The Willow Pattern Water Gardens...

Willow pattern is a term that describes the traditional Chinese folktale of a young girl, her father and a poor young man. The design pattern can be seen on both old and new earthenware pottery. The story has a happy ending as the girl and boy are transformed into doves and fly away to live happily ever after. The willow pattern water garden design has pictures of the lake, pond or river - a little bridge, lattice type fencing, apple blossom and willow trees.

Design component of the willow pattern

One cannot fully appreciate and understand the willow pattern water garden without ever seeing a Chinese willow pattern plate. The  plate was made in the early 19th century and from the design one can quickly spot a pavilion, ornate bridge, the trelliswork, willow and apple tree.

How do you know that this water garden pattern is perfect for you?

This water garden can fit almost anywhere. It is very beautiful and looks like a Chinese monk meditation venue. This water garden pattern will work you if you consider yourself romantic.

Design guidelines for success

  • Either have a big, natural-looking pond, with a stream running off it, or a meandering stream
  • Select a gazebo or summerhouse that meets your requirements. Create the look by fitting it out with oriental style scrolls and motifs
  • Connect a narrow bridge over the pond or stream
  • Use lattice work to decorate parts of the scene
  • Use Chinese containers
  • Plant apple trees, bamboos and willows
  • Have carp in the pond

How to create a willow pattern water garden

  1. Draw up a sketch of the design first - then make a detailed diagram taking into consideration the house, boundaries, structures and large trees. Note all drains in the area.
  2. Get rid of all unwanted plants
  3. Use bamboo screens, willow and hedges as a natural fence
  4. Build the pond with the stream running off it
  5. Build the gazebo and decking
  6. Build the bridge
  7. Place rocks or slabs around the pond and along a meandering stream
  8. Get some Chinese containers - blue colored ones are best

Care and maintenance

A willow pattern water garden needs to be cleaned regularly. Remove debris and dead leaves in autumn. Foliage that is withered away needs to be trimmed. Remove all plants that need to be over wintered carefully. In winter remove dried up leaves, remove pumps and place a ball in the water to crush the ice. In spring clean out the pond. The gazebo must be checked before and after winter to make sure that it does not have vermin...