the river below in the canyon. The upper pond is covered by a Tea House and has a small Goddess standing in the middle that the many fish swim around. The bottom pond is guarded by a large Dragon, made of rocks found in our yard, that has several large Koi and many lily pads.

Directions:  Take highway 6 to Highway 185 (Cedar Rock Pkwy), or Highway 84 to Highway 317, to the City of Crawford. At the only flashing light, drive north towards Valley Mills on Highway 317 about 1 mile, to Winding Trail on the left. The entrance to the Garden is through the Garage and guarded by a Samurai Warrior

Becky Parton’s Pond
436 Donaldson Lane, Waco

Saturday 9 to 5 PM (Only)

I invite you to visit these two recently built ponds. The smaller one features a functioning antique pump that was actually used at my Mom’s childhood farm! It is surrounded by beautiful, large geodes that my Dad, the rockhound, provided. The larger one has the sound of a waterfall and the fun of watching goldfish! In 2022, I added a bear themed fountain at the top of the waterfall that serves as a bird bath. There is a seating area where you can dip your toes in the water and enjoy viewing the plants including numerous elephant ears. The one acre property is a work in progress with fruit trees, wildlife habitats, an enclosed “catio”, a Noah’s Ark rubber ducky display, and more. I want to thank all the pond members who provided fish, plants, and advice these past four years!

A wonderful foster dog is available to meet at this location!  Get a preview of “Grace” at: See video.

Directions:  Take Hwy 6 and exit University Parks. Travel toward I-35/Baylor. You will pass the equestrian center. Take a right on the gravel road after the practice golf course – Donaldson Ln. (You will see a small RV park now to the left.) Continue down the road – I am the first brick house on the right with the bear mailbox and the Texas windmill. You can park in my driveway or next door at the empty house. Walk through the open gate to the backyard. Don’t be surprised if a friendly neighborhood dog or two greets you.

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.