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Overhaul Your Neglected Backyard

Is your backyard looking neglected and in need of some love? In this article, we'll provide tips and ideas for transforming your backyard into an inviting and enjoyable outdoor living space that you can be proud of.

Different Types of Outdoor Fountains

 

When people hear the term ‘outdoor fountain’ they likely have one image in their mind: a traditional looking structure, where the birds enjoy visiting for their morning bath. However, there are a variety of different outdoor fountains that can be added to your yard. Let’s take a look at some of the options you have to choose from.

Multi-tier fountain

With a tiered fountain, you will have different levels. So the water would start at the top, and flow down to the second tier, and then the third tier. The final level is a basin that is significantly larger than the previous tiers. If you choose a fountain that has the tiers far apart from each other, the sound of water will be more prevalent. This is because the water has farther to travel between each level, and will splash louder. The number of tiers that you want is also up to you. If you want something smaller, you could go with a fountain that has two tiers. However, if you want something that will make more of a lasting impression, you might want a three or four-tiered fountain.

Fountains with a backdrop

If you want to set your fountain up against a wall, you have the option of adding a backdrop to it. You can use tiles and create a mosaic to accentuate your fountain. You can also create a design so that the water looks like it is moving in a certain way. When the light shines on the backdrop, the beautiful design will be highlighted, and the flowing water is just an added bonus.

Statues

If you want your fountain to stand out from the crowd, you can add some unique features to it. For example, you can have a figurine or sculpture of a person in the middle of the fountain. The water will be gently flowing over the sculpture, creating an interesting look. If you want to add to this look, you can incorporate symmetry into the area around the fountain.

Tabletop fountains

Who said that outdoor fountains have to be large? Add a bit of elegance to your patio table by placing a miniature fountain on it. You can even create your own, if you find something to use for the spout and basin. Outdoor fountains can be as simple as you want, but they still will provide something interesting to look at and listen to.

Hanging fountains

This type of fountain also requires space on a wall. It is hung, just like a picture, on the wall and the water flows through into a basin. This fountain is good for people who do not have much space in the yard for a larger fountain. You can incorporate the fountain into the overall design of the yard by choosing a specific design or finish for it.

Outdoor fountains come in all shapes and sizes. The trick is determining exactly what you are looking for, and figuring out how to incorporate it into the design of your house and yard. 

Add a Touch of Elegance to Your Garden with a Feature Fountain

 

There is nothing more relaxing than sitting in your garden on a sunny afternoon listening to the soothing sound of water. The calming noise has been used for decades for meditation and selling recordings have become big business.

But you can create this atmosphere in your garden with a feature fountain.

If your back garden has seen better days and you’re fed up with a boring square of lawn surrounded by shrubs, then add some class with a fountain.

There are thousands of different water fountains and features to suit every size, shape and style of garden. From a palatial marble circular fountain to a natural, slate rock spring you can find the perfect design to give your plot the wow factor.

For a wild, English country garden feel, consider an outdoor fountain cascading over slate or York stone. This natural design gives an untamed feel to your garden and when set against a backdrop of lush green plants it can create a beautiful feature.

Planting wildflowers and scented foliage, such as lavender or jasmine, will give your garden a mysterious and interesting atmosphere.

If you want a more formal garden, then a classic three-tiered fountain will add that touch of class. Not only will you get the amazing sound of water falling from the round tiers, you will also see it pooling in the main bowl below. It also makes an excellent bird bath and can encourage wildlife into your garden.

These fountains work really well set against well-edged flowerbeds bordering a lawn and come in several different sizes to fit your garden. They can even be set up in the middle of a lawn to break up the wide expanse of grass.

But why stop there? Outside fountains come in a wide range of whacky designs which will give your grounds a unique feel. Sculptures of figures or mythical creatures, barrels and water jugs or even working water mills can all be added to your design to create the look you want.

And fountains not only add beauty to your garden during the day. At night, some fountains can be lit up with built-in lights to brighten your garden and with developments in solar power, many of the new style fountains don’t need to be connected to the mains to use the lights or power the fountain.

Some lights can even be projected onto the fountain itself, creating stunning patterns in the rippling water. Others are fitted with colour changing LEDs so the soft glow changes in a rhythmic pattern.

And fountains don’t have to stand alone. Fit one into an existing pond to not only add a pretty feature to the water but also add oxygen and prevent it from stagnating.

So if you’re looking for a way to brighten up your garden then consider an outdoor fountain. The wide range and many different styles mean you are sure to find something that suits your home and your budget.

