Water Gardens

A water garden is a plant-centered aquatic landscape designed around texture, bloom cycles, and layered vegetation. Unlike deeper fish-focused ponds, water gardens emphasize aquatic plant groupings such as water lilies, lotus, marginal grasses, and floating varieties arranged to create seasonal color and visual movement.

These systems are typically shallower and designed to support plant health first, with circulation and filtration scaled to maintain clarity without overpowering the botanical composition. Aquadon designs and installs custom water gardens throughout Annapolis, Baltimore, Davidsonville, Severna Park, Edgewater, and surrounding Maryland communities for clients seeking a refined, plant-driven water feature.

Water Garden Construction & Features

Each water garden is carefully designed to ensure proper circulation, filtration, plant placement, and long-term sustainability. Depending on your vision, a water garden may include:

• Koi or ornamental fish
• Natural stone waterfalls
• Decorative boulders and edging stones
• Pond statues and sculptural accents
• Integrated filtration systems
• Submersible or LED landscape lighting

These elements not only enhance visual appeal but also contribute to water movement, oxygenation, and overall ecosystem balance.

Recommended Aquatic Plants for Water Gardens

Plant selection plays a critical role in water garden health and appearance. We recommend plant varieties that thrive in Maryland’s climate and complement the size and depth of your water feature.

Preferred Water Garden Plants

• Lotus – Known for its elegant summer blooms and dramatic height, creating strong vertical interest.
• Swamp Lily – Produces fragrant pink and white blooms from spring through fall.
• Cattail – Adds texture and height with distinctive brown cylindrical blooms.
• Japanese Iris – Recognized for vibrant, artistic blooms and seasonal color variation.
• Papyrus – Provides a tropical appearance with tall, architectural stems.
• Cardinal Flower – Attracts hummingbirds and adds bright late-summer color.
• Water Lily – Available in hardy and tropical varieties, offering surface coverage and balanced shade.

Ideal Locations for a Water Garden

Strategic placement enhances both usability and visual impact. Water gardens are commonly installed:

• Adjacent to patios for relaxing outdoor seating areas
• Near fireplaces or fire pits for contrasting design elements
• Beside swimming pools for visual harmony
• Near outdoor kitchens to create a tranquil dining backdrop
• As a focal point within landscape design layouts

We evaluate sunlight exposure, drainage, elevation, and proximity to utilities to determine the best location for long-term success.

Seasonal Building Availability

Water garden construction is typically scheduled during optimal build seasons:

• Winter: December – March
• Mid-Summer: June – August

Scheduling during these windows allows for efficient construction and proper system integration.

Start Planning Your Custom Water Garden

With decades of experience designing and constructing water features, Aquadon delivers professionally built water gardens that balance beauty, function, and long-term durability. From plant selection and stonework to filtration and water circulation, every detail is carefully planned.

Call (410) 924-1208 today to discuss your water garden project.

We provide ALL of our services in most of Maryland including the following counties, cities and towns (as well as the cities, towns and surrounding areas of those listed in Virginia):