STILL WATERS
Stumbling across a mirror-like pool or reflection bowl in a garden is truly joyful. Take a moment of peace and beauty to marvel at the ever-changing reflection of surrounding trees, swaying grasses and drifting clouds overhead.
Garden and landscape designers have long explored ways to introduce still water into their creations, for the tranquil mood it imbues and its light-enhancing qualities. From filled-to-the-brim straight-sided rills cutting through smooth stone paving to glass-like mirror pools set within timber decking inviting contemplation from nearby seating, still water is hugely popular and powerful in classic, contemporary and natural settings.
Landscape and garden consultant Claudia De Yong created this enchanting wildlife pool (pictured above and below right) for Sussex-based clients. “They wanted to bring some natural features into the large, uninteresting paddock with a view to introducing wildlife and native wildflowers,” she says. “The area we chose to site the pond was ideal from a visual point of view from the house. We created a small oak jetty, positioned to take advantage of the view over the adjoining fields and river.”
The result is a magical space that captivates year-round with peaceful charm and tranquillity. Mirroring the sky, nearby trees and surrounding countryside, it fills the area with reflected light and seamlessly blends into the idyllic location – achieved by clever and sensitive design. “This is quite an art,” says Claudia, offering advice for similar schemes. “If using stone to surround a pond, choose a locally sourced one and think about how it is positioned to look as natural as possible. Plant around the pond with native species to help blend into the existing garden.
“Having a layer of flat stones and gravel sloping down to create a ‘beach’ on one side will help amphibians and insects access in and out and help insects such as bees drink without falling in. Ensure a pond is sited away from overhanging trees, as removing leaves can become a full-time job. If leaves are left to decay, it creates silt and debris and encourages algae growth which in turn depletes oxygen levels for fish and other wildlife.” ►
• Many pre-designed water features include a hidden pump to recirculate the water, enabling them to be placed just about anywhere in the garden near mains power. A few are solar-powered, but these tend to be small, only available in limited designs and provide a gentle flow rather than dramatic results.
• Garden designer Janet Bligh says: “I’ve incorporated rills into a number of gardens. If you enjoy the sound of running water, add waterfalls where the rill runs between raised or sunken pools at either end. These can also be uplit from below, ensuring that your water feature will provide a beautiful focal point for your garden long after the sun has set.”
• Siting a moving water feature in a shady spot can help limit the presence and growth of algae. This is due to sunlight accelerating bacterial growth which in turn forms the prolific green slime.
• All water features need to be cleaned regularly, partly to prevent algae and particularly if located within a hard water area. Experts at David Harber suggest draining a water feature completely every two months.
• There are many ways of keeping water features crystal clear and moving water definitely helps. Designers can advise on the best solution for individual projects, but possibilities include the use of built-in UV lights that kill algae, adding eco-friendly cleaning additives regularly along with self-cleaning filtration systems.
• The beauty of a design with flowing water relies largely upon seamless integration with the immediate surroundings. This requires careful thought as to how the pump, water reservoir and power can be routed to the chosen position and hidden from view. Freestanding features can either sit upon a sump and water reservoir sunk into the ground, or contained within a raised base or plinth – potentially increasing visibility from inside the house.