Fountains in Your Garden: Excessive Luxury or Necessity?

Cultures around the world have celebrated the sound and sight of moving water by adding fountains to some of their most important sites. From the fountains in the gardens at Versailles to the Taj Mahal, fountains highlight the grandeur of the architecture as well as the beauty of nature. Does this mean that fountains are a luxury feature, and they should be limited only to grand and awe-inspiring locales? Not necessarily.

The sound of moving water is one that most people find soothing without being able to say exactly why, and that is why ponds, streams and fountains are also part of garden design in homes around the world. They add a therapeutic and aesthetic element to any setting, bringing the beauty of nature into the space. If you are wondering if it’s a good idea to have a fountain in your garden, you will have to consider both the aesthetic and the technical factors involved.

Does Your Garden Need a Fountain?

Given the choice, most people would opt for a fountain or some kind of water feature in their garden. Some might be discouraged by the thought of the cost or the work involved, but there are many low-cost and low-maintenance choices. If you decide on having a fountain in your garden, you will have to consider design and as well as more practical matters.

Practical matters include installation and maintenance, such as a suitable electrical supply and water aeration system. Here are some of the things to keep in mind when deciding to install a fountain in your garden:

1. The Right Size for Your Space

Fountains come in all kinds of sizes, from small wall fountains to large freestanding ones with their own pool. You should choose the one that best matches your space. Budget will also be a consideration here, but you can opt for a design that has lower installation and maintenance costs.

2. Natural or Manufactured Materials

As with size, you have many different choices when it comes to materials used. Fountains can be made of natural materials like stone or metal. They can also be made of manufactured materials like fiberglass, artificial resins and concrete.

3. Design

Fountains can be freestanding or wall mounted. A wall-mounted fountain works better for smaller spaces. You can build your own fountain according to your design or you can get a prefabricated fountain. Keep in mind that a large fountain will become the focal point of your garden. A small fountain can be used as an accent point.

When choosing a design for your fountain, you can let your imagination roam free and pick from many different styles, including classical, Japanese, minimalist, cascading, disappearing, etc. Gardens and statues go together naturally, and you have any number of choices, from classical figures to animals and birds. You may even create a small woodland scenario with fawns, birds and squirrels, and maybe even a fox.

4. Location

When choosing the location for your fountain, keep in mind that it should match the surroundings and the theme and spirit of your garden and home. You will also need a nearby source of electricity to power the pump and water aeration system. Solar fountains use the energy of the sun to power the movement of the water. In practical terms, a submersible solar-powered pump connects to the fountain to keep the water circulating. 

5. Installation and Maintenance

You can install your fountain or get a professional landscaper to do it for you. There are also kits that come with everything you will need to install your fountain. Remember that fountains also need regular maintenance.

6. Safety

Unless you choose a disappearing fountain where the water does not collect in a base or pond, you will have to take safety precautions as you would with any water feature. If there are any small children in the house or the neighborhood, you may need to install a child safety fence or gate to keep them from getting too close to the pond.

So, is having a fountain in your garden a luxury or a necessity? The soothing and aesthetic effects of running water make a fountain a suitable addition to almost any garden or outdoor space. Whether you use your garden for relaxation, meditation, entertaining or family time, adding a fountain will make it a more inviting place. This, combined with therapeutic effects of running water, make a fountain more of a necessity than a luxury.

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