Installing a free-standing outdoor garden fountain can be a delightful way to enhance a garden or patio. We have a spot in our garden that could use a focal point. Something attractive that enhances the garden, brings a pleasant sound and perhaps attracts birds would be a great addition. We are not sure if our best option is to buy one of the many products available or create one by using a pretty ceramic pot and adding a pump. What is the best idea?
If we identify all the features we want and learn how to assemble and maintain the fountain we should be able to create something beautiful!
Our Objective And The Features We Want
Our objective is to have a free-standing fountain in a small but prominent place in the front of the garden. Here are the features we are shopping for.
- Relaxing ambiance: The sound of flowing water can create a peaceful atmosphere.
- Drown out unwanted noises: We live on a cul de sac and road noise is not a problem but minimizing sound is always a good idea.
- Attract wildlife: A water fountain can attract birds, butterflies, frogs, and insects.
- Improve air quality: Fountains release negative ions into the air.
- Add beauty: A fountain can add interest and character to our gardens.
- Focal point: A fountain can take center stage or complement your garden area.
- Make your garden look bigger: A fountain can make your garden look bigger by reflecting the surrounding area.
- Easy to install and maintain: Small fountains are relatively easy to install and maintain, especially if they are self-contained.
Part One: Selecting Our Fountains
We are looking for a fountain that suits the available space and enhances the architecture of our Florida Mediterranean Revival house. Fountains today come in many choices and we want to consider all the options.
Here are the choices we want to include in the analysis and that you will want to include also:
I. Style and Design
- Match The Garden’s Aesthetic: Choose a fountain that complements the overall style of your garden. Whether you prefer a modern, rustic, or classical look, there’s a fountain to match.
- Material: Common materials include stone, concrete, resin, and metal. Each has its own aesthetic and maintenance requirements.
II. Size and Scale
- Proportional Fit: Ensure the fountain is proportional to your space. Our goal is to enhance the space, we don’t want to overwhelm it!
- Height and Width: First, mark off the space that the fountain will take, walk around and look at it from all your viewing points. Does it suit your plans? Also, ensure that you can trim and mow around it with your choice of tools. We have a service that mows, we don’t want to create obstacles for their work.
Choosing the right size and shape for the outdoor fountain can greatly enhance the garden’s ambiance for all of us.
Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:
1. Measure Your Space
- Ground Area: Measure the area where you plan to place the fountain. Consider both the width and depth.
- Height: Ensure the fountain’s height is proportionate to the surrounding space. A tall fountain in a small area can feel overwhelming, while a short fountain in a large space might go unnoticed.
2. Consider Your Home’s Architectural Style
Here is a list of fountain styles segmented by the architecture of your home and the impression you would like to make:
A. Classical and Traditional Homes
- Tiered Fountains: These fountains often feature multiple levels and intricate designs, adding a touch of grandeur and elegance. They work well with traditional or classical architecture. For our house, one or no tiers would stay within our size limits.
B. Modern and Contemporary Homes
- Minimalist Fountains: Look for fountains with clean lines and simple designs.
- Consider geometric shapes and newer materials. You don’t need to stay with the traditional materials.
C. Mediterranean Style Homes
- Free Standing Or Wall Fountains: These are ideal for Mediterranean or Spanish-style homes. Our Florida Mediterranean Revival homes have always taken a broad view of ‘Mediterranean’ style. Some of the original 1920’s homes would include the styles of three or more countries in their design
- The Designs can be ornate and exotic and important materials will include terracotta, glazed ceramic, and mosaic designs.
D. Asian-Inspired Homes
- Zen Fountains: These fountains often feature natural elements like stones and bamboo, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
- Water Bowls and Bamboo: Consider the simple water bowl fountains where a gentle flow of water moves between basins. A favorite of mine is the simple ‘deer scare’ fountain where a bamboo piece strikes another. Are deer eating your blossoms?
E. Cottage and Country Homes
- Rustic Styles: look for fountains made from natural materials like wood and stone. They will enhance the charm of the cottage style.
