Posts Tagged ‘Garden Fountains’

A Myriad of Designs Available in Outdoor Fountains

There are so many different styles, shapes, designs and types of outdoor fountains available today that it is hardly surprising that some consumers have a difficult time in choosing an outdoor fountain to place in their courtyard, patio or other outdoor space. Given the many options that are offered on the market today, when you know what you are looking for, you can choose a fountain that will fit your garden perfectly.

First, consider the amount of space that you have available in which to install an outdoor fountain. While many outdoor fountains are large, there are also many other smaller models available that are ideal for a small courtyard or patio area. Even if you do not have a lot of space, you can usually find an outdoor water fountain that will fit in the outdoor living space you have.

In addition, consider the look that you want to achieve in your garden area. Are you looking for something that offers timeless appeal? Is your garden area contemporary in design? Do you prefer the look of country charm? Whatever it is that you are looking for, you will likely find that there is an outdoor water fountain that will perfectly mesh with all of the other elements of your garden or patio area.

After purchasing and installing an outdoor fountain, you will likely find that your garden or yard becomes the ideal place to unwind and relax. Outdoor fountains offer not only pleasing and relaxing sounds, but they are also a beautiful and attractive addition to your natural setting. Whether you want to enjoy the great outdoors while reading, meditating or simply relaxing, the addition of an outdoor water fountain offers a natural way to reduce stress for every member of the family.

Portsmouth Solar Birdbath Fountain Offers Eco Friendly Design

If you are like many people today and are looking for a design feature for your home or office that is not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly, the Portsmouth Solar Birdbath Fountain is the ideal option. While offering an atmosphere that is completely relaxing, the fountain is also eco-friendly. Each time you enter the area where you have installed your fountain, you will be greeted by the sound of gently flowing water.

There are no special installation techniques needed to have your fountain up and running. The fountain comes complete with a solar pump and panel, making it possible for you setup your water feature on your patio, on your deck, garden, conservatory or yard. Due to the way the solar panel is creatively hidden out of sight beneath the water, you will never even know it is there. You will simply be able to enjoy the soothing sound of your fountain and the unique beauty of its aesthetic design. The fountain will operate in direct sunlight only and is designed to filter and recirculate the water, which will prevent the growth of algae while also keeping bothersome insects such as mosquitoes away. The gentle motion of the water is certain to attract a variety of birds to your outdoors space.

With this solar fountain you now have the ability to make the most of your outdoor living area while taking advantage of a design that is completely eco-friendly. The fountain is made of a special resin that is completely weather resistant and certain to provide you with years of enjoyment. The self-contained design ensures no external water lines for refilling; just add water to the fountain as needed.

Espana Garden Fountain Adds Timeless Appeal to Any Outdoor Setting

The Espana Garden Fountain offers a timeless appeal that is ideal for any garden setting or outdoor living space. Created from durable cast stone, the Espana fountain has been lovingly designed to include a variety of eye-catching details that will delight any garden enthusiast. Hand-crafted in the United States by highly skilled artisans, the fountain is certain to bring beauty and peace to your garden. Not only will you be sure to enjoy the fountain today, but the timelessness of this garden feature ensures it will become a treasured heirloom in your family for many generations to come.

The fountain is available in a variety of different colors, including Foreste, Rustico, Coffee, Bronze, Barocco and Country Oak. No matter what your taste, you will be certain to find a color that will fit perfectly into your outdoor living space. All finish colors have been hand-applied to the fountain, meaning that each fountain is much like an individual work of art and no fountains are exactly the same.

If you live in a region of the country that is prone to freezing temperatures, be aware that you will need to protect your fountain during cold weather to prevent any cracks from forming. Your fountain will come with a one year limited warranty.  The complete fountain package includes a pump cover and recirculating electric pump. Due to the weight of the fountain, a forklift is suggested for delivery.

When looking for a garden fountain to add to your garden, courtyard or patio that will provide you with years of enjoyment and a timeless appeal, the Espana Garden Fountain is an ideal choice. No matter the design of your garden or outdoor living space, this fountain is certain to fit in and add an element of beauty and grace.

