Woda w sztuce ogrodów

The art of garden design has always combined practical and symbolic aspects. The present article focuses on the relation between beauty and function with regard to water management. Four aspects are discussed, exemplified by historic gardens: - Rainwater - connection between Heaven and Earth - Ground water - mystery of depth - Flowing water - expression of movement - Stagnant water-magic of the mirror. The author focuses on how water, in its various aspects, permeates and connects all landscape elements. The relationship between architecture of buildings and topographic features on the one hand and water drainage or collection on the other is discussed in various climatic zones. The influence of ground water on plants and landscape architecture is analysed. Referring to the gardens at Versailles, Kassel and Peterhof, the author shows the complexity and ingenuity of some systems built to supply water. Finally, the aesthetic and symbolic role of the pond, as associated with the mirror, is discussed in European parks (Versailles) and Chinese gardens.