Water Feature Favourites by David Domoney

6 June 2020

As we edge closer to summer and the days get longer, the sun invites us out into the garden to relax and spend time with nature. Transforming your garden into an alluring and calming space is as simple as introducing one of the most magical elements – water.
 

Water Works

Making up 71% of the surface of Earth, there’s no denying that water is incredibly important, and there are many ways to incorporate water into your garden design to make the most of the relaxing and calming impacts that water offers.

There’s something therapeutic about being near water. The trickling and lapping sound, the cool refreshing feel, and the sight of the dazzling droplets, it satisfies all of the senses. Incorporate the following designs into your garden to transform your space into a soothing sanctuary.
 

Refreshing Features

Having a water feature as a focal point in your garden is a great idea. Circular fountains are a marvellous choice to add some soft structure to your space and emphasise the shapes in your plot.
 

Surround your feature with soft paving such as Tudor Denby, for a soft cobbled effect to accentuate the tranquil atmosphere.
 

Pair the paving with greenery to soften the transition between the feature and the flooring with plants that can tolerate shade as well as splashes of water. Evergreens such as Asplenium scolopendrium (hart’s tongue fern) or Polystichum setiferum (soft shield fern) both thrive in full or partial shade in moist, but well-drained soil.
 

Water-Wall

If you are low on floor space, there’s no need to compromise. Instead, create a vertical water wall using Porcelain Wall Cladding which is the perfect backdrop for an elegant partition in the garden, covered in cascading water. Position it somewhere hidden with some seating, so you can escape and listen to the soothing soundtrack of flowing water, or in a social space so your conversations are accompanied by the gentle sound.
 

Soften the base of the wall with rounded pebbles, filled in with plants that love a moist environment such as Iris ensata (Japanese water iris). Water mint is suited near water and will provide a wonderful minty scent, so when you are relaxing the comforting sound of water is accompanied by a fresh fragrance. In addition, the mint leaves can also be used to flavour your drinks and dishes, whilst also being a great plant for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
 

Pool Party

What could be a better escape in the warm weather than to immerse yourself in fresh, cooling water? Pavestone’s Regal pool paving will provide a luxurious and contemporary surrounding to your pool, with a slick and smooth finish. Whether you want the warmer tones of Regal Oasis or the cooler hues of Regal summit, the paving joins together like tiles to easily create the surrounding of your home pool.
 

For a stunning stone surface, Opus Porcelain Paving is incredibly hard wearing and will not worsen in adverse weather, so you can make the most of it in the warmer months but not worry about it in the winter. 
 

Available in two shades, with a cream option called Volterra and Groeningen, a darker charcoal colour. Both options will keep their colours with no fading, so you can relax peacefully in your garden pool, without worrying about the aesthetics diminishing.
 

Pond Life

Garden ponds are a great way to benefit your garden, wildlife, and yourself. You can use them as a space to introduce new plants into your garden that thrive in and around water, attracting amphibians and other creatures.
 

However big or small your pond, there are some top things to remember so that everyone can make the most of it. Firstly, ensure there is a gradual slope or steps to allow hedgehogs to get in and out safely so they can access the water for drinking and bathing.
 

Surround your pond with rockery stones to tidy the edges. Add in Hottonia palustris (water violet) which is a submerged aquatic plant with feathery foliage and purple flowers in the spring and will provide oxygen during the day. Complemented by ornamental plants such as Zantedeschia aethiopica (arum lily), a stunning plant to soften the edges of a pond with their dark green foliage and white, funnel-shaped flowers that thrive in poorly drained soil.

Introducing water to your garden will satisfy all the senses and transform your garden into a tranquil haven for you to escape and relax in, with the soundtrack and reflections of beauty.

 

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