Luxe Photo © David Bird
Adding a water feature to your garden or home creates a stunning visual centrepiece which is both calming and therapeutic
Magnolia Rebecca Newnham see page 52
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here are so many different types and sizes of fountain and other water features that it can be difficult to know which one will suit your purpose and backdrop best. With this in mind we sought the advice of garden designer Rachel Bebb, founder of The Garden Gallery in Broughton, Stockbridge who holds regular sculpture exhibitions. She represents about 50 contemporary artists (including Neil Wilkin and Rebecca Newnham who both feature here) creating garden sculptures and other works of art. “Water adds a new dimension to a garden,” Rachel explains. “It plays with the light, cools and refreshes on hot days, and offers sanctuary to wildlife. Some sculptures, for example those made of glass, lend themselves to
being placed in water. The medium of glass harmonises effortlessly with water, reflecting the light and nearby plants and trees, and adding sparkle on sunny, frosty mornings. Whether kiln-formed, blown or bonded, glass withstands harsh weather conditions and is easy to care for. They work particularly well in modern, contemporary-style settings.” Rachel advises that fountains can be sited in pools or be self-contained if space is tight or there are small children to consider. “Freestanding fountain sculptures can create the sound of running water in tiny gardens, courtyards, conservatories or a 'room' in a large garden,” she says. “Stone sculptures in water demand simple but strong planting schemes to set off the hues of the stone, whether white marble from Italy or a soft English sandstone. “When choosing a water sculpture or fountain, consider the scale in relation to the setting, the aspect – is there plenty of sunlight to play on glass, for example? Bear in mind that the sound of running water can be intrusive so make sure the pump has an adjustable flow. Select plants to complement the piece, which in turn should enhance the planting scheme. Remember that the patina on bronze will change over time. Above all, buy because you have fallen in love with » your water sculpture of choice!”
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