December 22, 2005

The addition of a water fountain can add a sense of beauty, mystery and serenity to your garden, says Marilyn Raynor of Raynor Garden Centers, and there’s such a wide variety to choose from.

We carry hanging water fountains, garden water fountains, wall fountains and self-contained outdoor water fountains, to name a few. They’re suitable for your balcony, patio, penthouse or deck. The sound of water soothes the soul and gives you a sense of well-being. The trickling sound of water heals.”

Marilyn went on to say that if you place a water fountain near your bedroom window, surrounded by a few aromatherapy plants that you will sleep much better. “The trickle of water will lull you into a deep sleep. It sings a lullaby,” she laughs. “Your spirit becomes calm and serene. The sound quiets your soul, helps you relax and ensures a good night’s sleep. Combined with the aromatherapy plants, you will awake calm, happy and refreshed. All will be well with your soul.”

Marilyn went on to say that fountains enhance the beauty of your landscape with natural beauty and sound. “Fountains create rhythm,” she explains. “They convey the serenity of water into your garden and inspire creativity, harmony and relaxation. Fountains have wonderful complex sounds, which improve quality of life. They are functional pieces of art and make great conversation pieces.”

When asked what types of fountains she recommends, Marilyn says, “If you have a large body of water on your property, floating fountains result in beautiful self-sustaining water systems that can be used for swimming and to encourage aquatic life. Fountains induce aeration and circulation, which are key in keeping lakes and ponds healthy.” She went on to add, “If you have a staircase that climbs a hill or terrace, a fountain makes a profound statement when placed at the top in an outdoor foyer. Add beautiful flowers that are chosen to the scale of your fountain. Use white and lots of brilliant colors, or create a totally blue garden using a variety of species and shades. Blue is a cool and the color of the sea and sky. It symbolizes faith, heaven, loyalty, trust, intelligence and truth. Blue is beneficial to the mind and soul. It is associated with calmness and tranquility. When coupled with the soothing sound of moving water, it is a great healing tool. Blue flowers and green foliage add a natural, watery element to your garden. It is the perfect combination.”

Marilyn explained that blue is a neutral color. “It can be used with red and oranges to cool a color scheme, or with yellow to grab the viewer’s attention. Use dark blue with white for contrast, or red, white and blue for a patriotic look. For elegance, use darker blue flowers with silvery-white foliage.”

Marilyn assured me that blue goes well with all earth tones. “Use it with peach, salmon, green, purple, orange and all hues of brown, from the lightest to the darkest, and it looks fantastic,” she trilled.

Marilyn has several beautiful fountains both inside and outside her country home. In the garden center, literally dozens of fountains bring a sense of serenity into her business. “I challenge everyone to add at least one fountain to their garden. Fountains are balm for the soul and the flora and fauna that surround them brings beauty into our lives. If you are a fanciful person, add resin gnomes, fairies, and animals to the natural beauty for a whimsical touch.”