Of all the things you could add to your landscape, a water feature has to be the most dramatic and rewarding. What else could bring you sound, movement, reflections, and the opportunity to attract animals and use plants in entirely new ways? There is no garden that cannot be made more delightful by the introduction of water. This addition can be as simple as a wooden tub with aquatic plants, as scenic as a series of waterfalls cascading into a woodland pond, or as exotic as a display of tropical waterlilies blooming on the glassy surface of a formal pond. Add water, by almost any means, and the garden suddenly becomes more alive.
One of the main considerations is location. A garden pool will be largely wasted if it is tucked away where its reflections cannot be enjoyed--or if those reflections emphasize an unsightly utility pole instead of lovely yellow flag iris. Elements surrounding the pool or pond are as important as the pond itself, and should be considered carefully before a shovelful of earth is turned. Moreover, the location of the pond should be close enough to a major viewing point like a terrace so that the angle of view permits the water surface and its reflections to provide a constant source of pleasure. Other factors to keep in mind when considering the site of a water garden are: sunlight, drainage, eaves, trees, plants, or other barriers, wind, and accessibility.
For maximum enjoyment, consider the depth and bottom treatment of your pool as carefully as its top. A miniature pool designed primarily to capture reflections or to serve as a catch basin for a fountain need be only a few inches deep. For garden pools up to about 100 square feet in surface area, a depth of 16 to 18 inches looks better and will accommodate waterlilies and fish. A large pool or pond can be 2 or 3 feet deep, but anything deeper is likely to create a hazard for children. Ordinances often require that pools over a certain depth be fenced and posted with "Keep Out" notices.
The reasons for considering a water garden are varied. Commercial landscape architects use water in their designs for effect and uniqueness. Homeowners want to exchange their rakes, lawn mowers, and weedeaters for a work free garden. There are many other reasons, but most of us are simply looking for a garden to enjoy, a haven for relaxation. Water does have a relaxing effect, whether it be the rhythmic waves of the ocean, a gently running brook, or the quiet beauty of a pond. While we may not be able to recreate nature with oceans and brooks, we can find pleasure in designing and building ponds.
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