STILL WATERS

WHETHER GREAT OR SMALL, COUNTRY OR URBAN, PONDS ARE A HYPNOTIC FEATURE IN AN OUTDOOR SPACE

- TERESA CONWAY

1. TURN TO STONE

Inspired by Japanese gardens, designer Matt Keightley added giant paddle stones at the bottom of this minimalist pool. The organic shape of the stones presents a pleasing contrast to the angular precision of the pool’s outline.

2. THE RILL OF IT

For those wanting to add a touch of theatre, there’s nothing like a rill. This design at Eastleach House in Gloucestershire sees the water journey down a long slope over a series of carved stone steps, creating different sound effects on the way.

3. SHAPING UP

A raised pond draws the eye to a focal point in a garden. Owner and designer Cary Goode has chosen the shape of this pond to tie in with a surrounding feature – in this case, the holes in the dovecote form a diamond that is reflected in the raised design.

4. HIDDEN GEMS