These beautiful additions to any land provide homes for some of our most important indigenous wildlife: plants, insects, fish, amphibians, birds and even mammals. A limpid pool edged with rushes, the humming of damselflies, the croaks of frogs and the swooping flight of swallows will be a microsite of the best of the countryside. Pond expert Chris McClaren introduces the reader to the world of ponds: how to create one, how to maintain one and how to introduce wildlife to this idyllic pool and help it thrive. All your questions are answered here. What plants are indigenous and will have positive environmental impact? What cover to include around the pond so that it links to a suitable 'wildlife corridor'? What fish are sustainable in a pond of a small size? How can I make sure the pond is safe? What will the pond be like through the seasons? To help create and conserve our wildlife and to discover the delights of creating a micro-ecosystem - take time to create a pond.

Ponds are vital oases for nature.They are nursery grounds, feeding stops and bathing spots; they are genetic superhighways and vibrant micro-ecosystems each brimming with life, interactions and potential. And they are for everyone. The Wildlife Pond Book offers a fresh and unique perspective on ponds, encouraging readers of any budget to reach for the spade and do something positive to benefit their shared neighbourhood nature. With up-to-date, clear guidance on a range of innovative pond designs, this new book aims to encourage a wider audience to connect with freshwater habitats and offers readers unique and creative tips on how to observe, study and enjoy pond wildlife through microscopy, dipping, torching and traditional wildlife spotting. Written by zoologist,science writer and conservation practitioner Jules Howard, The Wildlife Pond Book will be filled with creative ideas never before put to paper (and not found online) that Jules has trialled over ten years of pond building and kept secret... until now. This will be the go-to pond guide for swathes of the British population, no matter how big their outsides pace. Praise for Death on Earth: `... funny, clever, but also chock full of science ... a book that's a genuine pleasure to read. - Discover Magazine

Water lilies are inextricably linked to the ancient cultures of Greece and Rome, Egypt and the Far East, where they were highly valued, just as precious metals or gemstones, their properties were thought to be medicinal, spiritual and purely aesthetic; they have been represented in architecture, printed textiles, religious paintings and illustrations, cited in mythology, folklore, mysticism and the creative imagination. This volume meticulously records our enduring love affair with the most beautiful and exotic of plants, the water lily. It is a comprehensive and detailed account of their introduction into European culture, largely through the passion and devotion of one man, Joseph Bory Latour-Marliac (1830-1911), whose lifelong work in the field of propagation, cultivation and commercialization of water lilies inspired a generation of horticulturists, artists and poets to create the words and images that are deeply embedded in our culture today. Claude Monet, for example, used lilies from Latour-Marliac's nursery to create his garden in Giverny. The work Latour-Marliac did gave rise to development of specialist lily nurseries and growers across Europe and North America; in fact, Latour-Marliac's nursery still exists today, owned by Robert Sheldon, an American who shared Latour-Marliac's passion for water lilies and water gardening and has been the force behind the nursery's continued success today.

This title is an illustrated guide to varieties, cultivation and care, with step-by-step instructions and over 110 beautiful photographs. Everything you need to know at a glance in one handy and beautifully illustrated practical guide. It includes full photographic directory of more than 40 common and exotic water plants, from bog plants and marginals to oxygenating plants and water lilies. For each plant, full botanical information is provided on history, growth, hue, height, spread and suitability. It offers step-by-step photographic guidance on buying plants, propagation, routine maintenance, and pests and diseases. Includes instructions on how make a pond with a liner, stocking your finished pool, and adding ornamental fish. A highly accessible guide to bringing water plants into your garden, whether you have a large or small space. Water gardens are increasingly popular, not only for the exciting variety of plant life that can be cultivated, but also for the diversity of animal species attracted by the aquatic environment. This clear and accessible book explains how to use water plants to their best advantage, as well as providing an illustrated directory of over 40 recommended varieties. It explains the difference between bog plants and oxygenators, surface floating plants and deep-water plants, with practical advice on growing and maintenance. From selecting and caring for water plants to making your own pond, the book will help you to create a water feature to enjoy for years to come.

