4 pond styles to copy into your garden

A pond is often the centerpiece of garden design. It is therefore necessary to design it well and the first thing to be interested in is the style you want to give it, because not all swimming pools are the same!

In this article I will present you four styles of pond with numerous supporting photos and obviously, for each one, I will explain the elements that characterize it.

The modern/design swimming pool

The modern or designer style sink stands out for its geometric shape, often rectangular. It is often embedded, for example, as part of a terrace and can be used as a mirror to reflect the surrounding elements.

It is generally shallow, with dark colored pebbles on the bottom; but if you want to include fish and some plants like water lilies, you’ll have to give it depth.

If you want to create a waterfall, it will be a simple blade with a soft sound of water.

The vegetation will also be sober. No exuberance or multiple varieties. Only some species, with a graphic effect, will be placed directly in the tank if they are aquatic plants, or nearby if they are bank or garden plants.
Horsetails have the most beautiful modern effect with their upright stems, just like the water lily with its round, geometric leaves or even some rush varieties for the light and airy side of their foliage.

If we want to cross this basin, the bridge must be straight and preferably made of stone or concrete.

The natural style swimming pool

It is perhaps the most common: the swimming pool that resembles natural lakes. The shape will be random with cut edges, often lined with large pebbles or stones.

In the case of the waterfall, it must resemble a small mountain stream that flows into the pool. The vegetation is varied and there are both aquatic and bank plants.

If we want to build a pier, we will choose wood as a material.

The bottom of the pond will be composed of several levels to accommodate various plants and fish.

All pool sizes are possible in this style.

The Japanese Basin

First of all, we must remember that Japanese gardens try to copy nature, but unlike English ones, a tormented and mountainous nature. Therefore, large Japanese gardens consist of many plants and riprap. For those who are smaller there are minimalist versions, always with very present minerals and only a few plants. It is above all the latter that inspire the Japanese-influenced gardens present in Europe.

For the basins we will find this same diversity. On the one hand we will have very large pools with a natural look, but for smaller gardens there will be smaller pools of water, surrounded by minerals (pebbles, gravel, pebbles) with only a few plants, carefully selected and highlighted (garden maple, conifer cut into topiary, etc.).

For the sound of water we will opt for a mineral waterfall, as in the previous style, if we want to imitate nature. In the case of a more minimalist pool, with zen tendencies, a trickle of water will be sufficient (guided for example by a bamboo rod).

In this style we can also integrate fog diffusers. If you want fish, koi carp is a must.

Finally, as you will see in the last photo, we can mix Japanese and modern styles.

The stone/rustic basin

I had more difficulty giving a name to this last style: these are pools whose perimeter is made up of a low wall, often with a rustic appearance, or pools at ground level but surrounded by mineral and with a well-defined and geometric shape.

With ancient stones or reconstituted stone blocks we try to recreate the atmosphere of the fountains or wash houses of old towns. In height, these pools allow you to play with the elevation of the terrain. On the ground floor they form a small square where you will want to sit and rest while listening to the gentle rustling of the water.

They will do well in rustic or natural but structured style gardens.

And you, which styles of swimming pools do you prefer?

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