Maintaining Your Outdoor Fountain All-Year Round

Outdoor fountain owners know this struggle. Yes, owning a water installation has many benefits, including upping the charm of your property, but not until you remember that you have to maintain it. Don't worry; keeping outdoor fountains beautiful is not so difficult, as long as you know the basics. In this post, we’re sharing how you can preserve your installation’s beauty in every season—with the proper tools and methods and of course, a bit of your time and effort.

• The daily dues. You want to check the water level of your outdoor fountain pump to make sure it's not dried up. Regularly drain and refill your pump to prevent stagnant, dirty water.
• The weekly wipe. Prevent dust accumulation by consistently wiping the bowl of your fountain with a special, non-abrasive cloth. This alleviates the danger of clogs and build-up later on.
• The monthly makeover. Wiping is not enough; you need to clean your outdoor fountain every one to three months. What you need to do: check the fountain's manual for its cleaning method. The most common outdoor fountains only require the emptying of the bowl, paired with the lightly scrubbing on the surface. Use a toothbrush and an appropriate detergent that suits the material. If there are any mold and calcium deposits, use filtered water mixed with a cleaning solution. This will help keeping those unwanted bacteria away. Other than being unsightly, these build-ups are also health hazards. Keep your family safe by making sure your fountain is always in its good condition.

Outdoor Fountain Tips Per Season

Winter Care

During the freezing months, your outdoor fountain faces the most dangerous of all weather conditions.  That is why winterizing your fountain is extremely important. First things first: remove the plug and drain it. If your fountain is small and portable, store it in a safe area to prevent cracking--especially for those made of marble and ceramics. Store it with a thick, non-abrasive cloth throughout the season as a shield from the drafty climate. For larger installations, make sure that it is completely dried up. Remove the debris and cover the fountain with a thick, water resistant cover.

Spring Swing

It's time to put that outdoor fountain back into view! Clean the debris and build-up; use a hose to strike that unwanted dirt away. At best, wash it with soap and solution to bring back its old shine. After drying, it's time to fill the fountain with distilled water. Add chlorine or treated enzymes to prevent algae and build-up. Put the pump back in, plug and watch your fountain welcome the new season with flair!

Summer Sizzle

The hot, sweltering weather may cause the water in your pump to easily evaporate. Therefore, it’s important to keep an eye on the fountain’s water level to prevent any damages. Check it every other day and add a few measures at a time to keep the water flowing smoothly.

Austere Autumn

Fallen leaves and other debris may cause some damage to your outdoor fountain, and you’d want to prevent that. At best, trim the foliage surrounding the fountain. You should also check the bowl for deposits which may thrive during the season. Drain and replace the water more frequently.

The Swarovski Fountain: Ahead of the Rest

If you’ve never heard of Swarovski then you’ve probably been living under a rock. Everyone in the new world knows or has seen the gorgeous crystals that the company is well known for. Swarovski specializes in luxury glass products, high end cut crystals, and intricate jewelry design. Their intimate retail stores can be found in just about every mall in North America, with the main headquarters located in Austria. The company was founded by Daniel Swarovski in 1895, after he decided to make crystals more easily accessible to people around the world. He harnessed their beauty and skillfully created masterpieces of art, jewelry, and décor. His work can be seen in the form of rings, earrings, necklaces, ornaments, loose crystals and even…a fountain. That’s right, you read that correctly, a fountain.

The Swarovski Fountain is located in the town of Wattens, Austria, just outside of Innsbruck. It operates as part of the Crystal World theme park that is also run by the Swarovski company. From the outside, the massive fountain appears to be a giant head, one reminiscent of the totem heads of Easter Island but in a rounder fashion. It was constructed in such a way that it’s become part of the surrounding landscape, actually blending into the grassy hill in which it protrudes from. The two eyes, made of Swarovski glass, shine brightly in the sunlight and the large mouth lays open to let an out pour of water fountain down into the park’s pond below.

The outside, a stunning display of ingenuity and creative undertaking, is nothing compared to what’s inside. The fountain itself is actually the home of a very unique museum of sorts. Inside, visitors of the theme park can view numerous exhibitions created using the very crystals the Swarovski company is well known for. If that’s not interesting enough for you then consider this; the moss covered head and the fountain which pours from its mouth are situated at the entrance of the exhibit. To keep the allure of the attraction natural in appearance, moss hangs heavily from the head and the hills it sits on to overhang the entire entrance along the bottom. Victors can line up outside and admire the one-of-a-kind fountain display while waiting to enter the near hidden entrance to the crystal museum.

We all can’t have spectacular outdoor fountains such as the Swarovski Fountain, but we can display some impressive pieces around the exterior of our homes and/or offices. Outdoor fountains lend a certain tranquil beauty to the space it occupies and gives visitors a sense of calming peace. Check out some fabulous and more realistic outdoor fountains here.