Escape to Your
Backyard™ Oasis
Custom koi ponds, natural swimming pools, waterfalls, and water features — designed and built for peaceful outdoor living in the Chicagoland area.
SERVING CHICAGOLAND, IL
West suburbs and surrounding communities
Award-Winning Design & Craftsmanship
Create Your
Backyard Escape
For over 30 years, Reflections Water Gardens has been designing and building custom aquatic environments that bring beauty, relaxation, and lasting value to homes throughout the west suburbs.
From koi ponds and natural swimming pools to waterfalls and pondless features, every project is custom-crafted with creativity, quality, and care.
What We Build
Our Services
Custom water environments designed and built to last a lifetime.
Portfolio
Featured Projects
Natural Pool Resort
Multi-Level Oasis
Evening Illumination
Stream & Waterfall
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Meet Larry Carnes
Larry Carnes founded Reflections Water Gardens in 2010 to build custom, naturalistic water features, not kits. He came to water by way of art, architecture and nearly a decade as a certified arborist on North Shore estates, and he trained under Anthony Archer-Wills and Dave Duensing, with whom he still works. RWG designs and builds koi ponds, natural swimming ponds and waterfalls for private estates in Chicagoland and consults across the U.S. and in Canada. Projects include filtration consulting on Land of Natura, a five-acre natural swimming pond in the Wisconsin Dells, and the end-zone waterfalls at Arkansas State University's football stadium. His work has earned Platinum and Gold awards from Landscape Illinois and a Gold award from APLD, and he writes for POND Trade magazine.
HOW WE WORK
OUR PROCESS IS WHY WE ARE DIFFERENT
DREAM IT
Every great water garden begins with a conversation. We listen to your vision, explore your space, and imagine the perfect feature tailored just for you.
DESIGN IT
Our design team crafts a detailed plan around your budget, aesthetic, and site — every element considered before a single stone is placed.
DO IT
Our skilled builders bring the approved design to life with precision and care, delivering a stunning water feature built to last for generations.
Resources
Helpful Tips & Inspiration
Expert advice, seasonal tips, and ideas for your water garden.
Client Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
Trusted by hundreds of homeowners across Chicagoland
Larry did an amazing job transforming our deck & backyard into an amazing little Paradise of our own. The sound & beauty of the waterfalls & stream is extremely relaxing — exactly what we were looking for.
R.C.
South Barrington, IL
Larry has great knowledge when it comes to the actual workings of a waterscape. His education and experience make him an expert in design, performance and function.
Philip T. Schleifer
Advantage 1 Inc.
Larry Carnes knows more about water features than anyone I have ever met. His drive to continually educate himself on best practices is a benefit to his customers.
Quinten Bull
Land Shapers Inc.
Free Design Booklet
Download our free booklet to start planning your dream water feature.
DOWNLOAD THE FREE BOOKLETReady to Transform Your Backyard?
Let's create a custom water feature you'll enjoy for years to come.
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