Ponds, Pools and Rockeries [antikvár]

INTRODUCTION For centuries, water has been a source of fascination and inspiration to people of all cultures, making it a common feature of garden design world-wide. This is not surprising since it introduces a magical, sometimes mystical element that is cleansing, cooling and restful. It can also captivate the senses, creating an air of excitement and adding a soothing or splashing sound. Whether your garden is large or small, new or well-established, water can add a pleasing and different dimension. Ponds, pools and the myriad water features which go with them, are guaranteed to transform the most ordinary gardens and patios, giving them wonderfully magical and restful qualities. It does not matter what style, if any, you decide to follow or what impression you aim to achieve; when you decide to introduce a water feature into your garden, the possibilities are endless. And whether it is created in a formal, natural or a purely whimsical way, a well-planned water garden will give any outdoor area an aesthetic element which will be appreciated by all. The water lily (Tvlymphaea spp.J is the queen of aquatic plants. Generally, water has a tranquil and calming effect, but it will also bring both light and movement into a garden area. A reflective pond will quietly mirror images of plants, buildings and other features, highlighting colours and encouraging contemplation and a mood of calm, while a water course will tend to shine like a ribbon in the light of the sun or moon. Moving water, on the other hand, will splash and sparkle, producing varying degrees of sound and, often, an exhilarap ing air of excitement and anticipation. | In this book we illustrate a wealth of contemporary ideas for Inspiration. While some projects are influenced by historical approaches, we have tried to present the' widest range of possibilities imaginable Building methods are discussed, and alj the necessary equipment explained. There is also a section on fish and some valuable information about aquatics, oxygenators and other suitable pond plants. In addition to the tried and tested tech-| niques and methods used internationally ^ to build ponds and other water features, ? we have included some innovative and i unusual approaches. Projects range from the simplest water feature, constructed using pre-cast materials, to formal ponds which require more demanding bricklaying skills. Whether you want to build an elaborate fountain or a simple duck pond, the instructions which follow will show you how. Where materials may be difficult to source, suitable alternatives are suggested. /A formal, circular fountain designed as a focal point in a parterre garden and originally laid out in the early 18th Century. 6 INTRODUCTION