The Old Rectory: water

The Old Rectory: Water

The presence of the Windrush River running alongside the site was a key influence on the way in which we approach the design of the garden.

The river has a very special acoustic quality, and sparkles in the sunlight. The sense of constant motion is also very compelling. Creating a relationship with water and its magic felt very important in this garden.

• In the area of the garden closest to the river, I broke through the boundary wall, and built steps down to the edge of the water; this formed a place to sit and enjoy the river.
• An oval reflective pond was created, which referred to the original design of a garden pond that was there a hundred years earlier.
• The canal garden offers a structured and more formal experience of water.
• A swimming pool sits quietly on the landscape, while also being somewhere to experience the water physically and sensorially.

The Pond

It felt right to reinstate this still body of water, that sits in contrast to the rushing river just the other side of the wall.

• To encourage a healthy biodiversity, a pond needs to be in a light-receiving position, so we removed some of the undergrowth that was here to enable light to shine through.
• The ecology in the pond is maintained by having water plants, as well as plants placed on the edge, with a little surface cover from the pond lilies. This provides a habitat for the animals and insects, keeping the whole ecosystem balanced and selfsustaining.

We kept the planting surrounding the pond low to take advantage of borrowed views and achieve a feeling of space beyond its own boundaries.

Planting in the Pond

What you plant within a pond is a crucial part of maintaining its balance and biodiversity.

• Oxygenating weeds in the water provide oxygen and absorb impurities.
• Water lilies offer shade to prevent algae building up, as well as sanctuary to insects.
• Leafy plants at the margin of the pond provide a contrasting lush and verdant habitat.
• Balance native plants with a few exotic species that don't fight with the environment, but add something special.

The Canal Garden

A formal area of the garden that runs from the south façade of the house, the canal garden was an original feature that we wanted to restore.

• We installed a new wall using existing materials, to create symmetry with the wall that was already there. It was a simple move, but aesthetically reflected the Georgian architecture, and created a gentle formality that made more sense of the space. Arrow slots within the walls on either side offer a 'sneak preview' into the neighbouring spaces.
• I chose to position a seating place here, as this area is always filled with light. In water gardens, movement around the space and pathways needs to be considered carefully, as bridges may need to be introduced.
• Where the canal terminates, we created a slightly compressed space with a floating bench on the back wall, which gives views back towards the house.

Planting in the Canal Garden

To sit smartly with the formality of the structure, we kept the planting simple.

• We chose to add interest with colour. Deep-red flowers were planted near the house, and the colour palette gradually becomes softer as you go up the garden, ending in whites, greens and yellow.
• It's a garden of several parts, in terms of colour, structure and seasonality. We wanted to create a contrast with the informality on one side and the quietness on the other.

Discover More

Check out how we created a pond at Hillside for more inspiration.

http://digdelve.com/the-pond/

Plant Directory

Iris Versicolor

Candelabra Primula

Giant Himalayan Cowslip

Hamamelis

Astrantia

Wind Anemone

White Wisteria

Willow tree

Pond Lilies

Giant Royal Fern

Darmera Peltata

Your Assignment

List any existing areas of water on your site or, if you currently have none, areas where you think you could introduce it. Then, reflecting on how I utilised water at The Old Rectory, consider how you might enhance the experience of it in your garden, or make space for it to sit meaningfully in a new place.