A small pond with a waterfall is a top option for adding a water feature to your yard or landscape. Ponds with waterfalls bring a multi-sensory experience to your outdoor space by creating reflections, movement, and sound. They are an ideal solution for smaller properties that don’t have space for a pool. A pond can become the focal point of a yard or outdoor room, regardless of size.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of ponds and waterfalls with these 25 stunning designs.

The 10 Best Water Fountains of 2024

• 01of 25Woodland Oasis @aquascape_inc / InstagramThis stunning woodland property feels bucolic and dreamy with this custom-designed waterfall pond. Note the natural-looking plantings that give this an organic quality, as if it is naturally-occurring.Continue to 2 of 25 below
• 02of 25Simple Build, Natural Look @jm8_art / InstagramThis small pond and waterfall feature was built using pavers, natural stone and pondliner. The plantings look like they’ve been there for years, and include a mix of perennial ground covers tucked in among the stones, and specimen plants.Continue to 3 of 25 below
• 03of 25Lush Koi Pond @aquascape_inc / InstagramWith a small curving bridge and statuary, this water feature in a quiet setting has the feeling of a Japanese ornamental garden in its tasteful array of design elements. The waterfall is subtle here, with a small rambling brook kind of feeling, feeding into the gorgeous custom koi pond surrounded by lush woodland greenery.Continue to 4 of 25 below
• 04of 25Pondless Waterfall @niceponds / InstagramThe “pondless” waterfall feature is becoming more popular. It simply refers to a re-circulating waterfall or stream feature that does not include a pond. These systems are relatively easy to install and include a pump that keeps the water moving, unlike ponds which can sometimes grow algae. This design rehabbed a pond with small waterfall to a pondless water feature.Continue to 5 of 25 below
• 05of 25Reflecting Seasonal Color @artoftheyard / InstagramThis angular pond with grey stone edge and small waterfall is visually balanced by the soft organic shapes and brilliant seasonal colors of the Japanese maple trees surrounding it, allowing reflections of the bright reds and yellows in the water.Continue to 6 of 25 below
• 06of 25Sculptural Setting @donnadresen / InstagramThis beautiful pond design includes a stone wall backdrop made with pavers, and stairs on either side inset into the landscape. There’s a small waterfall, statuary and attractive plantings including colorful perennials like bright purple Siberian irises, spireas, peonies and heucheras.Continue to 7 of 25 below
• 07of 25Brimming with Pond-Friendly Plants @_b.and.m_aquatics_ / InstagramThis pond is full of juicy green plants including lilies and lettuces. Check with your local nursery to find out about pond-friendly plants, which may also include water poppies, Siberian iris, cat tails, water mint and water hyacinths. Aquatic plants are necessary for the health of a pond’s ecosystem, depriving algae of its food source and helping keep pond water clean.Continue to 8 of 25 below
• 08of 25Waterfall by Night @aquascape_inc / InstagramIf you enjoy spending time in your yard after dark, why not add some lighting to your waterfall? The combination of lighting and moving water is unbeatable for creating a soothing yet thrilling atmosphere.Continue to 9 of 25 below
• 09of 25Rehabbing a Concrete Pond @niceponds / InstagramThis project in the UK refurbished and rehabbed an old concrete pond into a charming koi pond with a waterfall feature. The cast iron pump for circulating the pond water was removed and reinstalled, and the waterfall structure with natural looking boulders was added.Continue to 10 of 25 below
• 10of 25Mossy Rock Waterfall Philippe Gerber / Getty ImagesMany of us who liked exploring creeks as children learned that mossy rocks were slippery. Moss forms over time in suitable conditions (like moisture and shade) and creates a charming rustic landscape feature; this waterfall trickles gently over the lush green growth.Continue to 11 of 25 below
• 11of 25Koi Pond Vista @artoftheyard / InstagramThe simple ground level layout of this koi pond with small waterfall allows for maximum visibility of other parts of the yard. The planting of pink painted daisies creates a dramatic focal point in the foregroundContinue to 12 of 25 below
• 12of 25Japanese Style paulacobleigh / Getty ImagesThis koi pond in Portland, Oregon features a simple and stunning Japanese style design. The moss-covered rocks and stone statuary are decorative and organic. The plantings of boxwood, ferns and creeping ground covers near the waterfall emphasize the natural forest surroundings.Continue to 13 of 25 below
• 13of 25Working with the Landscape @artoftheyard / InstagramThis waterfall feature utilizes a stunning landscape setting with large boulders and native plantings, making the most of an already gorgeous location and enhancing the view.Continue to 14 of 25 below
• 14of 25Evergreens for Structure @aquascape_inc / InstagramThis pond and waterfall setting has lush evergreens, natural stones in a variety of shapes and some interesting and unique statuary for a personal touch. The mature trees give a sense of structure and longevity to the design.Continue to 15 of 25 below
• 15of 25Shady Seating Area @_b.and.m_aquatics_ / InstagramA waterfall offers a relaxing and cooling focal point to this shady abode, while plants like the elephant ears provide a tropical feel. Note the open patio space that allows for different furniture arrangements, like pond-side dining or just a quite seat for reading.Continue to 16 of 25 below
• 16of 25Simple Design Elements Built by SJC LANDSCAPES / Photo by @harmony_homestead_sanctuary / InstagramThis well-constructed pond and waterfall needs very little ornamentation to create a classic and simple yet beautiful vista. A wraparound pathway lined with tropical plantings in sight of a metal dining set make for a charming setting to relax on a hot summer day.
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• 17of 25Tiered Basins Tomsmith585 / Getty ImagesThis waterfall feature makes great use of a small space for maximum effect. The light color of the stones and concrete give the illusion of a larger space, and succulent plantings stay green all season in this sunny spot.Continue to 18 of 25 below
• 18of 25Tropical Color and Texture LanaCanada / Getty ImagesThis koi pond has a pleasing border of colorful tropical plantings, with a mix of shapes and textures. The large fern leaves surrounding the waterfall create a sort of hidden oasis look. Since many tropical plants do well in high humidity, planting them near a pond helps keep them healthy and happy.Continue to 19 of 25 below
• 19of 25Defining a Large Space FOTOGRAPHIA INC. / Getty ImagesWith a large backyard, choosing structures and larger designs can help make the most of space. The gazebo provides a comfortable seating area, while this sprawling water feature with gradated waterfall and beautiful plantings form a stunning centerpiece for a yard that beckons guests to walk and take in all there is to see.55 Gazebo Design Ideas to Add Romance to Your BackyardContinue to 20 of 25 below
• 20of 25Annuals for Color and Flexibility @aquascape_inc / InstagramPlanting annuals around your waterfall feature is a great way to give it a fresh and different look every season. The long-blooming annuals provide a long season of color, also, and are suitable for shady gardens. The elephant ears can be dug up and preserved over the winter to replant in spring if they’re not hardy in your growing zone.Continue to 21 of 25 below
• 21of 25Golden Light @artoftheyard / InstagramThough many choose brightly colored lights for their water features, this pondless waterfall features a very natural looking golden light. Shown here at dusk, it almost looks like there is fire beneath the water.Continue to 22 of 25 below
• 22of 25Dramatic Drop @_b.and.m_aquatics_ / InstagramThis small waterfall goes big on drama with a cascading fall of water at least six feet high that continuously rejuvenates and recirculates the water in this koi pond. The simple but compelling design features natural rocks bordering the pond and natural woodland plantings.Continue to 23 of 25 below
• 23of 25Multiple Waterfalls @niceponds / InstagramThis project in progress features more than thirty feet of small pondless waterfalls across a large area, all feeding into the same body of water. It is an excellent use of a large space to create a beautiful yet simple water feature.Continue to 24 of 25 below
• 24of 25Shady Pond Elmar Langle / Getty ImagesOne almost expects to see a satyr peeking from behind these lush ferns surrounding this small but dramatic pond with waterfall. The water plants and creeping ground covers on the edges give this pond the feel of an oasis tucked into the woodland landscape, a bucolic design making good use of the shady conditions.Continue to 25 of 25 below
• 25of 25Mix of Shapes and Textures @artoftheyard / InstagramThis stone structure has a variety of shapes and textures to create an intriguing waterfall feature. The flat and round rocks balance each other, and the plantings, including seasonal grasses and perennials like black-eyed Susans, have a variety of textures.

