Water Garden Design Between Stone and Water
Project Story
Water sits at the centre of this calm terrace garden. A brick-edged reflecting pool, floating sandstone steps, corten cascade and restrained planting create movement and atmosphere, turning the transition from house to garden into a quieter, more deliberate experience.
Project Gallery
The challenge, our solution and our approach
The Challenge
To create a strong, settled terrace space that felt timeless and comfortable, while introducing a water feature that added atmosphere without dominating the garden. The design also needed to connect seamlessly into the softer, greener areas beyond, so the space read as a journey rather than a single patio moment.
Our Solution
We formed a generous stone terrace and set a crisp, brick-edged reflecting pool into the paving as the focal centrepiece. Large stepping stones hover across the water to slow the pace and add a subtle sense of theatre, while a clean spillway detail brings movement and sound without feeling loud. Planting is layered tightly around the pool, soft grasses, textural perennials and evergreen structure so the geometry stays sharp, but the edges feel lived in and relaxed as the garden transitions outward.
In Detail
Our Approach
Water changes the way a garden feels. For this 220 sqm garden in Hitchin, a geometric pond with floating sandstone stepping stones becomes the central experience, inviting you to cross the water and engage with the garden in a way that a purely visual feature cannot achieve. The design celebrates the relationship between stone and water, creating a contemplative space at the heart of family life.
A sculptural corten steel water cascade provides the focal point, with falling water adding gentle sound and movement to a composition that is otherwise deliberately calm. Brick-edged detailing around the pond references the local vernacular, while lavender borders, hostas, and ornamental grasses build year-round interest. The planting is designed to complement the water rather than compete with it, using restrained colour and strong form to frame views across the surface.
Water features require both design sensitivity and technical precision. We work closely with specialist fabricators and aquatic planting consultants to ensure every detail performs beautifully. If you are considering a water garden project in Hitchin or the surrounding area, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can help.
The services behind this garden: Garden Construction · Garden Design · Outdoor Living · Planting Design
The Transformation
Complete Garden Transformation
The Build
From groundworks to the final finishing touches.
-
Excavation & Pond Construction
Careful excavation of the pond area, installation of waterproof liner, and construction of brick edging details. Preparation of foundations for the stepping stones.
3 weeks
-
Hardscaping & Water Feature
Installation of sandstone paving with brick border details, positioning of floating stepping stones, and construction of the bespoke corten steel water feature with integrated pump system.
4 weeks
-
Planting & Aquatics
Establishment of lavender borders, hostas, and ornamental grass plantings. Introduction of water lilies, marginal aquatic plants, and pond oxygenators.
3 weeks
-
Finishing & Accessories
Installation of path lighting, positioning of decorative sculptures, final adjustments to planting, and commissioning of the water feature.
2 weeks
Project Details
Paving & Surfaces
- Natural sandstone paving
- Traditional brick edging
- Floating sandstone stepping stones
- Gravel paths
Water Features
- Bespoke corten steel water blade
- Geometric brick-edged pond
- Water lily collection
- Marginal aquatic planting
- Integrated filtration system
Planting
- Lavender borders (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Hosta collections
- Variegated ornamental grasses
- Shade-tolerant perennials
- Topiary box spheres
Features
- Bronze duck sculptures
- Path lighting
- Metal garden arbor
- Terracotta urn focal point
- Contemporary seating area
Related Projects
Begin Your Journey
Every great garden begins with a conversation. Let’s talk about yours.