As part of a new naturalistic garden, Emma designed and specified a natural swimming pond to form the heart of the property which looks over a Hampshire chalk stream and water meadows. Spoil from the excavation was used to form a large mound to complement the existing contours, provide privacy and shelter while embracing the pond and directing views to the pasture beyond.
These photos taken in late June when I enjoyed my first dip show how the pond already looks like it’s always been there. The aquatics are established, the pond edge well hidden, the spoil mound well covered and the wild flower meadows were in flower. Having jumped off the oak jetty into the clear warm water, it was easy to climb out up the jetty rungs without having to touch the bottom at all.
Seven species of dragon fly have been spotted, water snails and newts have arrived and a king fisher enjoyed sitting on the jetty posts in winter.
As well as planting suggestions, inspiration has been shared for vistas through the hedges and river banks and orchard meadows with mown paths which connect with the landscape.
natural swimming pond Hampshire
