Water – A key element in garden design

Water is a key element in garden design, whether to create movement, to provide soothing or energising sound, as a surface for reflections, an environment for aquatic plants and wildlife or simply as a resource for essential watering of plants.

Peter Thomas MSGD, Chairman of the Society of Garden Designers says: “The continuing trend for the installation of water features and swimming pools is sure to continue in 2008 and onwards. In the UK, garden owners are thinking more about their responsibilities towards the environment and many people are now investing in chemical-free natural swimming pools as a sustainable alternative to the traditional chemical dependant pools. Small courtyard gardens will see more vertical cascades being implemented as garden owners seek to maximise the entertainment area within limited spaces.”

Members of the Society of Garden Designers are frequently asked to incorporate water features into their designs and attached are a number of examples from Registered Members, showing contemporary “aquatecture”, country house lakes, swimming pools and simple designs for the smaller, urban space that provide an attractive focal point and a distraction from the outside world.

The Society of Garden Designers was established in 1981 and is the only professional body in the UK dedicated solely to garden design. All Registered Members have achieved MSGD status with proven experience and have passed the SGD’s thorough accreditation and appraisal process.

For more information, visit Sgd.org.uk.