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Apparently, the resurgence of gardening as a national pastime is due to what has been referred to in the press as 'The Dimmock Effect'. Now I am not one who would denigrate the impact that 'Our Lady of the Garden' has had on the National Psyche, but I feel that the overall growth in garden interest is that of TV being led by the public, rather than the other way round. One aspect, however, that I tend to place at Charlie's door is the desire for a water feature which in past years, many people have considered too complicated to make, too much hassle to look after or too dangerous to small children. Her demonstration of the simplicity of some features has certainly changed the general opinion of water from anti to pro.
In the heady world of TV water features, the general need for water has often overshadowed the more subtle effects of one of our most versatile materials. If you happened to catch the culmination of the series 'Better Gardens' on ITV last month you would have noticed your trusty Sussex Life correspondent creating a feature in a Manchester garden consisting of a 'solid' curtain of water. This is one of the most effective textures that water can provide, but how many adjectives can you think of that describe water? Turbulent, reflective, fast-moving, meandering, dripping, trickling, gushing, bubbly, spouting, crystal clear, & so many more that if I sat here typing them would I would gain a typing callus of which an ageing hack would be proud. Many of these fluid textures can be seen in public spaces, but are seldom seen in private gardens where imagination rarely goes beyond waterfalls, bubbling pebbles, & trickling pots. (Not that I would dismiss these out of hand, as I have built them all in my time, & with excellent reason). What I am getting at is the fact you never see a small cascade with all the sound & movement that this would create, or an intermittent geyser that shoots into the air, in a private garden. Now I am of the opinion that these types of feature would gain a foothold if 'La Dimmock' produced them on TV. If I get the chance, I will metaphorically, take the plunge. If you are toying with a cascade, then bear these points in mind. Cascades are formed by moving water down a textured surface with no space to pool. This being the case, a symmetrical or geometrical texture of brick or stone will give a similar water texture when a constant flow of water is fed across it. If the base has exposed or upward faces then the effect will be turbulent, & if downward facing, fast-moving or shooting through. Plumes or geysers of water give height & grandeur to a garden, whilst a dreamy reflective pool stretches a tranquil blanket of calm around it. So, whatever your garden has, try to make the most of natures most versatile material Just a closing thought, but why do we feel the need for water. Garden programmes may have increased the achievabilty factor in water features but maybe the desire was always there. In our dim & distant past, when our ancestors were searching for secure habitation in which to raise their families & live their lives, an accessible & constant supply of water was vital to survival. I just wonder if a shadow of the past seeps from our unconscious mind into the gardens of today. |
