December 22, 2005

The soothing flow of water brings serenity and tranquility into your home and garden. Yes, you can have an indoor fountain. They are available at garden centers, nurseries and chain stores.

They range in size from huge to very small. Whether your space is small or large, you can have a fountain either indoors or in your garden. In fact you can add them to every room in your house and even the new fashionable outdoor rooms.

Inside the home, fountains can be distributed throughout your house. Put them in your living room, recreation room, family room and even the bedrooms of you and your family. Table top fountains are very popular today and come in a variety of themes. If you child loves frogs or turtles get him a fountain for his room and give him the gift of tranquility and relaxation. If you love dolphins, get a table top dolphin fountain for your office. If your husband likes bears or elephants, there is a fountain that will suit his personality. If you are a man whose wife loves lighthouses or children, there is a fountain that will suit her needs as well.

In the garden animated fountains are very popular. These are fountains which change over time. For instance, some animated fountains contain a single jet that changes in height at three or four different stages. When the final stage has run its course, the water starts again at the first stage. Animated fountains come with a different number of jets. These types of fountains look beautiful when created in an artisan well setting with magnificent blooming plants such as delphinium, hollyhocks and honeysuckle planted in border around the base. Another option is to place the fountain a few feet in front of a wall with a trellis attached and plant climbing roses or clematis as a backdrop. This effect is stunning. You can also plant red, Oriental poppies around the fountain for a lush ferny effect and a brilliant splash of color.

If you want a simple fountain, install a nozzle fountain. They come in all shapes and sizes. Nozzle fountains allow the water flow to be just above the ground, or to shoot high into the air. If you are short on space, a gurgling fountain is perfect for your garden and they’re simple to install. You can use rustic features such as slabs of rock to make this type of fountain. The water gushes out of the earth and brings the music of nature into your backyard, much like a natural spring. Add quartz stones and moss for a natural look and plant water-loving ground cover around the area. Another option is to make a bog garden around the fountain. These are lovely and give your garden fountain the look of a natural wild clearing.

Bubble fountains are fun and very low maintenance. The water bubbles out of the earth and trickles over rocks, stones, pebbles, or whatever your chose to surround it with. Add colorful granite rocks, amethyst or other colorful stones. Stone color is enhanced by water and this type of fountain is very pleasant to the eye. They bring your yard alive with flora and fauna. Birds, butterflies, fireflies, toads, frogs and other water-loving creatures are drawn to bubble fountains. Ornamental grasses, moss and ferns can be planted amongst rocks for a natural look, or add flowers native to bog gardens. Add a small blue flood light to bring a bit of mystique into your garden. You will love sitting on your deck while fireflies flit and flicker in the blue shadows over your fountain, listening to the soothing music of water, and a choir of crickets.

Static water gardens are fun and bring a splash to your garden. They can shoot high into the air, or trickle slowly into the base, depending on the type of nozzle you choose.

Since ancient times, man has had a fascination with the sight and sound of water. By adding a fountain to your garden or home, you bring a breath of fresh air and a refreshing breeze to even the most stifling day. Water is an effective way to make use of natural elements and existing landscapes. Take your time when choosing a fountain. Browse water garden stores, nurseries magazines and surf the internet to find the fountain that will refresh your soul and bring life and beauty into your home and garden.