Naturally, you want to have a beautiful yard. You are aware that achieving the look you desire for your home takes effort and having the appropriate furniture and decorations is essential.
You should choose the garden décor based on your own aesthetic style and preferences. There are many different types of garden décor available, so you can find something that fits your taste. An outdoor fountain is a great option that can provide you with endless enjoyment and true beauty.
Fountains have many advantages, which we will explore in this guide, including how to make your selection and what benefits they offer. We will also look at some of the potential drawbacks of having a water feature.
The goal is to give provide you with information about outdoor fountains so that you can make a decision about which one to put in your garden area. Let’s get started.
Why Should You Consider an Outdoor Fountain?
You want your outdoor areas and garden to be beautiful places that you enjoy spending time in. Sure, you may have some lovely flowers, a deck area, some nice outdoor furniture, and maybe even some sculptures in the garden. Although there are many benefits to having an indoor fountain, an outdoor fountain can add a whole new level of visual interest to your space. First, let’s consider the benefits of having an outdoor fountain in your garden. In the next chapter, we will explore some of the potential disadvantages of having a garden fountain.
Adding Fountains is Fun and Easy
If you want to turn your backyard into a beautiful oasis, you can do so by adding some water features. Not only will this make your garden more aesthetically pleasing, but it could also become the main point of interest in your backyard. Although some people might be undecided about whether or not to get an outdoor fountain, many people find them to be enjoyable. You may think that fountains are too expensive or difficult to maintain. You don’t need to worry about that. While there are certainly some high-end, costly fountains out there, there are also more affordable options available. Even if you have a small budget, you can still find fountains that fit your budget. You’ll also find that fountains tend to be easy to care for, which you’ll learn more about in later chapters of this guide.
Change Up the Garden Style
Another reason for wanting a water fountain in your garden is the aesthetic value it can create. Perhaps you are looking to give your garden a new overall style and aesthetic. If you have a new fountain, you may want to consider matching the style of your garden to it. If you prefer, you can choose a fountain that closely matches the style of garden you already have. How might you work with the textures of the fountain or garden to create a cohesive design?
Make it a Focal Point or an Accent
If you want your fountain to be the focal point of your garden, choose a bigger feature and place it in the center. If you want it to be an accent piece, choose a smaller feature and place it off to the side. There are some benefits to both of these options. If you use the fountain as an accent piece, it will draw attention to another area of the garden. There are certain features in your garden that you may feel should be the focal point. For example, you may have a gazebo or a walkway leading to a patio or rock garden. Instead of a big, showy fountain, you could have a small one that’s more of an accent piece. If you want your fountain to be the center of attention in your garden, that’s perfectly fine. Do you want a bigger fountain that really catches people’s attention, or a spot where you can hang out with friends and family? No matter the size of the fountain and if it is the center piece or just an accent, it will definitely liven up your garden.
Bring in More of the Natural World to the Garden
You, your family, and friends will enjoy the fountain in the garden, and you may find that animals also enjoy it. The fountain could be a resource for small animals to get a drink or cool off on a hot day. The fountain is a an attractive addition to the garden that makes it more lively. Some fountains and water features are even good for adding your own fish, such as koi. If you want an outdoor water feature for your garden, you may want to build a koi fountain or pond. This guide does not cover how to build one, but it may be something to consider.
The Sound Is Peaceful and Relaxing
The sound a fountain makes is relaxing and soothing. Water can help reduce stress by relaxing the body and mind. We all know that stress can build up in today’s busy world. A garden can provide a space to relax and forget about the world’s troubles. The fountain could be a great place for yoga or meditation if you like to do those things and have the space nearby.
You Have Tons of Options
There are a variety of fountain styles and sizes to choose from to fit your needs. If you are looking for a feature made from a certain material, you will have many options to choose from. There are a variety of fountain styles available to match any person’s taste and budget.
We have created a guide to help you choose a fountain material that best suits your style.
