The Advantages Of Outdoor Garden Water Fountains

If you already have a body of water on your property, then you face a big decision – drain it or install an outdoor garden water fountain. Keep in mind that if your pond is free flowing and is connected to an above ground or underground source, you will different needs of an outdoor garden water fountain than others with stagnant ponds. Even if you don’t have a pond but are considering getting one, installing an outdoor garden water fountain in that pond at the time of construction is recommended.

Health Concerns

Stagnant water causes a lot of problems for not just you, but your neighbors. Although you might think you own your property, your neighbors and the law may make you think otherwise. Ponds or lakes that were once clear and sparkling can become cut off to their sources of aeration like an underground stream or above ground creek for a variety of reasons, especially new construction, drought or river diversion.

An outdoor garden water fountain keeps the water moving, so that heavy layers of smelly algae and baby mosquitoes can’t be born. Female mosquitoes need to lay their eggs on still water. The growing larvae can’t live in very strong currents. Of course, you could spray for mosquitoes heavily each breeding season, but that winds up being bad for the environment and can wind up making you sick from having to breathe in the spray.

Beauty Concerns

Garden wall water fountains and the like also bring benefits that can’t quite be measured in money – although they certainly have been known to raise the value of the properties they are installed on. The sound and sight of moving, gurgling water is one of the universally reliable calming experiences. This is why Zen gardens and Japanese gardens always include an outdoor water garden or a little waterfall somewhere.

With water moving around regularly, and with adequate filtration, you can then expect to draw some hard-pressed wildlife to your home. Species of migrating birds are dying because they’ve lost many of the watering holes that acted as their refueling stations. Most species of frogs are endangered, so any little bit to help one frog helps not only the species, but in keeping the insect pests down in the summertime.

Check with your accountant to see if your state, province or country will give you a tax break for installing an outdoor garden water fountain. It may count as a home improvement project.

A Garden Waterfall Fountain Creates Life

A garden waterfall fountain can really bring a garden to life. Plus the sound of falling water has a very serene and calming effect. When considering various options, you will want to look for a garden waterfall fountain made from high quality materials, with a realistic finish and texture. You may also want to consider a potential theme when selecting a particular style, finish and texture.

Installing a Garden Waterfall Fountain

Most garden waterfall fountains are completely self contained with a water reservoir, require no plumbing and are easy to install. They do, however, typically require access to an electrical outlet. An internal pump recycles the water within the garden waterfall fountain. If you don’t want to worry about using long electrical cords, you may want to consider a solar garden water fountain. Solar fountains run purely on solar energy with no need for electricity. Some solar fountain pumps even have a built-in battery back-up, which kicks-in when direct sunlight is blocked by clouds or a shadow, or during the night.

Garden Waterfall Fountain Varieties

There are many forms of garden waterfall fountains such as multi-tiered fountains, barrel fountains and wall fountains. A cascading waterfall is a very popular design with water falling from stone to stone at different levels before falling into a reservoir. Barrel fountains can be very appealing with some constructed of recycled wine barrels that can even incorporate a cascading waterfall using multiple barrels. Barrel fountains can also be used for growing water plants, and a bamboo water spout adds additional natural beautiful. Wall fountains produce lower water sprays and are therefore perfect for small spaces.

The Sights and Sounds of Rocks

Rocks are an important component to consider when designing your garden waterfall fountain. Rocks are an important visual aspect of the waterfall itself, and they also determine the flow and speed of the water, as well as the sound. Rocks and stones can be used as edges for the actual waterfall itself, and can also hold down the lining of a waterfall. Gravel and pebbles are great for lining the base of a waterfall in conjunction with sand, while larger rocks are less prone to algae. It is probably best to use an assortment of rocks in addition to gravel so that you won’t have an issue with algae, and can enjoy a garden waterfall fountain that is very aesthetically pleasing, along with providing the pleasant sounds of moving water.

Next Page »