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 number corresponds to the location number on the Map page. To download a printable list of the ponds on the tour, click here.
Pond Etiquette
- Please do not ask to use the restrooms at pond sites.
- Please do not bring glass container into our yards.
- Please pick up any trash you may have dropped.
- Please control children for their safety.
- Please do not bring pets into our yards.
- Please do not smoke or bring alcoholic beverages into our yards.
Thank You from the Pond Owners
Enjoy your visit
Lorena Area
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 about 14 years ago, a small 600-700 gallon affair. It has since been expanded to a couple of tributary ponds with waterfalls added and then two years ago 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. A swimming pool filter is used to keep the water clear. The sand filter drives the waterfall above the koi pond
Directions: From Troy take I-35 north and take the first Lorena Exit. Turn left at the stop sign and cross the bridge onto Bordon St. At the second stop sign after the interstate turn left onto Old Lorena Rd., FM 2837. Take the first left 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.
Jack and Kim Payne’s Pond
2104 Southwinds Dr., Lorena
Saturday 9 to 5 PM
Sunday 12 to 5 PM
A neglected backyard has been turned into a peaceful oasis. Come and listen to the relaxing sound of the water as it tumbles down the waterfall where two cascading streams converge into a 30 foot long stream, flowing into the 3,000 gallon lily covered pond. A lighted foot bridge crosses the stream.
Directions: Take Exit 322 off I-35 from Waco, (the second Lorena exit) and then turn left, crossing back over the I-35. Go straight at the access road stop sign and continue onto Rosenthal Pkwy. Go 2 miles and turn right on Southwinds and go half a mile to our driveway on the right.
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.
China Spring Area
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.
Ron and Donna Linderman’s Pond
1158 Bend of the Bosque, China Spring
Saturday 9 to 5 PM
Sunday 12 to 5 PM
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.
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.
Crawford Area
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
Waco Area
Becky Parton’s Pond
436 Donaldson Lane, Waco
Saturday 9 to 5 PM (Only)
New for 2021, 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! 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, and more. I want to thank all the pond members who provided fish, plants, and advice these past three years! Look for the animal rubber ducks at this Noah’s Ark themed stop!
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. I have 2 driveways – park in either or at the empty house to the left but not on the grass please. 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.