Different Types of Water Fountains for Your Garden
Gardens are a nice place where you can relax and just enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and nature. It takes a lot of effort and time to create and implement a whole designed garden, but the money and time is well spent if you plan to spend a lot of time relaxing, working, and entertaining in your garden. Having a well-designed landscape can be a really nice investment as it can raise the curb appeal to your property. Adding containers, plants, paving, water features and sculptures are just a few ways that you can enhance your landscape. This article will focus on 5 different types of water fountains for your garden.
When you add a water fountain to your garden, it will change the whole feel and look. What was just simple and ordinary, is now a complete outdoor oasis. The flowing water sounds has a really relaxing effect as well as being known to attract birds and other wildlife, which changes the whole atmosphere. Fountains can also be the focal point of any garden or backyard.
Garden fountains come in a variety of sizes, styles, and materials. They can be tiered, freestanding, disappearing, or wall mounted. They can also be customized according to the space where it is install, the budget you have, and how much maintenance you plan to do. Most fountains are completely prefabricated.
Landscapers will normally follow this rule when they install fountains. They will use two fountains, one small and one big. The bigger fountain is the focal point while the small one is just an accent. There are other considerations to think about such as the type of garden where the fountain will be. Our professionals will be able to provide you with ideas and tips for adding the right type of fountain to your garden. Email or call us at 480-488-9455 today to help with your landscape design or installation.
Tiered Fountain
Tiered fountains are really popular and have been used in gardens for centuries. These fountains are really popular in countries like Italy and Spain and are normally placed in plazas and courtyards. The design of a tiered fountain can be complex or simple such as carvings of people, animals and more.
Tiered fountains look great in a classical or traditional setting. The fountain needs to look as if it has been there for years and the color should blend in with the paving.
Disappearing Fountain
This water feature is called the pondless fountain. The water reservoir is hidden beneath the ground and it looks great when it is positioned near a path or patio, as it gives a really attractive appearance and sound to the whole area. Some of the popular styles are ceramic urns, natural looking waterfalls, millstones, and granite column as well as other styles.
The disappearing fountain can be great for your garden for the following reasons:
- It takes up little space and can be installed virtually anywhere. It is great for small backyards and patios.
- It requires little maintenance. Debris, leaves, and dirt can’t enter the reservoir and the sun can’t grow algae.
- Since the water body is underground, the water won’t evaporate. So, less water is used when compared to a traditional fountain.
- The reservoir is underground, so there isn’t an open basin or pond, so there isn’t a drowning risk. It is safe for children.
Japanese Fountain
Every Japanese garden will have a fountain. It symbolizes physical and spiritual cleansing, and so they are located at the entrance of the home or temple. Japanese fountains have simple designs and the focus is on the water instead of the basin.
A fountain that has a bamboo spout may be installed. The water trickles from the spout into the basin, which is made from stone. It will have jagged edges and will look old and weathered by outdoor elements. This type of fountain appears to be in harmony with the nature that surrounds it, so it will be installed around rocks and surrounded by ferns and evergreen plants. This type of fountain is more than just decor or an ornament.
Another type of idea is to install the stone fountain on a gravel bed and then surround it with rocks and live bamboo. As the years go by, moss will grow on the stones and it will begin to look like a part of the landscape. Those who have a lot of open space, will often consider having a large water feature. They will be able to create a meandering stream or pond and then add fish, mainly koi to it. It isn’t always necessary to have water inside of the fountain. Most Japanese gardens will use stones, sand, and gravel to represent water. These gardens will also have flat stones from rivers which will be tightly laid together to make it look like a moving stream of water.
Wall Fountain
Wall fountains look great on a small patio or in a courtyard since it gives the sense of relaxation. This type of fountain doesn’t take up a lot of space and can be customized to fit on a certain wall. It does require a pump, internal tubing, water basin and a spout. It can be mounted or freestanding and the styles include Asian, antique, modern or traditional.
Having a freestanding wall fountain also known as a floor fountain is very large. The basin is place on the ground. A wall mounted fountain, is integrated on an existing wall or built into a new wall. The fountain adds a cohesive look which makes it look like it is part of the landscape instead of just an added feature and the natural look is like a work of art.
Self-Contained Fountain
Self-contained fountains are really popular because they can be installed easily and are affordable. They have all the working parts that include the pump and plumbing needed to function. Self-contained may also refer to the fountains that have their own reservoir and don’t have to be placed in a pool or pond.
These fountains are great for patios and decks since installation is easy and quick and they don’t require any construction. This also ensure that it is simple to move it to another place. In order to install the fountain, the landscaper will ensure that the land is level. If the ground is uneven, then it will be leveled and compacted. The fountain will then be placed and water added to it. Then it will be connected to a power source like batteries, outlet, or solar panel.
Self-contained fountains are convenient because there isn’t a need for external plumbing, connection to water, or piping. It can be placed anywhere in the garden, but most are used as a focal point. They may be made from fiberglass, ceramic, metal, cast stone as well as other materials.
Phoenix Valley Landscape Consultants
Desert Foothills Gardens Nursery, Inc. offers expert planning and installation of new landscapes for Phoenix valley residents. From Cave Creek to Mesa and anywhere in between we help our friends in Arizona design the most relaxing and beautiful outdoor spaces. Ensure that you consult one of our landscaping professionals for advice with getting the perfect look for your garden. Call Desert Foothills Gardens Nursery, Inc. at 480-488-9455 for more information on our fountains.