ECKERSLEY’S TIPS FOR USING A WATER FEATURE

UNLESS space is limited, be generous with the scale of a pond. If smaller than 1m in width, it will have minimum impact. If width is limited, elongate the pond to a generous length.

REFLECTION ponds don’t need to be deep, but with high levels and warning of the water, they will need good-quality filtration to keep algae at bay. Deepening ponds to at least 50cm will reduce problems with algae and allow balances living systems with fish and plants. Good filtration is still essential.

CONSIDER designing ponds in association with pools for overflow opportunities. Water usually recirculates from the ponds into the main pool so must pass through the swimming-pool filtration system.

WATER can be introduced vertically by running concealed plumbing up through or behind walls that have been water-proofed to allow water to flow down over their surfaces to a collection channel at the base. A small pump within the channels keeps the system charged.

TREAT the design of swimming pools as you would a large ornamental pond – it shouldn’t look out of place. If it assumes a natural, free-form shape, the shape should match lines elsewhere in the landscape.

CONSIDER the sound and splash water will make as it moves across surfaces or through fonts. Slow movement down a wall will give a soft, lapping sound. A bubbler just breaking the surface will add gentle sound, whereas water flowing over metal sculptures will give a light splashing, tinkling effect.

IF WATER breaks the surface, carefully estimate its splash so that little is lost outside the pond, even with wind drift. Larger effects of movement will demand larger surfaces of water.

Rick Eckersley is a principal garden designer with Eckersley Stafford Design

Outside: the Garden Designs of Rick Eckersley and Lisa Stafford features photography by Simon Griffiths (Penguin Australia ), rrp $59.95

Lost of thought: water gives you a tranquil place for contemplation.

As appeared in Herald Sun (Weekend)  Dated: 17/12/2005

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