- Birdbath Fountains: In our many gardens we have always incorporated one or more simple birdbaths and they have always given us (and the birds) pleasure. A fountain incorporated into a birdbath would be a good addition and can work with various house styles too!
3. Materials To Compare
- Stone and Concrete: These materials are substantial and can make the fountain appear larger. They are also authentic and will resist the elements in an outdoor application.
- The concern with these materials is weight of the project. How large can the project be and still be functional for one or two people to handle.
Installing a stone or cement fountain yourself can be a rewarding project, but the size we can all handle will depend on a few factors, including physical strength, the tools we have, and whether we have help. Here are some general guidelines:
4. Weight and Size Considerations
- Weight: Fountains made of stone or cement can be quite heavy. The elements of the fountain should weigh under 200 lbs. This weight is manageable for one or two people with the right equipment.
- Size And Dimensions: If you plan to install the fountain yourself, and that is our plan, shop for fountains that once fully assembled are around 2-3′ tall and 1-2′ in width. Larger fountains may require professional installation due to their weight and the complexity of setting them up.
- The best prices I see on delivery are ‘to the front door.’ For this to work you need to be prepared to move the components to your work site.
5. Installation Tips
- Prepare the Base: Ensure you have a solid, level base. This may require that you lay a concrete slab or a bed of crushed stone or stone dust.
- Use Proper Tools: A dolly or hand truck can help move heavy pieces. You will also need a level, your garden shovel, and something to tamp down the base.
- A Two Person Task: We use a hand truck, to move equipment, fertilizer, and other elements around our garden. It is a tool we would not be without in our garden. Even with that, the fountain project will take the two of us.
Would you like more detailed steps on installing a specific type of fountain, or tips on maintaining it once it’s set up? Comment below.
6. Balance with Landscaping
- Ensure the fountain complements your existing plants and garden features. Follow the size and height guidelines and consider your home’s architectural style. For example In Florida we are comfortable with various Mediterranean styles. If however the style of the historic architecture of your local area is more specific (Early American, Italianate, Midcentury etc,) follow it for a consistent look. Remember, your fountain should enhance your home and garden and not overwhelm it.
7. Practical Considerations
- Maintenance: Choose a fountain that is easy to clean and maintain.
- Access To Power: ensure you can access your power source if your fountain requires it.
Details To Consider When Selecting Materials
You have many choices of materials for your fountain. Consider style, weight, and durability when you make your selection. Below is an abbreviated list of desirable materials, check the link above for more detail from a manufacturer.
- Fiberglass today mimics the look of stone or metal, the newer versions are more resistant to the elements and have the advantage of being lightweight.
- Resin: Similar to fiberglass, resin is durable and easy to maintain. It is lightweight and comes in attractive designs. Resin, and fiberglass may become brittle over time.
- Metal (Bronze or Copper): These materials are highly durable and develop a unique patina over time, which can add to their aesthetic appeal. They are also resistant to algae growth.
- Concrete and Cast Stone: These materials are very durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Their weight can make them storm-resistant but difficult to move. We have been gardeners for a long time and have tested our limits! The fountains come in pieces; learn the weight of the individual segments. Can you handle moving them?
8. Tips For Maintenance
- Regular Cleaning: Clean the fountain regularly to prevent algae buildup. Use mild soap and water about every two weeks. Do a more comprehensive cleaning at the end of your season.
- Water Treatment: Add a small amount of a fountain cleaner or hydrogen peroxide to keep the water clean and algae free.
- Winter Care: Do you live in an area with freezing temperatures? Drain the fountain and cover it for the winter. Many fountain sellers offer fitted covers for their products. Smaller and lighter fountains may be stored under cover.
Steps In A Thorough Fountain Cleaning
- Perform an overall inspection
- Drain the water
- Take out any decorations and plants
- Remove the debris and muck
- Flush debris from the walls and bottom using the fountain water
- Lightly pressure wash any algae and hardened muck away
- Backflush the garden fountain pump
- Clean the pump, use clean tools
- Put everything back where it was
- Refill the fountain
- Turn on the fountain to make sure it works
You can also install additions like lights or filters during a cleaning. They can make maintenance easier and your fountain more enjoyable!
