Tucked into Fredericksburg, Virginia, Virginia Water Gardens is a dedicated pond destination — part retail store, part design-build firm, and part living showcase. Walk onto the property and you're immediately surrounded by flowing waterfalls, swimming koi, and lush aquatic plantings that double as both inspiration and proof of concept. Visitors frequently describe the grounds as gorgeous enough to warrant a visit even if you're not shopping.
The store stocks a focused inventory of pond supplies: pumps, filter systems, water treatments, and a solid selection of live koi, fancy comet goldfish, and aquatic plants — both floating varieties and pondside species. Staff members like Donna and Taylor are consistently praised for their willingness to troubleshoot everything from algae problems to water flow issues, and prices hold up well against online competitors. If something isn't in stock, they'll order it.
Where Virginia Water Gardens truly distinguishes itself is in pond design and construction. Owner Charlie and his crew handle everything from initial consultation to boulder placement, building water features that reviewers describe as backyard works of art. One customer watched 27 tons of boulders get transformed into a multi-waterfall koi pond in under a week.
The team also takes on broader hardscape projects — patios, stone stairs, and integrated outdoor spaces — rather than limiting themselves strictly to water features. They offer annual pond cleanouts and ongoing maintenance contracts for existing ponds, along with koi boarding for customers whose fish need temporary housing during construction. A few reviewers note that communication and follow-through can falter, particularly during busy seasons, and pricing starts in the tens of thousands for full installations — this is a premium service.
But for Fredericksburg pond owners who want a local resource for supplies, fish, plants, and expert maintenance, Virginia Water Gardens fills a niche that big-box stores simply can't. The showroom grounds alone are worth the trip, and you can bring the kids to hand-feed the resident koi for a quarter.
Bill Braden
14 reviews
Wow! Charlie and his team completely exceeded our expectations. His onsite crew was utterly professional as they deftly assembled 27 tons of boulders into a stunning work of art in less than a week. Our Koi are so happy in their new home. Amy and I are anticipating decades of enjoyment listening to the waterfalls, feeding the Koi, and marveling at how this massive, beautiful piece of artwork is actually sitting in our backyard.
E
329 reviews
Love love love
Jonathan Zasadny
2 reviews
I contacted Virginia Water Gardens for a simple pond clean-out, sent photos as requested, and followed up for a month. They never provided me a quote and I was ultimately ignored by the designer. Disappointing experience as it seems they are capable of good work but weren't able to meet basic standards of communication and follow-through. I will be taking my business elsewhere.
Greg Fox
13 reviews
We absolutely love what Charlie and the crew at Virginia Water Gardens did for us. We asked Charlie at the start if we could have one person to work with to put a pond, patio and stairs in our backyard. Charlie could have said "I only do ponds". Instead, he worked with us and created a fantastic backyard space for us to enjoy for many many years to come. As with any install, not everything goes to plan. When issues or concerns about certain aspects of the project came up, Charlie was more than helpful in resolving or addressing our concerns. They are currently working through a pesky pond leak, which happens on occasion during new installs (and old ones :-)). However, we know Charlie and his team will not rest until the leak is discovered and fixed. In addition to doing more than just a pond, Charlie and his team have been fostering our Koi for almost a year. Can't thank them enough for watching over and caring for our Koi and we cannot wait to get them into their new home with us. If you are considering a pond, look no further as Charlie and the team at VA Water Gardens will exceed every expectation.
James Fricchione
The most professional, brilliant and immaculate company i had the honor to work with. God Bless !! James F.
Ta-Tanisha Steward
16 reviews
This place is so beautiful. The atmosphere is calming, refreshing and so relaxing.
Edith Ng
19 reviews
Very beautiful garden with waterfall, lake and café, prefect for daily walks
MK Thick-fil-a
98 reviews
Omg this place is GORGEOUS!!! They really know their stuff too! Whatever you're doing they can accommodate. I am a bit sticker shocked BUT probably because I didn't have any clue of cost. The girl who helped us was so kind and answered all of our questions! I wish I had taken pictures while we were there because you just can't imagine how amazing and beautiful this place is!!!!
Thomas Nowell
14 reviews
Great customer service
Nancy McCord
447 reviews
Best firm to do your pond. They built and designed our as well as do annual cleamouts. I was just there today buying pond plants. Store location has a nice selection of koi and plants.
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (540) 372-4499 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Virginia Water Gardens.
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308 Cambridge St, Fredericksburg, VA 22405
February 7, 2026
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