Water will bring a garden miraculously to life, drawing the eye more than any other feature. When still, its shimmering reflections create a peaceful mood, while moving water animates the garden scene and delights with its mesmerizing sounds. In this definitive guide, Alan shows you how to design and make a water feature to suit any size and style of garden, from a large wildlife pond, stream or rill to the tiniest pebble or wall fountain. * Easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step diagrams * A-Z directory of Alan's recommended pond and waterside plants * Guide to choosing and caring for fish * Key tips on encouraging wildlife to your pond * Season-by-season guide to pond maintenance

The pool is an aspirational motif that recurs across the history of residential architecture, no matter which era or location. From the impressive palace baths of Europe and the magnificent pools of luxurious mansions and country estates, to the stylish and contemporary designer terraces and the humble, tucked away inner-city courtyards of the average home in all structures the themes of style, engineering, and design are standard. In Pools: Design and Form with Water, renowned photographer Miquel Tres spectacular full-color images and detailed narratives showcase a wide selection of pool designs from around the world. This book features a multitude of examples in a wide range of styles: natural chemical-free pools with purifying systems; rustic pools which use local materials and natural depuration methods in sometimes rural settings; contemporary dazzlers and designer pools for interior and exterior spaces, including illuminated designs and other modern features. Pools will help the aspiring landscape or interior designer to determine the latest trends and to consider strong garden contexts and landscape planning, outdoor pool-site plans, materials and furniture.

Ecological swimming ponds are hip nowadays and they offer many advantages over traditional swimming pools; the water is pure, soft and without chlorine. You can swim between the water plants and the pond can be perfectly integrated in the garden. This book features the most beautiful of these ponds.

This book offers everything you need to know to design, construct and plant up a rock or water garden with directories of suitable plants and how to grow them. It includes inspirational plans of full-scale water and rock gardens, such as a slate rock pool, a rock stream, a cobble fountain, a raised pool and a wildlife pond. It features over 600 photographs including stunning examples of gardens, step-by-step sequences and plant portraits. It offers practical guidance on construction materials and techniques, an easy-to-use directory of water and rock plants, care and maintenance, and a guide to buying and introducing fish. Water is a welcome element in any garden, having the power to both soothe and excite. Combined with rock, it brings a whole new dimension to garden design. This book explains how to create beautiful rock pools, ponds, gravel gardens, wildlife pools and bog gardens, and shows how to use bridges, decking, stepping stones, islands and lighting. A plant directory provides information on waterlilies, deep-water aquatics, oxygenating and free-floating plants, as well as trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, ferns and alpines. Whether your dream is a simple rock-edged pool or a cobble fountain, this book is perfect for both beginners and ambitious gardeners.

Water gardening is making a big splash in today's landscapes. Called the fastest-growing part of the landscape industry today, the installation of water features in the landscape is a multi-billion dollar market. It's easy to see why. Splashing fountains make hot days seem a bit cooler. Basins of water reflect the blue sky, puffy clouds, and colorful fall leaves. Naturalistic ponds and waterfalls attract birds and butterflies to backyards. And tiny tabletop fountains offer soothing sounds that drown out neighborhood noise.
"Water Garden Idea Book "brings these ideas to life, providing more than 300 photos of all types of water features--with tips for design and placement so that they become striking focal points or soothing and subtle additions for any setting. From ponds and streams to pools and water stairs, fountains, containers, and bubbling urns, "Water Garden Idea Book "has it all. Special emphasis is given to siting all types of water features and how to install a water feature yourself. Extensive resource list is included.

Planted freshwater aquariums combine the DIY aspects of terrariums with a sophisticated palette of gorgeous foliage plants. Sunken Gardens is packed with everything someone new to the hobby needs to know; it details the equipment needed to get started; surveys the best plants for aquascaping; and shows how to design, plant, and maintain an aquascape.

Natural swimming pools rely on the correct balance of living plants and micro-organisms to clean and purify the water. They are easy and less costly to maintain than chemical pools. Chlorine and other common pool chemicals that are hazardous to human health are not used. Natural pools are safe places for children to play and birds to drink, and are a dramatic example of ecological design, combining the natural and man-made worlds while creating beauty. These pools offer enjoyment not only in the warm months, but during winter, when they can be used for ice skating. Often the focal point of a garden, a natural swimming pool blends into the environment, flowing into the surroundings with plants and rocks. It reflects the changing seasons and enhances the environment naturally. This book is a necessary resource for people who consider a natural swimming pool. It shows how the natural system works to provide environmental, health, and safety benefits. Drawings, diagrams, and charts help explain their planning, design, biology, materials, construction, planting, and maintenance. Over 300 beautiful color photographs of natural pools will inspire your own water garden, where you can swim in harmony with nature.

