THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE ENHANCING GARDEN DESIGN WITH WATER
12
This month our television horticulturist, Camilla Bassett-Smith, takes a look at an element vital to our gardens and green spaces.
We take it for granted, we moan when it falls from the sky or when it runs cold from the shower, but where would us horticulturists be without it? I’m talking about water of course and how our gardens and plants would be nothing without it.
Of course, plants need it to grow, and I’ll be taking a look at some vital watering can considerations shortly, but it really is a must have for any outdoor space and here in the Cotswolds we boast some water features to be proud of. Westbury Court is the only restored Dutch style water garden in the country, originally laid out between 1696 and 1705 and since restored by The National Trust and open now for the 2022 season. Water gardens really came to the attention of the British after the creation of the elaborate features at Versailles in France. Dyrham Park for one used to host a number of elaborate water features in its grounds, you can spot a statue of Neptune still there to this day (although sadly many of the early features were replaced in the late 18th century). Neptune of course also keeps watch over our Cheltenham’s Promenade, a well-loved local landmark.
Going further back, many centuries in fact, a style of old Iranian garden known as The Paradise Garden held water as a vital ingredient, in the form of canals, rills, ponds or fountains, often at the centre of four quarter borders. Herefordshire’s own Monty Don has in recent years installed one of these in his own televised grounds and has spoken of the peace the area brings.
Not only does water enhance a garden design, for creating tranquillity, eye-catching reflections and the ability to grow a variety of aquatic plants in the case of ponds and lakes, it also attracts a whole host of wildlife to join you in your outdoor space. My particular favourite is the dragonfly, who will thank you for any aquatic addition with giddy turns and dramatic in flight displays.
You needn’t have a 300ft fountain like Gloucestershire’s Stanway (which incidentally is the tallest fountain in Britain and the tallest gravity-fed fountain in the world), for you can create an area of water whatever the size of your garden. A pond in a pot being a
LIVE24-SEVEN.COM
ENTERTAINMENT CAMI L LA BAS S E T T - SMI TH
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148
