How To Create a Water Focal Point With Fountain Spitters

Streams of flowing water instantly bring vitality and charm to any pond or pool, whether it's in a formally manicured yard, a cottage garden or a wild natural setting. Even if you don't have a pond or pool in your outdoor space, a prefabricated resin pond or even a large watertight barrel can serve as the basis for a striking focal point that will make you want to spend all day nearby.

To set up a water-themed focal point in your yard or garden, start by finding the right fountain spitters. Although grand, museum-scale fountain spitter sculptures such as the $5,900 Five Dolphins Pond Spitter are certainly impressive, you don't have to have that kind of cash to create a beautiful water feature. Using multiple small spitters can give just as dramatic and fun of an effect as one large expensive one. For even more impact, create a 'setting' for your new water feature focal point with objects such as interestingly shaped boulders, plantings that complement the 'theme' of your outdoor space, or decorative objects such as pillars and stone planters.

Depending on your tastes and what is already in your yard, you may want to take one of a few different creative directions ' elegant and timeless; fun and playful, or nature-oriented.

Classic - For a classic look, pond spitters such as the Classic Urn and any of the figurative spitters such as the Woman Kneeling or Cupid will make your backyard feel like a sophisticated European getaway. This look works particularly well with formal gardens, or yards with a traditional feel. Rectangular pools or ponds add to the refined look of a classically styled exterior space and are complemented perfectly by these elegant fountain spitters.

Playful - In an informal setting, lighthearted fountain spitter sculptures can bring life and interest to your pond or pool. You can't help but smile when you see the fun, energetic Wildflower Pond Spitter (pictured), which is available in either verdigris or bronze finish in various sizes. Perched upon a verdigris lilypad, the Lazy Frog lounges in the sun, sending a stream of water from his mouth out into the pond or pool. Some other playful pond spitters include the Child Riding Seahorse Pond Spitter, the Fisherboy Pond Spitter and the Sharing Pond Spitter.

Nature - If your backyard has a wild, untended look, a Feng Shui theme, or you prefer a simple design, fountain spitter sculptures of animal life will enhance the feeling of relaxation and calm without overpowering the space. Choose pond spitters that evoke the beauty and diversity of the natural world. The Turtle Pond Spitter, Snail Pond Spitter, Great Seal Pond Spitter, and Crab Pond Spitter (pictured) are wonderful choices for an outdoor space that has a sense of peace, tranquility, and a balance of natural elements.

Arrange the spitters as appropriate for your yard or garden. A stone pond with heavy foliage surrounding it would be a lush backdrop for a grouping of frog pond spitters, with their water streams playfully crossing over the surface of the pond. Place a figurative pond spitter such as the Woman Kneeling in a place where it can be properly noticed and admired; a corner of a swimming pool would be a great choice. Use rocks or bricks as a pedestal if you'd like the pond spitters to sit in the water receptacle rather than on the edge; this is an ideal solution if you're using a half barrel or other small container. The pump can be hidden among the rocks on the bottom of the container.

To see a wide selection of pond and pool spitters, browse the Pond Spitters category at KineticFountains.com. If you don't already have a pond or pool, you can also purchase prefabricated resin ponds for use with the spitters, so you can set them up and beautify your outdoor space in no time!