Basic Pond Styles
There are two broad principal classifications that
most water features will fall into: Formal and
Informal.
Formal
water features are geometric and contrived in nature. This classification
will include such things as estate fountains, rectangular reflecting pools
and staircase waterfalls. Formal water features are not intended to mimic
naturally occurring pools or streams, but rather are clearly the work of
human craftsmanship and are often constructed entirely above ground. Surfaces
generally have smooth lines and may be finished with any of a variety of
materials, including tile, slate, hewn or blasted rock, or just plain concrete.
Informal
water features do not conform to strict geometric shapes. They
are instead designed to look natural, and should blend well into their
surroundings. Into this category fall irregular ponds, streams and bog
plantings. Informal ponds will integrate better into plantings and woodlands
than their formal counterparts and are most often finished with rock or
slate.
