Formal Pond & Pool Design

In a Formal pond design, symmetry often overpowers Nature and this sometimes creates an “artificial” look. Yet the Formal design can be just as appealing to garden-lovers as its “natural looking” equivalent. It is a matter of personal taste. Formal designs, however, do not follow Feng Shui principles and are generally looked upon more as a piece of landscaped art.

Above: A Formal tiled pool with waterfall.

Essentially a formal water feature is one which is symmetrical or geometric in outline, possibly surrounded by a paved area and landscaped with urns of flowers, or neatly trimmed box plants.

When we think of the “formal pond” we are reminded of all those historic European and Middle Eastern designs that have been created through the ages. However, Oriental water gardens are quite the opposite in style, and are designed to emulate Nature in a miniature form. Japanese water gardens are a perfect example of this.

A Formal water garden can be a rectangular pool with a central fountain, set in a simple courtyard, or a garden with neatly trimmed lawns and formal flower beds. However, there are many other ways in which formal gardens can be designed, for example: with the cascades and rills which have been used in formal water gardens for centuries.

The styles and concepts of designs used in Europe and Great Britain can easily be translated into a small modern garden context and can still be beautiful despite size.

The design and building of a Formal water garden is less complex than the construction of a water feature that attempts to immitate nature. Obviously there is more control and, while on a technical level the construction must be precise, the chance of making mistakes is less common. Scale is again important. Most domestic gardens are quite small and, I reitterate, the water feature must not overwhelm the garden. It needs follow a sense of proportion and balance.

Formal ponds and pools can be any size. It really comes down to budget, and how much space you have. Let your creative juices flow here, whether you yourself, or your local landscaper builds it.

I hope you enjoyed another part to our Water Garden Series, Formal pond. Happy Gardening, Marty

Formal Pond