Ponds and water features have been popular in gardens for thousands of years. This book is aimed at anyone who is thinking of building a pond, anyone who has bought some of the materials but doesn't know how to start or anyone who has a pond and needs to know how to keep it at its best.The book starts with the basics of assessing the garden, checking the site, planning and preparation, tools and materials and electrical wiring and safety. With the basics established the authors introduce the many different types of pond and how they can be created, maintained and enhanced.From split-level ponds to wildlife ponds, plant and fish and adding sculptures, bird houses, stones and bridges, each subject is presented in a clear way with box features, lists and questions and answers. The final chapter looks at water features - a rock pool or stream for a large garden or a small wall mask or trough for a tiny back garden.

This celebration of the style, design, and joy that pools bring to us brims with over 200 glamorous photographs. It is organized by swimming pool design from glimmering infinity pools with a view of the ocean to dramatic cascading waterfall pools and those in lush garden settings. Ranging from beautifully landscaped backyards to dramatic beaches and tropical paradise surroundings, the stunning pool locales show creative examples of pools as architecture and organic forms. In the mix are seductive pools owned by such celebrities as Cher and Dianne Keaton and leading designers Bunny Williams and Carolyne Roehm, as well as masterpieces by famed architects Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra, and Luis Barragan. Splash concludes with a section on poolside elements, from tiled steps, patterned surfaces, and Jacuzzis to pool houses with outdoor showers, landscaping, furnishings, and much more. Every example evokes the enduring and irresistible appeal of the swimming pool.

The Pond Lovers is a sustainable farmer's ode to the watery microcosms all around us, from the half-acre farm pond to the suburban garden pool. Readers looking for hands-on experience will find plenty of pond-keeping dos and don'ts. Gene Logsdon's higher purpose, however, is to proclaim the natural, spiritual, and recreational benefits of ponds. Fed by spring or filled by rainfall, the ponds closest to Logsdon's heart need minimal human interference in the way of machinery or chemicals. Those we read about in ""The Pond Lovers"" mostly belong to Logsdon's friends and neighbors, an extraordinarily resourceful group of people. For them, a pond is many things - from a place to fish, swim, or skate to an oasis for local plants, insects, and animals. Each purpose, Logsdon shows us, has its place in a thoughtful, self-sufficient life. Drawn from many and varied lifetimes spent around ponds, ""The Pond Lovers"" brims with lessons and opportunities for good work and good play - for backyard naturalists, do-it-yourselfers, and armchair gardeners.

Creative Homeowner helps turn a dream into a reality with thethird editionPools & Spas: Ideas for Planning, Designing, and Landscaping. This book offers ideas and advice through the complete process from pool/spa selection to creating an attractive environment. Over 400 inviting color photos and illustratioins show the many options from infinity-edge pools to indoor swim spas; from built-ins to attractive aboveground pools. Valuable advice is included on site selection, materials, financing, and more. As the crowning touch, Pools & Spas suggests ideas to create the ideal setting for the new pool or spa using decks, patios, and landscapes."

Veronica Fowler's comprehensive step-by-step manual shows you not only how to install your water garden, but maintain it entirely on your own."Backyard Water Gardens" teaches you how to install liners, pre-formed shapes, containers, and aboveground pools and fountains. From there, it helps you choose plants, add them to your garden, fertilize, prune, divide, and ward off pests and diseases. But Fowler's book goes far beyond the basics, covering all the maintenance and troubleshooting of water feature hardscapes--from a rip in a liner, to a damaged pool, to maintaining equipment and filters (including seasonal maintenance for winter care). Veronica Fowler's "Backyard Water Gardens" allows you to fully enjoy the convenience and versatility of water gardening, all while maintaining it with ease for years to come."Backyard Water Gardens" is truly an all-inclusive manual, encompassing every style, type, and size of water feature imaginable. No matter the "feel" you wish to convey in your garden--casual, formal, or whimsical--Fowler's book enables you to create it with confidence. Your range of hardscape options is incredibly vast, from small, container-sized fountains that complement any space with added sound and movement, to large in-ground or aboveground ponds and streams. Larger installations not only provide soothing, rejuvenating sights and sounds; they can also house fish and plants and passively attract natural wildlife to your backyard.