STILL WATERS In praise of the pond

WHETHER GREAT OR SMALL, COUNTRY OR URBAN, PONDS ARE A HYPNOTIC FEATURE IN AN OUTDOOR SPACE

3. SHAPING UP

A raised pond draws the eye to a focal point in a garden. Owner and designer Cary Goode has chosen the shape of this pond to tie in with a surrounding feature – in this case, the holes in the dovecote form a diamond that is reflected in the raised design.

4. HIDDEN GEMS

This reflective pool from landscape architects Gillespies is made from Corten steel and beautifully mirrors the leaves and the sky. Oliver Duguid, who led the project, chose to surround the pond with lush mounds of Japanese forest grass.

“THE RUSSET TONES OF THE MIRROR POOLS AT HOLLAND PARK VILLAS COMPLEMENT THE FOLIAGE OF THE WATER LILIES AND THE SURROUNDING GRASSES, CREATING A RICH TAPESTRY OF COLOUR AND TEXTURE” OLIVER DUGUID, landscape architect

5. SERENE SEATING In this tranquil setting, designer Charlotte Rowe lets the water serve as both a visual and physical barrier to the arboured seating area. Underwater lighting is incorporated to create a visual feast when night falls and the stepping stone slabs are fixed to give the impression that they are floating.

6. A FORMAL SETTING Greencombe is an organic woodland-style garden with sweeping views overlooking the Bristol Channel. Under the shade of the trees, this formal pond has an untouched air. Choosing a partially shaded spot like this for your pond will play beautifully with light reflections at different times of day.

7. WATERFRONT LIFE Interior designer and guest editor Kit Kemp’s pond, much like her signature style, is classic with a wonderfully whimsical flourish. Naturalistic ponds like Kit’s are a haven for wildlife – the ducks here are able to nest in this ornate duck house.

1. TURN TO STONE Inspired by Japanese gardens, designer Matt Keightley added giant paddlestones at the bottom of this minimalist pool. The organic shape of the stones presents a pleasing contrast to the angular precision of the pool’s outline.

2. THE RILL OF IT For those wanting to add a touch of theatre, there’s nothing like a rill. This design at Eastleach House in Gloucestershire sees the water journey down a long slope over a series of carved stone steps, creating different sound effects on the way.