Water Power Book

Water Power approaches the design and creation of water features in a unique and quite inspiring way. Anthony Archer-Wills has structured a lavishly illustrated book along the natural sequence of the water cycle, with sections entitled: Source, Course, Outlet and Destination. The elemental natural beauty of a spring or waterfall is studied and then shown recreated in a domestic setting with the intention of mirroring the natural in the man-made. The book combines an artistic, spiritual and natural history of water with a tone that alternates between the practical and the poetic--at times almost New Age. This works more effectively than it may sound. Those planning a water feature on any scale must acquire an understanding of the nature of water and how it behaves in order to dramatically heighten its impact in the domestic setting. Observing the things that make a waterfall such an awe-inspiring spectacle can be simulated once ideas of landscape, power, lighting, depth and sound have been considered. The book encompasses an enormous variety of ideas; formal fountains and springs, naturalistic ponds and pools, modern quasi- industrial designs, all beautifully photographed in some very exotic locations. Many are designed for those with unlimited space and finances and preferably a temperate climate but the basic ideas of how to create these can be adapted whatever the scale of your project. Each chapter is ended with technical plans, material and planting advice and practical notes on the styles of water display shown but this book is not going to provide a quick guide to constructing a garden pond. The myriad of ideas that are suggested in this beautiful book makes it a source of inspiration rather than perspiration. --Rachel O'ConnorRead More