Who’s the Best Fit For My Water Feature Project?
07-01-2025
8-10 min read
By John G Adams
Are you considering adding a custom pond, fountain, or waterfall to your outdoor living space? Have you been looking at Modern Design Aquascaping as a potential option… and Willow Ridge Garden Center & Landscaping as another? Not sure which one of us is the right fit for your project? Let’s clear that up!
As the owner of Modern Design Aquascaping, I can tell you right now—we go head-to-head with Willow Ridge on a regular basis. Sometimes they’re the better fit for the job. Sometimes we are. It all depends on your goals, your expectations, and the kind of experience you’re looking for.
In this article, you’re going to get an unbiased, transparent breakdown of both companies. We’ll give you some background on each, lay out the core services we offer, and walk you through each team’s strengths, specialties, and ideal project types. We’ll also share the types of projects where each of us might not be the best fit—because honesty matters, and the wrong team on the right project will never give you the outcome you’re dreaming of.
By the end of this read, you’ll have a crystal-clear view of what we each bring to the table. You’ll understand who we are, what we do best, and how to choose the company that fits your vision best—whether that’s us or Willow Ridge. That’s the point of this article. No pressure, no pitch. Just clarity.
In the sections that follow, we’re going to introduce both companies in more detail—starting with Willow Ridge Garden Center and Landscaping, and then Modern Design Aquascaping. For each, we’ll share key background information, certifications, online presence, and a review summary that focuses specifically on water feature projects. The goal? Help you understand exactly who you’re working with—and which team is the right fit for your dream water feature.
Willow Ridge Garden Center & Landscaping
Willow Ridge Garden Center & Landscaping was founded in 1981 in Oak Ridge, TN, as a full-fledged garden center and landscape design-builder offering everything from seasonal plants and bulk goods to hardscapes and water feature installations . They are a Certified Aquascape Contractor, specializing in fountains, urns, ponds, and pondless waterfalls, alongside a broad landscaping portfolio . Operating as a family-owned business that emphasizes retail plant sales and design education, they cater to clients who want integrated landscaping services with water features as one component. With large-scale garden center support, Willow Ridge is ideal for residential clients seeking a single vendor for landscape enhancements and simpler water additions in conjunction with broader outdoor projects.
📞 Phone: (865) 481–3825
📍 Address: 97 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
🏗️ Years in Business: Founded in 1981
🌐 Website: willowridgegardencenter.com
📘 Facebook Page: facebook.com/willowridgegardencenter
📺 YouTube Channel: @willowridgegardencenterlan898
💧 Water Feature Specialist?: Not exclusively – Water features are one of several services they offer through their landscaping division
📜 Certifications & Awards:
- Master Certified Aquascape Contractor
⭐ Google Review Summary (Water Feature–Specific Only)
Average Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.93 (Based on 15 reviews)
Customers who hired Willow Ridge to build or service a pond, waterfall, or fountain reported overwhelmingly positive experiences. They described the company as responsive, skilled, and capable of delivering water features that were both beautiful and functional. Many noted the natural aesthetic of the final product and praised the professionalism of the crews. Customers appreciated clear communication and a sense that their ideas were truly heard and brought to life. While one or two reviews briefly mentioned issues or wait times, they were rare and never dominant. The overall sentiment was one of satisfaction and admiration for the craftsmanship and customer care Willow Ridge delivered in water feature projects.
🏅 Best Review to Feature
Reviewer: thomaschavers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: “My wife and I moved into a house, back in 2020, in which one of the previous residents had put in a DIY fish pond. They didn’t leave us any instructions on it. I had to figure things out on my own. This year (2025), I had it professionally serviced by Willow Ridge Garden Center. They did an AMAZING job. I can’t believe it’s the same pond. It was worth every penny. All of their pond maintenance team are trained and certified by Aquascape. Zach and Evan are the 2 gentlemen that serviced our fish pond. They are super great guys and they were able to answer all of my questions and gave me wonderful tips and advice on how to maintain a healthy pond. I HIGHLY recommend Willow Ridge Garden Center for all of your fish pond needs and services.”
