Business Details
28 Years
experience
Bay Area Custom Water Gardens & Landscaping Experts
Founded in 1998, Pond Magic Water Gardens and Landscapes has established itself as a premier provider of custom landscape and water feature installations. Our team combines traditional Japanese and classic English garden design principles to create harmonious, nature-inspired spaces that serve as sanctuaries for both people and wildlife. With over 25 years of experience, we specialize in transforming residential and commercial properties into low-maintenance, environmentally friendly oases that incorporate custom ponds, waterfalls, streams, wetland systems, and sustainable landscaping. Our expertise extends to integrating native plants and drought-resistant designs that support local ecosystems while reducing water consumption.We prioritize personalized service, beginning with in-depth consultations to understand each client's vision, followed by site assessments, scaled design plans, and execution that balances aesthetics with functional outdoor living spaces. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship is evident in every project, from initial concept through installation, using techniques that emphasize naturalistic stone placement and water flow dynamics. We serve clients across Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Jose, and San Francisco, maintaining a reputation for excellence built through consistent delivery of innovative, client-focused solutions that exceed expectations.
Services
Custom Pond Design
Waterfall Installation
Koi Pond Construction
Wetland Systems
Landscape Installations
Pondless Waterfalls
Stream Design
Pond Maintenance
Hybrid Koi Ponds
Water Gardens
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We've specialized in water feature design and installation for over 25 years
- Our designs integrate eco-friendly principles with artistic craftsmanship
- We offer comprehensive services from initial consultation to final installation
- Our team works with native plants and drought-resistant landscaping techniques
- We provide customized solutions for both residential and commercial properties
What people say
Excellent workmanship
Changed our backyard
Artistic flair
Thrilled with results
Delight to work with
Services
Custom Pond Design
Our custom pond designs create naturalistic ecosystems that integrate seamlessly with outdoor spaces. Using wildlife-friendly principles and water-efficient techniques, we craft ponds that serve as tranquil focal points while supporting local biodiversity. Services include site assessment, scaled design plans, and installation of both decorative water gardens and functional koi ponds.
Waterfall Installation
We specialize in custom waterfalls that enhance outdoor environments with soothing sounds and natural aesthetics. Our designs consider location, water flow dynamics, and acoustic optimization to create features that complement architectural elements and landscape contours. Installations range from dramatic cascades to subtle tiered designs across residential and commercial properties.
Wetland Systems
Our constructed wetland systems use plants for natural water purification and filtration. These self-sustaining ecosystems combine ecological function with aesthetic appeal, effectively reducing nutrients and improving water quality through strategically selected plant species. Systems can be integrated with water features or installed as standalone environmental enhancements.
Landscape Installations
We provide comprehensive landscape installations incorporating hardscaping elements, irrigation systems, and sustainable planting schemes. Our approach blends functional outdoor living spaces with natural beauty through customized designs that include drainage solutions, stone pathways, lighting, and both native and drought-tolerant plant selections.
Pond Maintenance
Our maintenance services ensure lasting beauty and functionality of water features through professional cleanouts, system upgrades, and seasonal adjustments. We offer complete pond rejuvenation including algae removal, rock cleaning, plant management, and fish care using specialized equipment like our 800-gallon koi transport system during cleaning processes.
People
Hubert Kalinowski
Owners & Principal Designer
With over 25 years of experience in water garden design, Hubert Kalinowski combines traditional and modern landscaping principles to create award-winning outdoor spaces that harmonize with natural ecosystems.
Questions
What types of water features do you specialize in?
We specialize in custom ponds, waterfalls, koi ponds, wetland systems, and pondless waterfalls. All designs incorporate sustainable practices and natural aesthetics.
Do you offer complete installation services?
Yes, we provide full-service installations from initial design through final execution, including hardscaping, irrigation, and all water feature components.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Jose, and San Francisco with specialized knowledge of local environmental conditions and plant species.
How do your wetland systems work?
Our wetland systems use specific plant species to naturally filter water while creating beautiful, biodiverse habitats that enhance any landscape.
Can you renovate existing water features?
Yes, we offer complete pond cleanouts, system upgrades, and feature renovations to restore functionality and beauty to aging water features.
What makes your designs unique?
We combine Japanese and English garden traditions with modern ecological principles to create personalized spaces that emphasize harmony and natural beauty.
Reviews (5)
Phillip F.
Nov 03, 2021
Report
First thing I see in the morning last I see at night. We've had this pond since we installed it 2003. It's been both amazing and devastating. Fir the last two years we've been with Pond Magic. Jakob and Hubert have made it just AMAZING everyday. Once a month service reliable and reasonable. They've made reasonable suggestions that have surpassed expectations and we couldn't be happier. Clear clean always passing my Koi Veterinarians water tests with ease.
Victoria T.
Sep 24, 2020
Report
Poor communication and follow-through with these contractors. I was clear from the beginning that raccoons were an issue in my backyard, and after the raccoons had a field day with the fountain Pond Magic constructed, subsequent visits to my house by the contractors (that took weeks to schedule) failed to solve the problem. Now I am left with an eyesore collecting mosquito larvae, am out $1000, and will have to start all over with a different company.
Susan S.
Jun 01, 2020
Report
Jakub and company have done a terrific job to reinstall our pond and repair our deck. Our pond has been quite a mess when the project started with lots of debris accumulated over the years. It was amazing to us that the team was able to finish everything (including cleaning up the debris, installing a new pump and filter and rearrange all the water lilies, etc. ) in one very productive day. Moreover, they were able to help us adjust the waterfall routing over the rocks to save water without additional charge after 2 months! The deck project was also smooth and pleasant. Jakub and team were
Lisa L.
Mar 10, 2020
Report
We called Jakub at Pond Magic to redesign a pond and waterfall that had been a constant headache for years-never worked well, always clogged, etc. Jakub came out right away and knew exactly what was wrong. He ordered the correct pump, skimmer and filter and reworked it in one day and it is perfect! I can't say enough about how nice, courteous, prompt and professional Jakub is and what a pleasure it is to work with his company. We are beyond thrilled with the result!
J. E.
Aug 16, 2019
Report
This review is not based on their work. It is because they came out to my house for an estimate after I emailed the address on their website. We went over all the details of the pond that I wanted them to construct, from exact measurements to rock size to placement of the different components, etc. We also talked about when they would be able to do the work. They were going to email me an estimate. Never heard back. After a week, I sent a friendly reminder. After two weeks, a phone message, and then finally a text. It was the same text number we had communicated on several times when we were
