You can never go wrong with a backyard pond. It’s a jaw-dropping feature that instantly elevates your outdoor space and makes it look luxurious. Plus, the serenity that comes with the sound of water and the presence of wildlife is unmatched.
Did you know that you can design a stunning pond that looks lavish without draining your budget? To help you with that, here are a couple of cheap pond landscaping ideas that look expensive:
1. Lighting Accents
By enhancing the look of your pond with lighting during the day, you’ll also allow it to shine after dark. Once you add submersible pond lights or string lights hanging over it, the beauty of your pond won’t set with the sun.
A couple of strategically placed LED or solar lights won’t break the bank and they’ll make your landscape feel luxurious by highlighting the key features. You can even add colorful lights if they’ll go with the look of your landscape.
2. Natural Stone Edging
To make your pond look more expensive than it was, use natural stones as edging. It gives an upscale, organic feel and polishes the transition between the water and the surroundings.
Use large river rocks or flat flagstones to create a border, or create steps and seating areas to make your pond more inviting. The key is to design the edging to make the pond appear as though it belongs to the landscape.
3. Stepping Stones
Whether your pond only holds a bucket of water or enough to swim in, it can be dangerous if you don’t add an accessible and safe way to reach it. Especially if there are kids or older people around. Create a pathway with stepping stones that encourages safe exploration.
You can use flat stones, pavers, or even reclaimed concrete for a cheap solution. Arrange them in patterns and mix it up with ground cover or small flowering plants. The more texture your path has; the more traction, which means slipping will be less likely.
4. Reflective Surfaces
Let your pond literally and figuratively reflect luxury. Carefully place mirrors, stainless steel planters, glass decorations, and metallic sculptures around the water to add sparkle and amplify the illusion of space and luxury. Even polished stones can have the same effect, especially if the water is still and smooth.
The key is to position the different surfaces to capture and reflect sunlight and evening lighting. With a little creativity and cheap materials, you can give your pond a high-end, designer look.
5. Vertical Plant Walls
Vertical greenery softens fences or walls, blends the pond seamlessly into the landscape, and provides habitat for birds and beneficial insects. You can mix textures and shades of green or add splashes of colorful flowers to create a layered, natural look. Living walls also help with microclimate control, offering shade and cooling effects that enhance the pond’s serene atmosphere.
The DIY-friendly nature of vertical plant walls means you can achieve a rich, expensive look on a minimal budget, while also making the pond space feel private, cozy, and alive.
6. DIY Pebble Mosaics
Pebbles are widely available, durable, and very inexpensive. If you play your cards right, you can create a gorgeous standout feature with only pebbles. Even the smallest arrangement can elevate the entire area. Use small, smooth pebbles in contrasting colors and shades to create patterns and shapes around your pond’s edges.
The more the design mimics expensive stonework or tiles, the more high-end your pond will feel. If you want to incorporate more natural features in your designs, pair the mosaic sections with moss or low-growing plants.
7. Floating Decor
Floating decor brings a sense of luxury to your pond without renovations and costly installations. In fact, it can be very cheap to use a couple of floating accents to transform your pond into an expensive feature. Think lily pads, floating planters, decorative spheres, and even floating lanterns.
Find floating planters at your local garden center or discount store, or save extra bucks and make your own with recycled containers. Fill them with ornamental grasses, flowers, or succulents and surround them with floating lights to enhance your pond’s nighttime ambiance.
8. Pebble Pathways
You don’t have to use pebbles for mosaic patterns if it’s not your style. Pebble pathways are inexpensive to install and maintain, and they provide traction that prevents unfortunate accidents involving your pond. Use small river rocks or gravel to create a pathway that leads up to your pond and surround it with plants or large rocks.
You can keep it simple or incorporate curves and spirals into your design for an extra touch. Even on a tight budget, a pebble pathway can turn your cheap, dull pond into a standout feature with flow and structure.
9. DIY Waterfall or Fountain
If you’re thinking that your pond’s got enough water already; think again! You’d be surprised to see the difference that a simple DIY waterfall or small fountain can make to your pond. And that’s without spending your entire landscaping budget. The sound of moving water creates a calming ambiance, while the visual effect adds depth and aesthetic appeal.
Use stones, PVC pipes, recycled containers, and affordable pumps to make your own simple yet dramatic setup. Position the waterfall or fountain near plants or rocks to make it look professionally designed and attract birds and dragonflies.
10. Ground Cover
Most cheap pond landscaping ideas that look expensive involve something that’ll turn your simple water feature into a focal point. Ground cover is no different, but it also softens hard edges, retains moisture, prevents erosion, and suppresses weeds.
Creeping thyme, creeping Jenny, mondo grass, or creeping phlox all fill those awkward gaps and guide the eye toward your pond. The best part is that ground cover is cheap, but it grows fast and creates a lush, expensive-looking carpet.
11. Reclaimed Wood Features
Reclaimed wood not only introduces warmth and character to your pond, but it’s also affordable. And nothing beats affordable when you’re looking for pond landscaping ideas. Repurpose old timber or worn pallets into benches, a cute little bridge, or raised planters.
The natural textures that contrast with the water will enhance the visual appeal of your pond, giving it an expensive, custom-designed feel at little to no cost. You can customize the wood by staining, painting, or carving it to match your landscape.
12. Bamboo Backdrop
Don’t forget the backdrop of your pond once you’ve got the ground, interior, and even surface of the water covered. A bamboo backdrop adds a height to the area that screams “luxury.” Source some cheap bamboo poles that you can dry yourself to make fencing panels, or plant them live to create a natural screen that keeps your privacy in and unsightly views out.
It grows quickly and densely, so you won’t need a lot to make an impact, and it only requires occasional pruning to keep it tidy. With a bamboo backdrop, your pond will have a tropical, resort-like atmosphere.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.