Water has been a vital element since ancient times not only for the body but also for the soul. Water has a primordial role in answering to biological needs and since the earliest civilizations this is an integral part of gardens, whose purpose was leisure and recreation.

Besides being used to water the plants, being vital in the process of photosynthesis water also has a conceptual, poetic and artistic value, it decorates the garden bringing freshness, vitality, movement and beauty. Water thus has a sensory value with unquestionable effects on the human being.

Water in the garden demonstrates men masters nature and thus it has a strong cultural value in different civilizations.

These are some ways to integrate water into your garden:

Fountains

The first concept of a fountain is related to a spring, natural appearance of water. In order to enjoy a fountain in your garden, water must be stored in a reservoir.

Throughout the centuries the fountain has become an element of gardens, a decorative and fascinating element. Nowadays, there is an immense diversity of this type of elements, from the most functional to the most extravagant. Fountains also allow you to create many effects like water games, mirror effects, refreshing effects, animations associated with a lighting work. Here are a few examples.

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The image shows a classic fountain, very similar to what crosses everyone’s mind when we hear the word fountain.

Here we see a more modern variation of a fountain, with the particularity of overflowing water creating a ‘wall’ of water.

Some examples of fountains in historic gardens that can be inspirational:

The main element of the gardens of the famous Villa d’Este, is a lush water work that consists of several fountains producing different sounds and spectacular effects.

Water also plays a central role in the gardens of Alhambra, in Granada,

Water mirror: A water mirror needs no introductions, an element that produces a reflection and can create magnificent effects, reflecting for example the surrounding landscape. An element that brings brightness and dynamics to the area, sometimes making it seem broader.

Ponds and natural pools: Ponds and natural pools are a solution with great ecological value. These attract plants and animals and are therefore very interesting as biodiversity enhancers, attracting children and adults. A natural swimming pool also allows enjoying baths, with the difference that it does not use chemical elements for water treatment, being fauna and flora in charge of its purification.

Pools: A garden pool is the dream of many people, besides its decorative value, it allows a great interaction and recreation such as diving, swimming, playing…

New versions of swimming pools have become fashionable, for example swimming pools whose walls are transparent allowing to see the water vertically and still the infinity pools, with an invisible end that seems to get lost within the horizon.

Amália Souto de Miranda, Landscape Architect