Outdoor Fountains Help to Wash Away Stress of Modern Life

Modern life can be extremely hectic and stressful for most people today. In most instances, individuals are struggling to juggle their personal lives along with a family and career. All of that stress can take a toll on one’s physical and emotional health rather quickly. Although it is important to meet your responsibilities, it is also important to take time out to unwind and relax. An outdoor fountain is an ideal way to do just that without even having to leave the comfort of your home.

Placing an outdoor fountain in your yard, patio or other outdoor living space will allow you to gently wash away all of the stress and cares of the day while being able to enjoy the beauty and grace of nature. In addition, an outdoor fountain will also quickly become a conversation piece for all of your outdoor gatherings.

While you might think that adding an outdoor fountain to your outdoor space would be a difficult task that is not the case due to the ease of installation offered with many of today’s outdoor fountains. Many outdoor fountains come fully assembled and self-contained, allowing you to simply remove them from the package, position them in the chosen location, fill the fountain, plug it in and begin enjoying your own personal waterfall. Due to the fact that many of these fountains are self-contained, they do not require a dedicated or continual water source. The built-in reservoir will re-circulate water throughout the fountain and you will only need to add water to the fountain as the existing water supply evaporates naturally over a period of time. If the stress of modern life has begun to affect you, considering adding an outdoor water fountain to help unwind and relax.

Understanding How Solar Fountains Work

Many people today are taking an increasing interest in matters of being more environmentally friendly while trying to reduce the unnecessary use of electrical power. As a result, more and more people are turning toward the use of solar power in a variety of interesting ways. One of the most recent ways in which solar power is being used is in water features such as outdoor fountains. Solar fountains are a great way to add a water feature to your outdoor living space while not worrying about using unnecessary electricity and remaining environmentally friendly.

If you are considering the use of a solar fountain, it is important to understand how they work. Perhaps one of the most important elements to understand about these fountains is that no electricity is required. If you are off the grid, you can use a solar fountain with no worries whatsoever. Solar fountains feature a solar pump that is usually housed inside a small panel that is comprised of photovoltaic cells that are used for collecting and storing energy. Silicon is used in most cases to construct the cells. The cells are often fairly thin, which means that a solar fountain often requires direct sunlight for operation and typically cannot be used at night. During the daytime; however, a solar fountain can provide a gorgeous display and a relaxing centerpiece to any outdoor living space.

It is not hard at all to use or install a solar fountain. Generally, all you need to do is place your solar fountain in a location outside where it will be able to receive ample sunlight to provide the energy needed to power the fountain. Then all you need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy your own personal water feature right in your own backyard.

Why Can’t Indoor Fountains Be Used Outdoors?

Here’s a question why is there such a thing as  indoor water fountains and an outdoor fountains? Shouldn’t you be able to take a fountain inside or outside at will? Well, there are some fountains that do have this feature. However, most of the indoor fountains you see advertised cannot be taken outside. Why?

Most interior fountains are electrically powered. They have power cords and plugs as well as built-in lighting. Outdoor fountains are specially made and have UL-approved grounding plugs. These plugs protect the fountain from electric shock in the event of moisture occurring. Additionally, there are shroud devices that protect the lights from moisture. Just imagine if your indoor water fountains powered by electricity met up with moisture from the outside world!

The outdoor water fountain (made for this traveling purpose) usually has a special finish that interior fountains don’t have. That means the finish can stand up to wet weather and other earthy elements. If you put an indoor water fountain outside then rest assured, before long, the finish would peel, crack, fade and slowly deteriorate into nothing. Not only can moisture affect the finish, but sunlight and wind are similarly destructive. Outdoor water fountains are made with a special sealant that preserves the look of the fountain. Why some are even “made to age”, and increase in their visual richness as time goes by. Not so, with a traditionally built indoor water fountain.

Just as using interior fountains outside is not a good idea, neither is using an outside fountain inside. Why? Because these outdoor water fountains are created in order to allow a certain level of splashing. This way, the water sounds (not to mention the cascading features) create specific effects.

Simply put, an outdoor water fountain can ruin your carpeting and your precious wooden floors in a hurry. You could also open up your home to a liability risk if people should start tripping. Indoor fountains are specifically made to protect against accidental splashing.

If you still have doubts or questions, what you might try doing is talking to a contractor in your area. He will be able to tell you about the pros and cons of using an exterior fountain inside or vice versa.

