Saturday, March 9, 2013

Water in the Garden


Water features in the garden have become very popular over the years. There's a wide variety to choose from: simple birdbaths, ponds, fountains and swimming pools can all enhance the overall look of a backyard.

Even in our very small yard in the 80's, we had an inground swimming pool. I remember trying to get a quote for an inground pool in a yard that was probably 30' x 40'. Six companies laughed at me until Company #7 said: Ok. We can do it. And they did!! Not only did it look lovely, but we had many hours of enjoyment for ourselves and with friends and neighbours.


In our present yard, space was not an issue but I wanted the pool in before starting to plan a garden (we moved into the house when it was brand new and the backyard was an empty palette). Again, the pool has been a source of relief on hot dry summer days as well as a gorgeous turquoise focal point to be seen from the deck or the kitchen.


Here is a shot of my neighbour's pool with a stunning planter beside it.


I took this photo while on a Toronto garden tour. What a spectacular pool and property!!


The same backyard had a small pond with a fountain.


On a previous garden tour, this shady little nook had a charming statue and a small stone-lined pond.



Bird baths come in a variety of styles and are like a sculpture in a border.


Flowing water looks and sounds nice - here it's in a very contemporary setting.


Speaking of contemporary - this was a lovely water feature highlighting moving water and colourful rocks.



Here is a more formal setting.





And then there are those who are lucky enough to have a river behind their yard!!


Even without a river, you sometimes still get……ducks!

Please be sure to check out my recipe blog http://astridshome.wordpress.com/. The latest entries have been Breaded Tilapia with Orzo, Sunday Morning Crepes and Peanut Butter Cookies.

15 comments:

Nadezda said...

Astrid, I've attentively read and watched all the photos. Interesting! Now I saw your new pool and agree with you: we need to have a pool, it's not only for swimming and also a lovely decoration. The photo you've taken on Toronto tour is awesome! I think this property is very large. Last summer I re-made the 'water fall' in my small pond. It was a hard work but I liked the result!
Have a nice sunday!

Astrid said...

Hi Nadezda
I appreciate your attention to my blog - thanks!
People always say it's a waste to put an inground pool in in Canada because our summer is so short but June till nearly October is pretty decent and we're glad we have it! Plus, as I said, I love the way it looks. It always seems as if I have a touch of the Caribbean in my northern backyard :)
You have a nice Sunday as well.
Astrid

HELENE said...

Astrid, your pool is lovely, I am so jealous! Even if we don’t have much really hot weather I would have loved to have a pool simply because it looks great. But I can’t bear to throw out most of my plants, so in my tiny garden there won’t be a pool. I have however added a birdbath this month! I am writing about that on Tuesday, so a bit of a coincidence that you were mentioning bird baths as a water feature. Have a great week!

Astrid said...

Hi Helene
I think a bird bath will be a terrific addition to your lovely garden. I look fwd to your next post!
Astrid

Jennifer said...

Some great water feature ideas Astrid. The header shot is stunning too. I would love to have a Japanese Maple just like that.

debsgarden said...

Once upon a time before we moved here, there was a pond in the valley behind our house. Sadly, it was drained when the city put in a sewer system. I always wished I had a pond and dream of the one that was, but I would sure be happy with a river! Or a man made pool! Or a fountain! I do have a couple of birdbaths, and for that I am very grateful.

Astrid said...

Hi Jennifer
I saw that Japanese Maple on one of the Toronto tours. Stunning, isn't it?
Astrid

Hi Deb
I imagine a little creek running through your woodland garden - wouldn't that be lovely?
Astrid

Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening said...

Your pool is beautiful and such a nice focal point in your yard! You will get enjoyment out of it all year long since it really does become part of the garden.

Layanee said...

Since water is essential component for gardens and for the human body it just seems natural for there to be a water focal point in the garden. Loved all your water shots. My water is a bit solid right now but the thaw has begun.

Nadezda said...

Astrid,
I have an award for you here:
http://northern-garden.blogspot.ru/2013/03/shrovetide-scarecrow-and-samovar-part-3.html

Astrid said...

Hi Lee
Yes, the family has enjoyed the pool for many a hot summer. We may not have long summers but it's intense!!
Astrid

Hi Layanee
The pool water is under a cover so I can't see it but it's probably still very frozen. It's still really cold here - brrr!
Astrid

ketz said...

That's why I love a garden that has a pond with a small bridge on it. This is really lovely like the pool I saw in www.coloradogreenlandscaping.com

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