It’s all in the details
Although judicious planting can help mask various imperfections, no amount can compensate for poor execution of rockwork or edging detail. With that said, water shape designers are fortunate most natural ponds accumulate a wealth of plant material along their shorelines.
Woodland streams and ponds, for example, comprise an assortment of ferns and lovely vibrant green mosses, making additional plantings unnecessary. These streams and ponds are also restful to the eye and virtually maintenance-free.
On the other hand, a more open water garden will be able to support a vast selection of moisture loving species. These water features provide the opportunity to create various shallow areas to place emergent plants such as Iris and Pickerel (Pontederia cordata), while in deeper areas, plants such as water lilies and even American Lotus (Nulumbo lutea) will thrive.
In the soil, close to the liner’s edge, pond foliage such as Western Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton americanus), Primulas, or Butterbur (Petasites) and various other herbaceous plants and woody species can be cultivated.
For a water feature to appear convincingly natural, it is important to keep in mind absolutely no construction materials should be visible. If necessary, cover any visible pond liner with soil or pebbles. A natural gravel mix from a glacial or riverbed is far better than a screened, single-size stone. Also ensure the backs and undersides of the rocks are not showing—a rock set deeply in the ground will seem far larger than one that is visible in its entirety.
The interior of the water feature should not be neglected either, as onlookers can often see below the water’s surface. Therefore, it is important to allow rocks, gravel and soil to continue towards the bottom of the water feature so one sees nothing but beautiful, natural forms beneath the surface. This creates the appearance of an underwater garden and a world of movement, life and reflecting light.
Anthony Archer-Wills is an international water garden designer specializing in water gardens, formal gardens, natural gardens and waterfalls and streams. He can be reached via e-mail at aaw@archerwills.com or via his website, www.archerwills.com.
