Garden Design: water features

Showing posts with label water features. Show all posts

August 14, 2013

Wellbeing and Water

Whenever I hear the sound of water in a garden I stop and breathe, the effect this has on me is instant. Whether it be a fountain, stream, waterfall, rippling pond or tiny table top water feature, the sense of restfulness is the same. In Tuscany water is an issue it most likely will remain so, therefore the use of water in the garden has to be carefully considered. However with a little bit of wizardry water can be channeled and reused in the garden and need not become a drain on precious resources. I always try and incorporate an element of water within a garden, classic Tuscan gardens often include a grand statuesque fountain whereas simple more contemporary gardens take a modern twist with simple metal or stone water features. Water connects spaces in the garden and can also act as a focal point or resting space. Sitting alongside a flowing stream or cascade of water will naturally calm and refresh bringing a sense of well-being to the space.

I recently stumbled upon this amazing artist and am in love with his work. I will be asking for his input on any larger garden designs as his sculptures are truly breathtaking. http://www.gilesrayner.com/sculpture-portfolio.php

March 10, 2013

Water in the Garden

Water features in the garden have become very popular over the years. There's a wide variety to choose from: simple birdbaths, ponds, fountains and swimming pools can all enhance the overall look of a backyard.

Even in our very small yard in the 80's, we had an inground swimming pool. I remember trying to get a quote for an inground pool in a yard that was probably 30' x 40'. Six companies laughed at me until Company #7 said: Ok. We can do it. And they did!! Not only did it look lovely, but we had many hours of enjoyment for ourselves and with friends and neighbours.

In our present yard, space was not an issue but I wanted the pool in before starting to plan a garden (we moved into the house when it was brand new and the backyard was an empty palette). Again, the pool has been a source of relief on hot dry summer days as well as a gorgeous turquoise focal point to be seen from the deck or the kitchen.

Here is a shot of my neighbour's pool with a stunning planter beside it.

I took this photo while on a Toronto garden tour. What a spectacular pool and property!!

The same backyard had a small pond with a fountain.

On a previous garden tour, this shady little nook had a charming statue and a small stone-lined pond.

Bird baths come in a variety of styles and are like a sculpture in a border.

Flowing water looks and sounds nice - here it's in a very contemporary setting.

Speaking of contemporary - this was a lovely water feature highlighting moving water and colourful rocks.

Here is a more formal setting.

And then there are those who are lucky enough to have a river behind their yard!!

Even without a river, you sometimes still get……ducks!

Please be sure to check out my recipe blog http://astridshome.wordpress.com/. The latest entries have been Breaded Tilapia with Orzo, Sunday Morning Crepes and Peanut Butter Cookies.

June 10, 2012

Rosedale Garden Tour, Toronto

Today my friend Sheila and I went on the annual "Through the Garden Gate" tour put on by the Toronto Botanical Garden society. This year's homes were in the resplendent Rosedale area. The brochure describes the area: "…We've been to Rosedale four times and these have been our most popular tours. So it's fitting that we're back for this special anniversary year (their 25th). Everyone loves Rosedale's spectacular properties, the serpentine streets, the sense of neighbourhood, the old trees and many ravines, not to mention the downtown location..."
We had a fabulous day! I took waaaay too many pictures so I will trim them down and give you just the highlights.