Last Updated: April 2026

Pond landscaping or “pondscaping” goes a long way in determining how well your water feature fits into the immediate surroundings around your Aurora area home. How well you incorporate your pond into the backyard can help determine how much time you want to spend at your home on your stay-cation.

A random body of water, no matter how small, can feel out of place in a suburban lawn without the right planning. Below are a few considerations for effective pond landscaping for a natural look.

Pond Location

One of the first things you want to consider to give your pond the right look, is the location in your yard. Is there an area of your lawn that already has some trees and landscaping in place? Do you have a favorite area of your yard that would be good for spending time? This might be the right area to install a pond. Trees around the pond can have their advantages, but they will eventually involve more maintenance.

Pond Shape

Many ponds come in standard shapes, and those will be the easiest for installation purposes. Pond kits are going to have parts designed to fit a specific size and shape. They’ll have liners designed to fit that shape. Following those guidelines can make the pond installation process easier. But a custom shape that goes well with the back yard can give your pond a more natural look. Ponds in nature have a unique look, and if yours does too, the extra installation work can make the long run more enjoyable.

Native Plantings

Consider using native plantings and natural stones around the edges of your pond. This will create a native and natural look for your pond. The native plantings are often easier to maintain because there is less care involved. A professional landscaper can help you discover what plants go well in a water environment.

Conclusion

Are you considering a pond in the near future? Taking the time up front to create a more native and natural environment results in more enjoyment down the road. Do you have questions? Contact a professional landscaper today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pondscaping and how is it different from standard pond installation?
Pondscaping refers to the intentional design of plant material, rock placement, and surrounding landscape elements to make a water feature look like it belongs naturally in its environment. Rather than a liner surrounded by bare mulch, a properly pondscaped feature uses native grasses, marginal plants, boulders, and ground cover to blend seamlessly into the yard. BLC Yardworks specializes in naturalistic pondscaping for Fox Valley homeowners.
What plants work well around a pond in the Oswego and Yorkville area?
Hardy marginal plants that thrive in northern Illinois include Blue Flag Iris, Cattails, Pickerelweed, and Water Hyacinth. For the pond perimeter, ornamental grasses like Karl Foerster and Blue Oat Grass create a natural transition. Creeping Jenny and Brass Buttons work well as low ground cover around the rock edges. All of these tolerate the Fox Valley’s Zone 5b winters when properly established.
Does adding a pond increase home value in the Fox Valley?
A professionally installed and well-maintained water feature can add unique appeal and perceived value to a Fox Valley property, particularly in higher-end neighborhoods in Naperville, Yorkville, and Oswego. While the exact ROI varies, a naturalistic pond or pondless waterfall is a strong differentiator that attracts buyers who value outdoor living and won’t be found in most competing listings.

Related Resources: Water Features • Pond Maintenance • Project Gallery

Written by BLC Yardworks — Fox Valley hardscaping, landscaping, and water feature contractors serving Oswego, Yorkville, Plainfield, Naperville, and surrounding communities since 1999.