Pond with reed (1960)

The Pond with reed is one of the gardens that was added when the gardens were extended at the end of the fifties and is a result of experimenting with materials. It is a small and simple garden forming a special little area even though it has been placed in a more open area.

Design and planting

The Pond with reed was created near the Sunken garden and backs onto the New collection garden. On this side it is backed with giant Chinese silver reed grass, Miscanthus floridulus. This very tall grass creates shelter for the garden which is basically  a terrace and pond. The garden is in the line of sight from the Sunken garden across the central area to the Mixed border. The garden was created by experimenting with ready-made plastic ponds that came on the market in the sixties. A rectangular pond of 2 by 3 metres was tested and is still in use here. Three sides of the pond are covered up by letting the grass go right down to the water’s edge. On the fourth side the paving stones extend over the water  so that the edge of the pond is not visible.  The planting consists of just a small number of plants. In this way enough water remains visible for reflection. Looking from the Sunken garden, the fine leafed willow, Salix x doniana “Gracelis’ gives depth. From the  green fence of Giant reed grass the line of sight continues on in the direction of the Mixed border. From the little bench on the terrace we have a view of the Garden of Squares.

History

Little has changed in this garden. The original plastic pond has never been replaced and is still serving its purpose well. Over the years the planting has changed a little.

Recently this little garden, the Pond with reed, together with the City garden, the Sunken garden and the Standard Perennial borders have been nominated as National monuments from the period of rebuilding after the Second World War.