Gardens Tap Into Rill Water Characteristics
Of all of the water features we use in our gardens, the rill perhaps has the most interesting history. The rill is a man-made backyard canal that creates garden ambience through the nice sound of moving water. The earliest style of rill was discovered in early Persian gardens, but perhaps the most famous are in the Moorish Alhambra gardens in Granada, Spain. The rill was a hot water characteristic of Edwardian garden layout and often employed by Gertrude Jeckyll, one of Englands most famous garden designers.
Today, rills will be the ideal option for any size backyard, as they occupy little space, are easy to maintain and can be made to suit your style of garden along with your life.
Charles McClure – Expert Site Planning
Looking to yesteryear. In early Persian gardens, slender canals were the principal quality of gardens where creating a cooling setting was vital in the hot climate. Today, similar water attributes are utilized for exactly the exact same purpose. The addition of fountains with this modern raised rill adds motion as they disturb the reflections on the water.
Samuel H. Williamson Associates
Level rills. Rills are normally very shallow and narrow, utilized as either a layout feature to direct the eye to another part of the garden or as a functional feature to transfer water from 1 portion of the backyard to another. Rills set to a terrace or paved area are perfect in gardens utilized by small children, where security is paramount. They are also loved by wildlife, since the shallow nature of this rill makes it a ideal drinking trough.
Raised rills. When elevated above floor level, rills can be than only a water feature. In the Renaissance gardens of the Villa d’Este near Rome, rills were set into the middle of extended rock tables so that wine bottles could be cooled in the cold, flowing water. I’ve observed a modern version of the in Place Kléber in Strasburg, France, where elevated wooden rills were built one summer to permit the residents to cool their beer, wine and feet in the warmth of a summer.
Lazar Landscape Design and Construction
Running water. Rills can be designed as still, contemplative waters or flows of motion. The famous serpentine rill in Rousham, England, was assembled by the early garden designer William Kent in 1738. It snakes through forests at ground level hauling water throughout the gardens, finishing in a large octagonal pool.
A design characteristic. Rills may be utilized only as a design characteristic, providing a solid architectual lineup by means of a backyard, patio or yard. They can define areas and make motion in enclosed locations. This little, elevated rill with its minimalistic style and powerful lines fits well into this modern design. It is a case where easy restraint in layout has worked.
Bercy Chen Studio
Planting. Rills are ideal for planting marginal plants. The shallow depth and degree of water make them the ideal home for a selection of marginals. Architectual plants look the best in the formal arrangement of the rill, and of these I’d recommend: Scirpus tabernaemontani ‘Zebrinus’ (Zebra Hurry)Juncus effusus ‘Unicorn’ (Unicorn Common Rush)Iris pseudoacorus ‘Variegata’ (Variegated Yellow Flag)We can see in the elevated formal rill above both architectural plants and water lilies, which not only give foliage and flower interest but also keep the water clear of pond weed such as blanket weed that can quickly clog the rill. Narrow rills can be obstructed with roots out of overplanting or uncontrolled root development, so routine reducing or dividing any clumps may be required.
Rugo/ Raff Ltd.. Architects
Rills without planting. For a contrast, here we see that a raised wide rill with no plants at all. The rounded cobbles in the foundation create interest, while the clear, still water reflects the surrounding garden. The increasing and dividing of the rill by the use of a surround of cobbles makes a true characteristic of the rill.
Lazar Landscape Design and Construction
The contemporary appearance. A series of rills placed at angles can operate in steps down a slope with every run connected by little waterfalls. The contemporary rill here uses metal for those troughs that contrasts perfectly against the lush planting. I really like the way a characteristic has been made from the supporting timbers, developing a sculpture in thier own right.
Five Two Industries
For the smallest yard. Today even the smallest of gardens or yard may enjoy the noise of running water along with the delight of sunlight sparkling from the rill. This modern water feature offers wonderful motion of water along a vertical and flat rill before slipping into an official pond beneath.
More:
Reflecting Pools as Liquid Assets
Give Your Little Garden Some Space