1. Ponds and Water Management
The detailing of external systems such as rainwater harvesting, grey water recycling, drainage or
water features may be conveniently addressed as part of the garden and landscape scope.
Water Features, Ponds and Natural Swimming Pools
Formal or informal ponds, and fountains or other water features, are popular and useful design
features. However, designing, constructing and planting water features calls for a blend of good
design – balanced and harmonious with the surrounding gardens and house – together with sound
technical knowledge. A wildlife pond, optimised for invertebrates such as dragonflies and
damselflies, can be an ecologically attractive feature, where space permits. A natural swimming
pool is reliant on the purifying effect of the root systems of certain aquatic plant and does not
need chlorination, so swimming is much more pleasant (and a natural pool will pick up quite a
bit of solar heat, without being artificially heated).
Reed Beds
Reed beds provide an ideal medium for cleaning dirty water, where space is available, and can
achieve a high discharge quality. They have the advantage of being aesthetically pleasing, very
low maintenance, and providing an attractive habitat for invertebrates such as dragonflies and
damselflies. A reed bed can be subtly integrated with ponds and other water features, mitigating
the area needed. This provides a good opportunity for saving and storing “grey water” -
wastewater from showers, baths, washbasins (and sometimes washing machines and kitchen
sinks) – which can be reused once treated, either for garden irrigation or in the home. (Untreated
grey water may be unsuitable for long term irrigation, depending on its source.) Reed beds also
have an important role to play in attenuating storm water flows, as part of the drainage strategy
on larger sites.
Water Conservation
Rainwater capture and storage is a straightforward way of reducing drinking water consumption,
either for use in the home or for irrigation (although the water supply isn’t necessarily as reliable
or consistent as grey water). The design, function and location of any rainwater harvesting
system should ideally be considered early in the landscape design process, and the specification
and installation may be usefully included within the landscape works scope, rather than being
retrofitted at a later date.
Drainage
Many gardens, especially those on poor draining soil, suffer from waterlogging during wet
winter periods. The problem is often made worse by recent construction work, where soil has
been compacted by builders' vehicles. Aside from soil remediation, and assuming the cause is
not attributable to a high water table, some form of drainage may be necessary. This can

2. generally be routed to a suitably sized soak away (recent regulatory changes discourage
discharge directly to watercourses). Consideration should also be given to drainage of paved
areas such as patios and driveways. Drainage design, and compliance with the SUDS regulations,
is a standard consideration in our garden and landscape design process. For more details visit
Garden Design Wiltshire website.