Water Garden Design Dreams and Ideas

Water garden design is the thing that makes or breaks the total project. It is entirely one thing to have a well-constructed hole in the ground but unless you plant around it properly, well - you have a great hole in the ground. :-)

Most important non-design consideration

The first rule is that there are no rules.

There are however"suggestions" that you might consider sticking to. These will keep you out of trouble and if you've never done any landscaping at all, they will act as rules. But, if you really want to break them, well then go ahead and have a good time doing so.

First Suggestion

The most important thing to understand in any landscaping project is that it has to please you. If you are happy with your garden then no garden designer or garden snob has the right to tell you otherwise.

They have the right to disagree with you and not like what you've done but they don't have to live with your garden. Please yourself. (but here's a few thoughts anyway)

Second Suggestion

The second suggestion is not to try to save on the number of plants you install. I know it is tempting to try to save money at this point in the construction process but ensuring there are enough major plants in the design to soften the edges and make it look natural will make or break your project.

This and the following pages in this section are intended to introduce you to some of the basic design or landscaping principles around making your water feature look like a feature rather than a dud. These garden pond design thoughts and suggestions do not take away from regular landscaping design principles but should be considered as suggestions regarding pond landscaping itself.

Third Suggestion

Do your homework first! A well designed and constructed pond (using the best materials and supplies) might cost a bit more but will give you trouble-free enjoyment. (or almost trouble free delight)

A poorly thought-out or cheaper equipment will provide nightmares and you'll wish you'd never installed a pond.

The biggest number of questions I get are from people trying to solve a problem that should have been part of the original plan and design.

Other Design Issues and Ideas