Please note that some fountain makers actually offer a special provision where they can make an indoor fountain compatible with an outside environment. The company might ask an additional fee for this add-on, but this could be precisely what you need to complete your home or office fountain project.

How to Determine the Right Size for Your Water Fountain

Are you interested in a wall fountain for your home or office? Whether you want a fountain for your wall, tabletop or courtyard, you will enjoy the prestige and comfort this device brings you. Wall fountains are especially popular, considering that they can adapt to almost any living situation. However, right about now you may be wondering just what size of wall hanging fountain do you need. How can you tell? After all, you certainly do not want to order the wrong size of wall fountain, put it up and realize that it doesn’t fit your wall!

For starters, before buying any selection of wall fountains make sure to check your living area (or work office) for available space. Pay close attention to the wall length and the height of the ceiling. If you have a high ceiling then ideally, you are looking for a fountain that is tall or vertical size wall fountain.   If the wall is long and has an average height for the ceiling, or perhaps smaller than average height, then your best bet is a horizontal wall fountain.

You want to avoid a tall vertical fountain for a wide wall, unless you have other plans for filling up the sides. You also have to give some attention to the depth of space. If the fountain will be situated in a hallway, for example, then the average depth you are looking for would have to be relatively small. Some people might say six inches is a good figure, but remember you don’t want the fountain to jut out too far. This could cause your guests to run into the fountain or get themselves wet by brushing up against it.

In general, a wall fountain is supposed to open up a space, not crowd it. An ideal place for a fountain would be an empty wall, not a cluttered wall. What you might try is getting the measurements of the fountain you like and then measuring your wall beforehand. You could keep track of these measurements by using tacks, tape or even post it notes. These will act as your reference. Create four corners using these objects that will represent the four corners of the fountain. Now that you have these measurements in place you can back up and observe what looks acceptable. Some users will actually go so far as to create a template fountain using poster board. (You simply cut them into measurable pieces)

In any event, a wall hanging fountain will provide you a great deal of comfort and excitement, whether you welcome clients or guests. Using these tips you can decide the best place to put your wall hanging fountains so they will attract attention!

How to Choose the Right Waterfall for your Garden

There is no question that a waterfall fountain can do wonders for a lush, green garden. It can create an ambiance of peacefulness and positive energy. Some people love the aesthetic value of a garden fountain while others like the relaxing sound of flowing water. Just picture the serene scene as the water flows down rocks and stones. Whereas other scenarios are ideal for water fountains, a garden demands a natural-looking waterfall fountain. It’s a glimpse of paradise! You can achieve this paradise by purchasing a preformed synthetic stone or fiberglass waterfall which can be found in a variety of widths and heights. The various colors of the garden waterfalls will allow you to coordinate with your garden and  landscaping, creating a natural waterfall.

What should you know if you are looking to create your own garden waterfall? This is a slightly different process than simply installing a wall mounted fountain or a tabletop fountain. In this scenario, you have to carefully consider size, placement and water containment. The design of the fountain will be of importance. Naturally, you are not creating a true waterfall, but a fountain simulation of a natural waterfall.

You have to take into account the size of your yard, your own personal taste, and how much you can afford to spend. Garden waterfalls are usually thought of as big, but you are not required to build a giant waterfall to get the point across. Building a grand waterfall fountain is going to be much different than creating a smaller slope waterfall made of pebbles. The larger the waterfall, the more expensive the operation will be.

You will also need some manpower in order to lift large rocks to accommodate your fountain. Smaller waterfalls can be built in a single say. Larger waterfalls may take several days. When considering placement, it does help if you already have a pond in your garden area. This way, you know exactly where you want to put the garden waterfall.

If you haven’t considered where exactly you want you waterfall fountain, then try and visualize the layout of the yard. Usually, contractors and landscapers recommend you start building right on a pre-existing slope. You may consider creating an artificial slope if you don’t already have one. Basically, garden waterfalls are put wherever they can be the focal point of the garden. You want to be able to enjoy the sight of this site from inside looking out as well as from the outside.

