by noisen8r
Garden Fountains – How to Find the Right One
If you are trying to develop a new design for your garden, you’ve probably thought about adding a fountain. Garden fountains can add so much to any outdoor space. Whether it’s the soothing sound of running water, the striking visual of a tiered fountain or the ability to create a new home for some beautiful fish, fountains can appeal to almost anybody. When you are looking to add a fountain to your garden, there are several things to keep in mind.
1. How big is your garden space? It is important that your fountain fits in with the rest of your garden. If your space is limited, it wouldn’t make sense to add a huge, multi-tiered fountain. That would take away from the rest of your garden. While it is perfectly normal to have a fountain be the centerpiece of your garden, you still want all of the pieces in your garden to compliment each other. A grandiose fountain in a small space definitely wouldn’t do that. Luckily, garden fountains are available in almost any size. Whether it’s a small fountain that would fit right on your deck or patio, or something grand as the centerpiece of a much bigger garden, you will be able to find the right size fountain to fit your needs.
2. What are you trying to accomplish with your fountain? Garden fountains can serve many purposes, so you should think of what you envision your fountain doing. Do you want to create an animal friendly environment? Some fountains double as birdbaths, while others can also serve as a pond to host fish. Are you looking for a relaxing place to meditate or read a book? If so, you should figure out the best place for your fountain that has seating close by. Perhaps your fountain should be near a garden bench or a hammock. Maybe you are looking for a new fountain just to add to the style or look of your garden. If so, you will simply find the fountain that best fits your style.
3. How much work for installation and maintenance are you prepared for? All garden fountains require at least a little bit of maintenance. As a general rule, the bigger the fountain, the more work is required to install and maintain it. Many bigger fountains need to be pre-wired underground. Additionally, they may need filters and liners if they are part of a pond. Once installed, however, the maintenance becomes fairly routine. If maintaining a fountain doesn’t appeal to you, perhaps a smaller fountain or even a solar fountain would best fit your needs. Smaller fountains can offer similar sights and sounds as the bigger ones. Some small ceramic fountains even have two or three tiers, and can be placed virtually anywhere. As an environmentally friendly alternative, solar fountains typically don’t require much maintenance either. The most important thing to consider with a solar fountain is that is must be placed somewhere where it will receive a lot of sunlight. Otherwise it will not function properly. The biggest maintenance issue for a solar fountain is simply making sure there is enough water in the fountain. Since they aren’t hooked up to any water source, solar fountains simply recycle their own water for continuous use. However, evaporation does happen over time, so it is important to check the water level.
While there are a handful of things to consider, garden fountains come in such a wide variety that anyone can find what they are looking for. No matter what type you ultimately decide on, a fountain can be a wonderful addition to any garden that friends and family are sure to enjoy.
Frances Price writes articles on healthy living, gardening, and children’s activities. For more information on garden fountains, please visit Garden Fountains, supplier of high quality garden furniture, outdoor decor and accessories, and garden tools.
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