Water is one of the essential elements within gardens around the world and through the ages. The reason? Water – its ripples, cascades and reflective glints -represents life.
We are drawn to water, even in the smallest courtyard. It can cool us, calm us and muffle surrounding noise. The sound of water adds a fourth dimension to our existing garden textures, scents and colours. Water will animate the most sullen space.
Watching the range of wildlife also drawn water – to bathe, swim and live in even the smallest bowl – is a bonus. And a range of rather lovely water-based plants suddenly open up to us; we’ve created a whole new gardening environment.
Water features do need decent construction and regular maintenance, as well as careful design and siting to look ‘settled’. But done well, the investment is well worth the hypnotic result.