You have to give thought to water containment. Some unit come standard with their own pond or pool for the water to re-circulate and other will need a container.  If you do not have a pool or pond already then you will need such a container where the water can fall. In this case, it might be best to purchase pre-fabricated resin pond forms. Waterfall fountains can transform a pretty garden into a beautiful piece of land!

Winterizing Your Outdoor Fountain

Garden fountains are susceptible to extreme temperatures. While many fountains are capable of enduring cold temperatures in general, some special precautions have to be taken. This process is known as winterizing your fountain. If you fail to winterize your fountain then the water could freeze inside of the basin or the pump. The result is that it will crack and damage these vital parts. If you damage the pump, it will have to be replaced. Fountains that have concrete or cast stone parts are also at a higher risk of cracking.

What should you do if you want to winterize your garden fountain? If you have the time, the best thing to do is to disassemble your fountain completely and put it somewhere safe (like a garage) in order to keep it dry and at a medium temperature. Not everyone has time to go through this, naturally. If you cannot do this, then take the faster route as described below.

When it’s time to put away garden wall fountains for the season, first drain all water out of the fountain. Next, take the pump (the most important piece of the fountain) and bring to a safe and warm location. Taking the pump inside with you will reduce the risk of damage. Furthermore, you could use this opportunity to clean the pump and rid it of microscopic impurities like pet dander, algae and other debris.

Some stores sell garden wall fountain covers, though you could use any sort of waterproof protective material to prevent moisture from getting into the fountain. You need to make sure that no water or moisture can seep through the covering, a waterproof tarp would make a good covering.  The most important part to cover is the basin. You don’t just want heavy material—you want absorbent material to absorb any moisture that may get underneath the covering.   Think about material like burlap sacks or even bales of hay can be used to absorb moisture, just be sure to check then periodically and replace as needed.   Even if you don’t want to cover the entire fountain, you should try to fill the basin and any other tiers with something absorbent, even if it’s just a towel or two.

If by some chance water gets into the basin and freezes, then you have to worry about cracking and then leakage later on. If you have a tiered fountain with stackable parts then it’s best to take off each tier individually and put them in a safe place. Remember that even small cracks are enough to ruin your entire garden fountain. What about hair cracks? These will often times develop not because of moisture but because of aging and exposure to extreme temperatures. Note that these types of cracks will usually not affect your fountain.

Last but not least, rid your garden wall fountain of all plants and other debris. Leaving these materials inside the basin or pump could cause rotting. Keep these tips in mind for the next winter season!

Where to Place Water Fountains in the Home

Every home or office could benefit from a hanging wall fountain. Many homeowners and business owners think that a water fountain adds a certain “vitality” to a room. In addition to being an aesthetic wonder, water fountains also provide some physical benefits. A water fountain can work as a humidifier and also help in the flow of Chi. The only question left to consider is where you should put the fountain.

First off, you can place wall hanging fountains in practically any room or area of the house, such as a living room, foyer or even your bedroom. Here are a few points to keep in mind though when going about making decorative decisions.

If there is a lot of traffic surrounding the fountain area, then you may want to think twice about selecting a floor fountain or a deep profile wall fountain. Guests could accidentally bump into it and children may try to touch it. Besides this, well-trafficked areas can lead to an accumulation of dust and the need for more cleaning. Make sure your guests have plenty of room to pass by around the fountain area.

You also have to make sure that humidity or even water droplets will not damage anything nearby. Even on the best wall hanging fountains constructed, there is the potential for some small droplets of water to travel—especially on the underside of the basin. So do not put anything wooden around the fountain, nor should you put the fountain near other delicate surfaces that could be damaged by water.

For the best results, try choosing an area that is not high on traffic but still easily viewed. Remember that a wall hanging fountain is your focal point. Do not try and crowd the area with too many other objects. Give the fountain lots of space to make a good show. While you want to avoid picture frames and large decorative objects, you might try enhancing the beauty with a candle or a plant. They key is to anchor the piece—not overshadow it with extras.

Hanging wall fountains can make good first impressions. So avoid mixing this dramatic piece with anything too ordinary, like TV sets or a particularly ugly piece of furniture. Besides, a TV set would overpower the natural sounds of flowing water. You want to highlight the hanging wall fountain for the eyes and for the ears.

In conclusion, keep wall hanging fountains the center of attention and give them space to shine.