Water Gardens

Water has a captivating effect either when still or flowing. All of the great gardens of the past have made use of water in some way, from the earliest Islamic gardens through to modern contemporary gardens.

Water can be used in a formal or natural ways. Formal pools or ponds tend to be geometric, with sharply defined edges. The orientation of the pond may align with the design lines of the building architecture. A raised pond can create a edge to sit on and is also safer for gardens with children. The reflections on the surface capture the ever-changing mood of the sky on the ground plane.

Natural ponds are generally more relaxed and organic in their design layout. The margins gently slope into the water allowing different plants to be grown ranging from damp to aquatic planting. Natural ponds create a ecosystem for wildlife, especially important in small town gardens where there is a shortage of green space.

Hybrid pools combine formal edges and natural marginal planting. These can be use link areas adjacent to the house (which suit more formal design) with lower parts of the garden where the design style can become more naturalistic.

Dynamic water refers to water with energy. Flowing streams and water falls add drama, sound and impact. It is often DIY waterfalls and streams that end up looking poorly concieved and badly executed. A waterfall or cascade should respond to the topography of the site.

At NDG we feel that natural and dynamic water features can sit within the framework of a clean and modern garden. Fast flowing water can be chanelled though a space adding energy. Reflective pools can brim and overflow creating clean and minimal infinity edges.