I think I must have the perfect job. This morning, I got up early and spent some time strolling around Sheffield Park and Garden. The birds were singing, the lambs were bouncing around in the parkland and a gentle warm breeze accompanied a sun-filled sky.

This sun is really helping to bring out the incredible colour in the gardens. We have a fantastic plant collection here; the rhododendrons and azaleas are now looking terrific, but an absolute favourite of mine is just about to reveal its show-stopping colour. Kalmia latifolia (pictured below) has wonderful flowers that look just like iced gems (remember those?) – deep pink infused with light pink and whites.

Another highlight this season are our lakes. We have five very large lakes, two of which are mirror lakes, designed to reflect our plants in their still surface. They have water lilies to add to their beauty and they interconnect by a series of waterfalls and cascades.

This brings me to suggest that you may want to consider adding a water feature to your garden. Water offers an opportunity to create sound in the garden; a cascade or fall of water is both relaxing and interesting, and your existing planting will take on new meaning when viewed as a reflection in the water surface. It gives you the chance to use water plants, both marginal and floating, and you’ll probably find that you have dragonflies visiting, displaying electric blue colour as they hover over the water.

The selection of materials available to construct a pond is limitless, so a trip to a good garden centre is advised. Why not visit us here to take a look at our lakes and see if they inspire you to incorporate water into your own garden? Our shop sells a wonderful range of sculptures which are created using recycled metal drums. The frogs and herons in particular would look superb within a water feature, while the solar-powered lighting we offer would extend the hours you can enjoy being outside.

  • Sheffield Park and Garden, Sheffield Park, East Sussex, TN22 3QX, Tel: 01825 790231, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffieldpark
  • Gardens, restaurant, shop and parkland open every day (except December 25)