Additional Features
- Some fountains come with built-in lighting, which can create a beautiful effect at night.
- Accessories: Consider additional features like bird baths or plant holders that can enhance the functionality and appeal of your fountain.
Part Two: Creating Your Own Fountain
Creating a fountain on your own can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. Here’s a parts list and a brief guide to get you started: You will be able to select the container style and materials as well as the style of water spray by using specific tops for the water spray.
Also, everything we learned about materials, style, colors and size choices is part of making your own fountain.
Parts List
- Ceramic Container: Choose a large, sturdy ceramic pot without drainage holes.
- Submersible Water Pump: Ensure it has enough power to circulate the water effectively.
- Tubing: Flexible tubing that fits the pump outlet.
- Mesh Screen: To cover the top of the container and support the decorative elements.
- Decorative Rocks or Pebbles: To cover the mesh screen and add aesthetic appeal.
- Waterproof Sealant: To seal any holes or gaps.
- Power Source: An outdoor-rated extension cord or solar panel if using a solar pump.
- Optional: LED lights for added ambiance.
Steps to Assemble
- Prepare the Container: If your ceramic pot has drainage holes, seal them with waterproof sealant and let it dry completely.
- Install the Pump: Place the submersible pump at the bottom of the pot. Attach the tubing to the pump outlet.
- Thread the Tubing: Run the tubing up through the center of the pot. You may need to drill a small hole in the mesh screen for the tubing to pass through.
- Secure the Mesh Screen: Place the mesh screen over the top of the pot, ensuring it is stable and can support the weight of the decorative rocks.
- Add Decorative Elements: Arrange the rocks or pebbles on top of the mesh screen, hiding the tubing and pump.
- Fill with Water: Fill the pot with water, ensuring the pump is fully submerged.
- Power Up: Connect the pump to the power source and turn it on. Adjust the water flow as needed.
Tips
- Maintenance: Regularly clean the pump and change the water to prevent algae growth.
- Safety: Ensure all electrical connections are waterproof and safe for outdoor use.
- Adjustments: You may need to tweak the setup to get the water flow just right. Experiment with different pump settings and tubing positions.
Resources You Can Use
The sources below will help you with more detail:
Tips for Selecting a Garden Fountain: Kenneth Lynch and Company
Landscape Fountain Kits: The Pond Guy
Fountain Kits: True Pump Pond and Fountains
House Grail – DIY Garden Fountain Plans :
Additional Parts List
- Ground Basin or Well: A large, waterproof container to catch the water flowing down the sides of the ceramic pot.
- Grate or Screen: To cover the ground basin and support the ceramic pot.
- Additional Tubing: To connect the pump in the ground basin to the ceramic pot.
- Waterproof Sealant: To ensure all connections are watertight.
- Decorative Stones or Gravel: To cover the grate and add aesthetic appeal.
Resources You Can Use
: YouTube – How to Make a Ceramic Pot Fountain : House Grail – DIY Garden Fountain Plans : Lowe’s – DIY Garden Fountain
Summary,
Creating a decorative outdoor fountain for your residential garden can transform your space into a serene oasis. When buying a fountain, consider factors such as size, style, and material to ensure it complements your garden’s aesthetic. Popular options include tiered fountains, wall fountains, and solar-powered models, each offering unique benefits. For a more personalized touch, DIY fountains are a great choice. Using materials like terracotta pots, flower pots, or even recycled items, you can craft a unique water feature that reflects your personality and creativity12.
To make your own fountain, start by selecting a suitable location and gathering necessary materials, such as a water pump, tubing, and a basin. Follow step-by-step guides available online to assemble your fountain, ensuring it is both functional and visually appealing. Incorporating plants and decorative stones around your fountain can enhance its beauty and create a harmonious garden environment. Whether you choose to buy or make your fountain, this addition will undoubtedly elevate the tranquility and charm of your outdoor space.
Have you added a fountain or water feature to your garden yet?