📍https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/101206851818673221055/reviews?hl=en
Modern Design Aquascaping Inc.
Modern Design Aquascaping Inc. is a family-owned business based in Friendsville, TN, specializing exclusively in the design, construction, and maintenance of ecosystem ponds, fountains, and waterfalls. Founded in 1994 and focused solely on water features since 2000, they offer a highly specialized service portfolio supported by national recognition, industry certifications, and a strong online educational presence. The company is best known for artistic, naturalistic builds and has completed projects across the U.S. and internationally. As a Master Certified Aquascape Contractor, Modern Design brings deep experience, creative execution, and a clear dedication to water feature craftsmanship.
📞 Phone: (865) 995‑1234
📍 Address: 761 Disco Loop Road, Friendsville, TN 37737
🏗️ Years in Business: Founded in 1994, specializing in water features since 2000
🌐 Website: www.mdaquascaping.com
📺 YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@MDAquascaping
📘 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ModernDesignAquascaping
💧 Water Feature Specialist?: Yes
📜 Certifications & Awards:
- Master Certified Aquascape Contractor
- Artist of the Year (Aquascape, 2013)
- Rainwater Harvesting Certification
- Water Feature Artisans of the Year
- Best Waterfall (Pond Trade Magazine)
⭐ Google Review Summary (Water Feature–Specific Only)
Average Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 (Based on 35 reviews)
Modern Design Aquascaping clients overwhelmingly describe their experience as transformational, marked by professionalism, artistry, and emotional impact. Many note how their ponds or waterfalls have become the centerpiece of their outdoor life—bringing peace, joy, and a sense of awe. Reviewers praise the team’s attention to detail, clear communication, and consistent follow-through from start to finish. Even long-time maintenance clients express loyalty, citing consistent service and trust built over many years. Whether it’s a new build or a seasonal cleanout, customers feel deeply cared for and proud to showcase the living artwork in their yards.
🏅 Best Review to Feature
Reviewer: Benjie Cox
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: “I told my wife I wanted to build a mountain stream in our yard… and that’s exactly what Modern Design Aquascaping delivered. The artistry, attention to detail, and flow of the water is everything I imagined—and more. I find myself just sitting outside, listening and watching in complete peace. The team was respectful, timely, and deeply skilled. It’s changed the feel of our entire property. This isn’t just landscaping—it’s living art.”
📍https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/104493794283079099204/reviews
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How Do These Two Companies Really Compare?
Now that we’ve got a solid picture of who both companies are—and what their clients actually think about them—let’s talk about fit. Not every water feature contractor is right for every project, and that’s okay. It would’ve been easy for me to just say, “Pick us, we’re the best,” but that would be selling you short. So let’s focus on transparency.
In the next section, we’re going to break down each company’s strengths, their ideal clients, and the types of projects that might not be in their sweet spot. This isn’t about good or bad—it’s about finding the right match. So as you read through, ask yourself: Which of these builders sounds more like what I’m looking for?
And if you’re still not sure, I’ve put together a video that explains how to select the right contractor for your water feature project. It’s comprehensive, honest, and worth a watch.
💧 Modern Design Aquascaping Inc.
Strengths
- Large-scale, artistic water features ─ Known for bold, over-the-top builds using massive boulders, powerful water flow, and sculpted layouts. Modern Design thrives on complexity and creativity in larger spaces.
- Ecosystem expertise ─ Every feature is crafted as a living, functioning ecosystem—balanced for beauty, biology, and long-term health.
- Collaborative project integration ─ While focused on water, the team often partners with other contractors and designers to help bring full outdoor environments to life.
- Transparent pricing ─ Dozens of detailed Project Profile Pages on their website showcase past builds with pricing, timelines, and scope breakdowns.
- Family-owned with national recognition ─ Led by John and Tristan Adams, the company has built award-winning features across the U.S. and internationally.
