2026 Pond Tour - East
Saturday, May 2 2026, 9AM-4PM
Locations shown on this map are approximate. The entries below show full addresses and have map links.
1. Ken - Scottsdale
8226 E Granite Pass Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85266
The pond and wetlands was started in June of 2024 and completed in August 2024. The entire system is built into a small hillside in our backyard. We wanted a natural looking pond with lots of boulders and gravel. The center of the pond is about 3' deep and is around 4,000 gallons. The pond/wetlands was built by The Pond Gnome. The owner Paul was able to take my vision and make it a reality. Since this is my first pond in AZ, I put in a wide variety of plants to see what will and won't survive in our desert climate.
2. T.J. - Cave Creek
4234 E Mark Ln, Cave Creek, AZ 85331
My pond is approximately 4' deep, 40' long by 35' wide. It has 2 Helix skimmers with 2 Helix bio water fall filters. It also has a suction grid connected to an Ultima 2 bead filter, with UV light for extra filtration. I designed the pond to reflect upon itself and surroundings. It is adorned with my own artwork and a sculpture from another artist. It contains (so far) 35 Koi fish a variety of lilies and other aquatic plants. It is constantly changing as I am always coming up with new ideas. This is my reason to wake up in the morning and my escape from the rest of the world when needed. Oh yeah, a great place to swim with the fishes also.
Cross streets: Cave Creek Rd & Dynamite Rd.
3. Ray & Melrose - Apache Junction
141 Rex Ave, Apache Junction, AZ 85120
"Apollo's Grotto"
This approximately 10,000 gallon natural-looking pond was constructed in summer 2021 by The Pond Gnome. It has stepped sides and the deepest point is about 4-1/2 feet deep. The large biofilter/bog returns to the pond from the side as a river. It is home to two rescue koi, a pair of high fin banded sharks, numerous goldfish, a bluegill, a pleco, and many mosquitofish (gambusia).
The pond is surrounded by a deep-mulched food forest in its fourth year of growth. The garden uses permaculture principles incorporating graywater and rainwater harvesting.
4. Pet - Chandler
3096 W Ironwood Cir, Chandler, AZ 85226
When you arrive, you might think that the front yard is the focal point of their garden. It is very lovely but wait until you enter the large backyard.
Nearly every inch in this yard is covered with greenery, and the leftover space is occupied by a swimming pool, a guest cabana, large veranda, outdoor bar and kitchen, huge fireplace, and several outdoor eating and reading areas.
Winding paths take you through a tropical paradise filled with a variety of roses, lush trees, citrus trees, several flowering orchid trees and the unique and oft-queried Queensland Bottle trees (Brachychiton Rupestris).
The first pond with a waterfall welcomes you at the front door; the second is tucked into a shaded oasis and has a bridge crossing over to a gazebo. Two waterfalls and a cascading stream complete this natural looking pond.
Cross streets: Price Rd & N Seville Blvd
5. Darlene - Chandler
1113 E Erie St, Chandler, AZ 85225
I have an 1,800 gallon free form rock pond with a waterfall. It’s approximately 20 feet long and about 18 feet at the widest part, tapering to each end. The pump is an Ultima II Bio-Mechanical filtration.
Cross streets: McQueen and Chandler Blvd.
6. Jeff & Rita - Chandler
1200 E. Tyson St., Chandler, AZ, 85225
The tropical landscaped backyard features 3 ponds designed and built by Rita and Jeff. It begins with an above-ground pond (appx. 200 gallons) built with stacked concrete pavers. Water flows from there through a 8.5’ long paver aqueduct cascading into an in-ground pond (appx. 3,500 gallons) that has a 2’ tall waterfall from an elevated pond (appx. 100 gallons) at the opposite end. Water is moved through the system which includes a 4,000 gallon Aqua Ultraviolet Ultima II filter with a 6,000 gph above-ground pump.
The pond is home to 8 large koi and 8 large goldfish. They are protected from unwanted visits of blue heron & green egret with a rebar and bird net fence. While here you are invited to check out Rita’s Meditation Garden on the east side of the yard.
Cross streets: McQueen and Chandler Blvd.
7. Ambar & Danial - San Tan Valley
2994 W Chevelon Dr, San Tan Valley, AZ 85142
Tucked into our backyard is a 6,000-gallon pond that started as a simple idea and grew into something truly special. I had the joy of designing it, and A&G Landscaping brought it to life with care and craftsmanship. Our koi—both butterfly and standard—were lovingly imported from Japan through Hakuna Matata Koi, and they bring so much beauty and peace to the space. A gentle bottom drain keeps their home clean, and the mural by Tiago’s World adds a playful splash of color that makes the whole area feel like a hidden garden storybook. It’s become a quiet, joyful spot we treasure every day.