Acrylic/Glass/Resin
Glass fountains are gorgeous. It looks more like a work of art than a fountain. However, they are not typically practical for an outdoor setting because they break easily. Acrylic fountains can provide a similar artistic look to stone fountains and be a little more durable, but they tend to turn yellow and become brittle over time if left in the sun. Resin fountains can become brittle over time and are quite light, so they can blow away in a stiff wind.
Ceramic
When you think of a ceramic fountain, think of a large terra cotta pot. Fountains that are small in size are great to have on patios and decks. The plants can also make the space feel more handmade and calm. Ceramic fountains can be bought pre-made or you can buy a large piece of pottery to turn it into a fountain for a fun DIY project. If you live somewhere that has freezing temperatures during winter, make sure you buy a pot small enough to bring it inside. If you do not take care of the ceramic fountain, it will crack and fall apart after a few years and you will have to make a new one.
Cast Stone / Concrete
Cast stone fountains can be molded into any design. They are quite heavy, and weigh almost as much as a real stone fountain. Cast stone fountains have cleaning needs that are similar to the most delicate and porous natural stones. Fountains made of cast or concrete are not suitable to be used in a climate that has freeze / thaw seasons throughout the year because they are porous. If you want a cast stone or concrete fountain and live in a climate that gets cold sometimes, you should be aware that…
Limestone or Marble
The Greeks used limestone over 4,500 years ago to create statues. The Egyptians used it to build the Great Pyramids. This is because limestone is easily accessible and quick to carve, as it is a softer stone. This stone is usually one solid color with few different colors on each block.
Marble fountains contain a variety of colors, with veins of colors that stand out in contrast, or sometimes a few colors that stand out in contrast. The flowers are beautiful and can make any garden look like a paradise. The fountains look like works of art rather than functional objects.
These kinds of fountains are not as durable as granite fountains and will not last as long in cold climates where the temperature fluctuates between freezing and thawing. To extend their lifespan, you should cover them each Fall for the whole winter. Fountains that are taller/ have a larger diameter can be unsightly in front of your home during the winter season/ holidays. This is because they are more likely to accumulate snow and ice.
Travertine or Cantera
types of stones are not good for fountains This means that they are cheaper than other types. Both of these types of stones are known to have large air pockets which over time can create places for the fountain to leak. The chemicals used to prevent algae growth can eat away at Cantera stone in as little as 5 to 8 years. Additionally, because Cantera is a porous stone, it is only suitable for climates that do not experience significant freeze-thaw cycles.
Granite
There are many different colors of granite, so you can choose a fountain that will perfectly highlight your outdoor getaway. These fountains make a perfect centerpiece for your estate and are very easy to maintain. Unlike other softer stones, granite is not affected by chemicals from cleaning products or substances used to clean water. Iron stains and calcium scale can be quickly and easily removed with various acid solutions without affecting your stone.
Basalt
Do you want a rustic fountain for a more informal area? Basalt fountains create an atmosphere of peace and relaxation. Water makes basalt fountains come alive and stand out more in their atmosphere. Typically, basalt fountains are installed in a disappearing water feature, which means that there is no pool of water to accidentally fill with leaves in Fall. This kind of fountain is very well suited to a very wooded area, since the water reserve is actually contained in a pondless basin in the ground under the fountain.
Bronze
Bronze provides an elegant look to any setting, due to its natural shine. This is a great option if you want to use the soft colors in the bronze to complement the color scheme in your garden. The bronze statue will add a touch of elegance to your garden. It takes a lot of work to keep a fountain that is brown and gold-colored bronze looking good every year because the elements constantly make the metal turn a more typical silver-gray or greenish color. If you want the brown and gold colors of the fountain to remain, you will need to scrub the color off every year.
You should have a better understanding of how outdoor fountains work and why you should have one in your garden. You should also know how to choose the right one for you.
Now that you have read the guide, all you need to do is remember the advice and start looking for a great fountain for your outdoor space. There are plenty of excellent brands and models to choose from, so take your time to find the perfect fountain for your needs. You will be amazed at how much this will improve the look and feel of your garden.
