Crafting Stunning Natural Swimming Ponds is My Profession, and Here's What I Discovered in Building My Own
In the heart of South Yorkshire, a five-acre garden has become home to a unique natural swimming pond. This pond, designed by Sarah Murch, is not just a swimming amenity but a pivotal ecological and aesthetic element that fosters a harmonious, low-maintenance landscape.
The pond, covering approximately 300 square meters, is strategically located to the southwest of the house, aligning with the prevailing southwesterly winds and where the last rays of sun fall. This placement enhances both the usability and ecological harmony of the pond within the landscape.
The garden, a wildlife-focused oasis, flows naturally into adjoining woodland, perennial meadows, a gravel garden, winter garden, and a grand formal rose garden, all planned with minimal interference to allow the landscape to evolve organically. The design follows the principle that plants indicate where they want to grow, resulting in a garden that "looks after itself" without the need for constant maintenance.
The pond acts as a central, naturalistic feature that enhances biodiversity by providing habitat for wildlife, influences and integrates with the surrounding planting through water reflections and microclimate effects, supports dynamic seasonal changes, and creates a serene, functional space that connects the house with nature.
The soil in the garden is fenland soil over clay and a 2m sand layer. A shelter belt of 300 trees, including Majestic Pinus wallichiana and Abies sibirica, is sited to filter the prevailing wind and protect the pool from leaf drop. Prairie plantings along the side of the pool serve as a barrier to keep the water clean and catch leaf debris.
Sarah and her husband Will spent two years clearing and surveying the land before beginning the project. They trained with professional swimming pond installer Biotop in Austria in 2009. Sarah advises against cutting back plants too early to avoid disturbing the ecosystem and potentially harming wildlife.
The outdoor dining area is located to the side of the pool's sun deck, providing a unique vantage point for viewing pond life from the dining table. The climate is temperate with southwesterly winds. The hardiness zone is USDA 8a.
Ellicar, the family's home, is now a business, installing natural swimming ponds and pools for private clients. The garden surrounding the pond is five acres in size, with a grand formal rose garden located south of the pool. An avenue of Malus 'Evereste' crab apples, Molinia caerulea 'Edith Dudszus', Iris 'Flight of Butterflies', geums, Anemone x hybrida 'Honorine Jobert', Digitalis purpurea, and various Lythrum salicaria cultivars are planted in the perennial meadows at Ellicar.
The garden at Ellicar is designed to flow out from a network of connected paths, with each area segueing into another. The family are keen swimmers, and the pond reflects their lifestyle. The pond was built on land purchased in 2008, which was previously an old care home. Sarah Murch suggests planting avenues east to west for beautiful morning and evening light effects.
[1] Source: 'The Garden Design Journal' (Issue 267, August 2014)
- The five-acre garden at Ellicar, including its unique natural swimming pond, is designed to blend seamlessly with nature, incorporating various landscapes such as gardens, woodland, and meadows, creating a harmonious home-and-garden lifestyle.
- The strategic placement of the pond in the garden, aligning with the southwesterly winds and the last rays of sun, enhances its usability and ecological harmony, making it a central, dynamic element that reflects the lifestyle of the homeowners.
- The garden at Ellicar, a wildlife-focused oasis, follows the principle of minimal interference, allowing plants to grow where they want, thereby reducing the need for constant maintenance, despite the grand formal rose garden and other plantings that grace the grounds.
