 | Water is essential to everything that grows on your property. But it can also be part of the outdoor decor, in a number of ways. Garden fountains are the favorite, and one of the real landscaping treasures for the homeowner who wants to create a distinctive atmosphere around the patio and out in the yard.
Up close on the patio, a wall fountain is not only a handsome accent, but provides sound therapy for relaxing in a lounge nearby. This type of fountain runs on a pump and requires an electrical outlet. Styles range from simple country charm that features birds or other animals, to reproductions of the Lion head wall fountain so familiar in Ancient Rome, where the lion represented bravery.
As a focal point in a garden, free-standing fountains range in style from the classic Victorian pineapple theme, to the purely whimsical. Whether you choose a leaping dolphin, intertwined frog lovers, or a designer garden fountain that pairs pedestal characteristic of older styles with a modern sculpture on top, you are investing in an eye-catching accent that is durable and easily moved should you redesign the layout of your yard.
Gardens aren’t the only place you’ll find fountains, either. Ponds and pools are overlooked as prime locations for these striking accessories. A floating solar pond fountain is ideal for adding that little extra touch to an already beautifully landscaped fishpond. They come in lily pad shapes, with the solar panel built right in, and a remote control so you can stay dry while turning it off after the pad has drifted too far out in the water. These are wonderful fun in the swimming pool during get togethers and barbecues.
And while it is free floating and shoots a credible jet of water about 20 inches into the air, for a really entertaining display, you might opt for the floating pond fountain. These too can be used in a pool, but are a much more sophisticated set-up. The fountain pad is attached to a floating board and anchor, with a 33 ft. cable, and is operated by a pump. It’s a scant 12 inches wide, small enough to make its plume of spray, all the more exciting. This is a fun accent by day, and at night one that will draw even more attention for the continuous change of an LED light with 48 different colors running in rotation.
If you want all splash without the dash, try a submersible pump. It can be installed in a pond or used in a fountain, and set to either create a gently bubbling surface, or jets of water. Because it is electrical, you’ll need an outlet fairly close, although many come with long cords. The resulting display of water shooting six feet in the air is well worth the investment.
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