Koi Pool Water Garden
A carefully engineered landscape — blending flowing water, koi care, and natural beauty
This project involved the design and construction of a specialised water garden capable of accommodating a large and varied collection of koi. The new garden also needed to be shaped sensitively around an existing mature magnolia tree, which became a central anchor for the layout.
Once the main pool was excavated, a retaining wall was built to level the site and create the structure needed for the stream, waterfalls and planting areas. The water system features a rock cascade, with two waterfalls feeding into the main pond and a rock pool fountain adding gentle movement and sound.
A Monet-style bridge provides access from the water garden to the main lawn, with Indian stone steps and pathways linking through to the courtyard garden. The main pond is finished in York stone cropped walling, giving it a natural, handcrafted feel.
Beneath the surface, the engineering is just as considered. An underground pressurised filtration system is designed for easy access and straightforward servicing. Pumps are housed in a separate chamber, also accessible, with adjustable flow rates controlling the stream, waterfalls and fountain — all of which can be set to run on a timer.
Planting is informal and richly layered, with mixed shrubs, perennials (including scented varieties), specimen trees and seasonal bulbs. The main period of colour and interest runs from March through to November, and the entire area is enhanced with garden lighting to create a beautifully atmospheric night garden.
The combination of water, movement and diverse planting attracts a wide range of wildlife — bees, butterflies and birds are frequent visitors. The stream, waterfalls and fountain have been designed specifically to produce a soft, relaxing sound, adding to the peaceful feel of the garden.
Above and Beyond - a Review
In 2005, S J Cook Landscaping & Garden Design were recommended to us and after an initial meeting, subsequent drawings were drafted, presented and discussed. Consequently, we decided to gowith Steve and were delighted with his professionalism and the outstanding quality of his work.
So much so, that over the following twenty years, S J Cook have completed various other work for us, including;
• The Design, landscaping and construction of our front garden, driveway and double 5-bar gates
• Maintenance of our hedges and trees
• Assembling a summerhouse
• Carefully selecting a 200-year-old olive tree and planting it in its own bespoke, circular brickwork surround
• And most recently, the design and complete re-build of our twenty-year-old pond, transforming it into a gorgeous water garden with koi, complimented with exquisite Indian Stone pathways and stunning brickwork
One of Steve’s passions is planting, and it shows! Our garden has colour and texture all year round and fascinatingly changes with each season.
As you can probably tell, we think S J Cook Landscaping & Garden Design are superb and would not use anyone else. In fact, we are currently about to engage Steve with another garden project... watch this space!
Lindy & Chris Meldrum
A Poem, inspired by Steve's work
For Steve
Whilst sitting waiting for the morning sun
I gaze in awe seeing what you have done
This is the 2nd of September
My birthday month, one to remember
A new pond idea, the seed was sown
And as the idea grew so the project has grown
Beyond any thoughts and dreams I had
I relied on you and boy was I glad!
Everything I see has surpassed perfection
No disappointment in any direction
Daily now I share your vision
As you get on with the mission
Although I sit here in wonder today
I will never forget how it became this way
Moving all my precious planting
At first I found it very daunting
But another seed was sown in my head
Very soon my ideas were dead!
The digger arrived, the hole was dug
Out comes the coffee in Steve’s special mug
Impatience is my middle name
But you are always ahead of the game
Never any time was wasted
A little piece of cake was tasted
On with the job of moving more gear
Another coffee?.. Yes please, I hear
Branches off the magnolia tree
Another tree so important to me
But again I had nothing to fear
As once again a perfect idea!
It now sits within a dry stone wall
Standing proud, looking tall
The gas cylinder, a thought came into your head
Forget the wall, we can use plants instead
Yet another problem sorted today,
Nothing indeed will get in your way
Of making everything just right
Ideas in your head, even at night!
A trip to the nursery, I was so excited
But another idea of mine was blighted
I took the kick back on the chin
And drowned my sorrows in my Gin!
I needed to sort out a garden bed
A job for me to do instead
But Steve came to the rescue with his digger
Oh my God, it was so much quicker!