Ideal Fit
- Clients seeking large, highly customized, or visually dramatic water features.
- Homeowners who want massive rockwork, strong water flow, or naturalistic stream effects.
- People who value collaborative, educational, and transparent processes, including clear pricing.
- Projects that are ecosystem-driven, with fish, plants, and wildlife built in.
Not Ideal For
- DIY shoppers wanting to buy parts and install themselves.
- Projects needing a quick-install or ready-made landscape + water feature package.
- Those looking for basic or budget installs without custom artistry.
🌿 Willow Ridge Garden Center & Landscaping
Strengths
-
- One-stop landscape solutions ─ Offers plant materials, outdoor décor, and landscape services through a fully stocked garden center.
- Full-service landscaping ─ Clients can get patios, walls, planting, lighting, and small water features from one team.
- Friendly, responsive service ─ Customers appreciate communication, reliability, and professionalism across the board.
-
Certified water feature installation ─ As a Master Certified Aquascape Contractor, the team builds attractive, functional ponds and fountains that blend well in garden-focused residential settings.
Ideal Fit
- Clients looking for a landscape company that also builds water features.
- Projects that involve multiple outdoor elements—like planting, lighting, patios, and small ponds or fountains—in one unified package.
- Smaller-scale or mid-range residential features that are part of a broader landscape plan.
- Homeowners who want to shop plants or décor onsite and work with a familiar local brand.
Not Ideal For
- Large-scale or deeply customized water features with complex rockwork or high-volume water flow.
- Clients wanting advanced ecosystem integration or artistic sculpting of water and stone.
- DIYers seeking high-touch pond consulting or beyond-the-basics system design.
So… Which Builder Is Right for You?
At the end of the day, this isn’t about who’s better—it’s about who’s right for you.
If you’re dreaming of a massive, ecosystem-driven stream that looks like it rolled off a mountain trail—or a bold, artistic waterfall loaded with detail and built with intentionality—Modern Design Aquascaping might be your perfect partner.
If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop that can install a pond or fountainscape as part of a full landscape build with plantings, patios, and lighting all included, Willow Ridge might be a better fit.
The truth is, we respect the hell out of each other. We’ve both been doing this a long time. We’re both family-owned, trusted in our communities, and committed to delivering long-lasting work we’re proud of. We’re friends—and we stay in our lanes. And when the project calls for the other guy? We say so.
So now it’s your turn.
You’ve got the facts. You’ve read the reviews. The only thing left is to decide what kind of experience you want—and which builder can bring that vision to life.
👉 If you’re still unsure
🎥 Need help choosing the right water feature contractor?
John made a video just for you—watch this before making your final decision:Choosing The Right Contractor For Your Water Feature |How To Select A Pond Contractor
👉 Or if you’re ready to talk, click here to schedule a call or send us a message.
Whether we end up being the builder for you or not, we’re happy to help you get pointed in the right direction.
Because at the end of the day, the goal isn’t just to build a water feature—it’s to create something that changes the way you connect with your home, your family, and nature itself.
About the Author
John G. Adams is the founder of Modern Design Aquascaping Inc. and widely regarded as one of the most respected and artistic minds in the water feature industry. With over three decades of experience building ponds, fountains, and waterfalls across the United States and around the world — including Canada, the U.K., South America, and multiple trips to Africa with the Aquascape Foundation — John has earned a reputation for precision, passion, and an eye for the little things that take time… but make all the difference.
Although his sons now lead most of the construction at Modern Design, John has shifted his focus toward educating and inspiring others. He dedicates his time to creating powerful social media content, mentoring up-and-coming artists, working with nonprofit projects, and soaking in life with his eight grandchildren. His YouTube channel, Modern Design Aquascaping, has over 50,000 subscribers, serving as a free, ever-growing resource for anyone who wants to learn about ponds, fountains, and waterfalls.
Whether you’ve stumbled on one of his videos, met him on a job site, or are just discovering his work now — his mission remains the same: to change lives through water and help people connect- with each other, with themselves, and with nature!