Backyard Pond and Waterfall Considerations

• Location: Choose a spot that will be a nearby focal point and is convenient to access. Also think about what’s underneath, as in soil.
• Materials: Liner materials, along with surrounding natural and manmade features. 
• Size: Visit botanical gardens and water garden dealers for ideas. Think about the shape and setting, relation to plants, and scale within your own yard.
• Style: Design a pond that complements the architectural style of your home and reflects your region’s landscape. Formal or informal? Possibilities include: Japanese garden ponds, wildlife or naturalistic ponds, modern, and old-fashioned or cottage-style.
• Pump system: This recirculates the water for your fall, fountain, or stream. Make sure you select one large and powerful enough to operate a waterfall or feature.
• Landscaping: In addition to the surrounding landscape, a pond opens up the opportunity to explore plants that are suitable for a water garden. Depending where you live, choices might include tropical water lilies, papyrus, ferns, and hostas.
• Hardscape and ornaments: Ideally, your choice of hardscape will make your pond blend into the landscape rather than look as if it mistakenly plopped into your yard. Edging and surrounding hardscape might be ceramic tile, concrete, or stones. Ornaments include objects like bridges or statuary like frogs kissing under umbrellas or spitting fish.
• Lighting: Waterproof LED fixtures allow you to gaze at your pond after hours and extend your viewing pleasure. Spotlights might emphasize the waterfall, a graceful ornamental grass, or a whimsical statue. Let an aquatic electrician handle the job. 
• Safety: Consider the ages of any children who might visit your yard and if you need an enclosure for safety.
• Local codes: Like many outdoor projects, check with your local planning department to make sure you comply with building codes. These can vary from maximum pond depths to fencing.