In a blink of an eye it was all dug over
It would have taken me forever
I thank you Steve for this too
I really appreciate all you do
Cement is now being mixed
Another job is being fixed
The brick wall to support it all,
Behind the magnolia standing tall
The bricks have to be wheel barrowed around
In neat piles upon the ground
That all done the next job is started
Building the wall, I am getting excited!
Not just a straightforward wall
The pumps and filters won’t be seen at all
Another important part of the pond
Yet again Steve you see beyond..
Each stage you reach is carefully thought out
Easy maintenance for Chris no doubt
Wow! Now the bridge is in place
I can’t keep the smile off my face!
I was beaming from ear to ear
When, a sneaky hole it did appear
I was told to wait and see..
I wonder what it could be?
A secret waterfall cascade
Was the surprise Steve had made!
Next, the burying of my treasure
Means more to me than you can measure
A blubbering wreck, tears to hide
You even took this in your stride!
Over the bridge I thought I would fall
Off the end but no worries at all
The stone steps were soon in place
Another smile was on my face
Now Steve has made our new rock pool
Interesting conversations, you are certainly no fool
A stone fountain very fiddly to do
A slight alteration right on cue
We are so happy the time has come
Introducing our fish to their new home
One by one they are carried through
All arrive safely without a to-do!
They are all so happy, a pleasure to see
“Housepiece” arrives with a nice cup of tea
Things are changing day to day
An Indian stone path I hear you say
Not an easy job to carry out
As over the angle grinder I had to shout!
Cold drink or coffee?.. You’re on the spot
A decision to make as boy is it HOT!
Still things are changing with the plan
New fence and gate fitted as only you can
Top and sides for the filters are now in place
Yet another smile is on my face!
Upside down for the decking wood
Aesthetically it looks so good
Again you think outside the box
“The name of that plant, is it called Phlox?”
I will get the names right one day
And hopefully “Yes”, I’ll hear you say
The plants are arriving thick and fast
This exciting part happening at last
Trees, plants and shrubs are everywhere
Still in pots, I can only stare
Steve is moving them all around
Until eventually they are in the ground
The weather has changed, the rain is falling
Conditions for you seem appalling
But you say “This is good”..
So on you go and put up your hood
My birthday is here, the 19th of September
A very special one to remember
We came home, all the planting completed
I could not be more delighted!
Then I noticed the front bed
The job you did for me instead
Saying thank you isn’t enough
You never make your jobs look tough
I know the alliums are on order
From Staverton’s to complete the border
They will be a hidden gem
Have to wait ‘til March for us to see them
After a day out we came home to see
What you had done, you had planted a tree!
Such a beautiful golden colour
Swaying in the breeze, such a splendour
Golden leaves will fall without sound,
Making a carpet on the ground
This is September after all
So very soon the leaves will fall
Now a big favour from you is needed
A fridge to move but I needn’t have pleaded
Together we managed to get it outside
Any “God Almighty” from you, you managed to hide!
Ever grateful to you for your help that day
Another thank you from me is all I can say
Now I am in a panic about the shed
Not 5 weeks as told, next Wednesday instead!
Off goes Steve to get tools from his place
Where he keeps his gear soon an empty space
I should not have worried at all
As one by one the panels fall
What looks like an arduous task to me,
Once again Steve you make it look so easy
Fence panels above your head
Whilst we stand in awe, “Goodbye old shed!”
Another load of old garden muck
Carried away in your trailer and truck
A laurel hedge to give a screen
The junk behind just not to be seen
Steve is planting, there goes number seven
One more part of my garden heaven
Yet another finishing touch
To my perfect garden I love so much
The pleasure from all this is only starting
Spring & Summer next year will be exciting!
Other bulbs will come through
Of course the choice is left up to you
Another triumph and you walk away
But you are welcome here any day
I’ve written this poem in a book
So now & then you may take a look
To see how grateful we have been
For the best water garden we have seen!
Lindy Meldrum
Project Gallery
(click to enlarge)
