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Spruce Up Your Backyard with an Outdoor Fountain

Have you been re-thinking your backyard design lately because it just seems to be missing that one special something? It may be difficult to put your finger on what is missing, but I have an idea that might work for you. Why not try adding an outdoor fountain to your yard? Let me give you the scoop on them!

Running Water Keeps You Calm

Forget having to go to the massage parlour every time you’re stressed out about something! Outdoor fountains provide the soothing sound of running water. This natural stress reliever has the ability to mentally and physically relax you. This is shown by the fact that we tend to come up with our most brilliant ideas when we are in the shower. The running water opens our mind and calms us down.

They Look Great

Outdoor fountains have the added bonus of improving the landscape design of our backyards. They become a centerpiece and focal point for people to see. They can turn simple backyards into elegant statements that represent more of who you are. As well, it creates an interesting spectacle to view when the water catches the light, whether it be sunlight or moonlight. Another idea would be to add some lighting to the fountain, so that it is more visible at night. Multi-coloured lights might make a relaxing environment around your fountain.

Variety of Choices

The great thing about outdoor fountains is the amount of choice you have when it comes to deciding on one. Among other materials, you could buy one that is made from concrete, plastic, or foam. If you are more environmentally conscious, you may prefer to look at fountains that are made from natural stone. Solar outdoor fountains are good, because they only need energy that is provided from the sun to operate. As well, you can add a heater to a fountain to keep the water from freezing during colder temperatures. Overall, there are a ton of different options that you can choose to personalize your fountain to your liking. 

Water Source

Typically, an outdoor fountain will be connected to the water supply in the house. This is the easiest method because you don’t need to worry about whether or not there is enough water in the fountain. It will have a steady supply as long as the water is turned on. If you purchase a smaller fountain that needs to be filled with a hose, you should be checking the water level fairly frequently.

Outdoor fountains can be fantastic additions to any backyard space. They make the area look more inviting and interesting. The fact that they can be practically customized to suit your exact needs is an extra bonus. If you decide to add a fountain to your yard, make sure that you understand everything that is involved in the process. Speak to a local specialist about proper care and maintenance, so that your fountain can continue improving the look of your yard. 

Gaze at the Majestic Fountain of Four Rivers in Rome

Amongst the famous fountains in Rome, the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, or Fountain of the Four Rivers, is a magnificent water feature in the Piazza Navona, in the heart of Rome, Italy. The fountain was erected in 1651 for Pope Innocent X by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. A competition was held to pick the design, and Bernini triumphantly captured the judges' hearts after a famous dispute.

It was said that the pope has desired so much to create a fountain in the midst of Piazza Navona as an added charm to his home, the Palazzo Pamphili, which faced the piazza. Innocent has called on the leading architects in Rome excluding Bernini, but Prince Niccolo Ludovisi, husband of the pope's niece, heard of this plan and persuaded Bernini to create a model. This, Ludovisi has slipped into the rest of the designs which the pope has to take a look at. Upon his gaze, the pope was instantly struck by the design, and, deciding that it was the winner, called on to Bernini to make the design.

Public fountains in Rome's piazzas are more than accessories. They are in fact highly needed water sources for areas with poor plumbing. Other than that, they serve was monuments to their sponsors, most of them high-ranking elites and papal patrons.

Bernini, whose works have decorated many fountains in the country, has showcased his skill in these amazing water features. The design for Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi was inspired by the Monument of the Four Moors, which was used to commemorate the defeat of the Ottomans. In this fountain, several metaphors were alluded to. The Ganges boasts of a long oar, which symbolizes the river's features of being easy to navigate. Nile is decorated with a loose piece of cloth, which is meant to represent the fact that nobody knew where the source of the river was. Danube touches the Pope's coat of arms, being the largest river closest to Rome and Rio de la Plata sits on a pile of coins, a symbolism of the treasures America has offered to Europe. Rio de la Plata looked terrified of a snake, which depicts how rich men are scared that their money can be taken from them. Each of the river deities are showcased upon the central tower embellished with an Egyptian obelisk, representing the Papal power that surmounts the Pamphili symbol.

From this illustrious design, water flows from a jagged travertine marble. It was a legend that Bernini deliberately positioned Rio de la Plata as if the sculpture cowers down the facade of the church of Sant'Agnese, which has been built by Bernini's rival, Borromini. The church was completed several years after the fountain has been erected.

It was June 1651 when Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi has been unveiled. A festival, paid by the Pamphili family for Innocent X has been held. It was said that the locals were overwhelmed by the massive fountain that contained lifelike deities.

Decorate your garden with a classic outdoor fountain with lifelike figures that will liven up any boring space; discover the beauty of cast stone outdoor fountains and other designs here in our store.

Getting Your Outdoor Fountain Ready for Winter

With winter fast approaching, it is time to think about those jobs around the garden that need doing before the cold weather really sets in.

Winterising your fountain is an important way to make sure it is protected from bad weather and can be safely stored away so it is ready for next year.

Without proper care and maintenance, your fountain could be damaged or even broken through winter which means you could end up facing costly repair bills or even having to buy an entirely new unit.

Even if you don’t live in an extremely cold area, and rarely have snow, it is important to take steps to get your outdoor fountain ready for winter.

Although these fountains are built to work outdoors, extremes of weather can still affect them and the pumps and moving parts do need to be protected.

So we’ve put together a simple step by step guide to make sure your outdoor fountain is ready for the winter and when spring comes once more all you have to do is plug it in. Fill it up and enjoy!

1.       Unplug the fountain

Whether your fountain is powered through an electrical socket in your home or a nearby outbuilding, you need to switch it off and then disconnect it from the power source completely.

2.       Drain the fountain

Remove all the water from the fountain and pay close attention to any pipes or tubes where there might be areas for water to gather. If left, they could ice up and the expanding water could easily crack plastic tubing or damage pump parts. This should be done before the frost really sets in so aim to do this around the end of October or early November.

3.       Take your fountain apart for storage

Fountains can have several small and moving parts. It is important to take these delicate pieces off so they aren’t damaged in strong winds or storms. Remove tubes, platforms or basins and dry them thoroughly with a dry, soft cloth or kitchen towel. If you have a permanent outdoor fountain, made from stone for example, it won’t come apart so you will have to dry it out as thoroughly as you can where it stands.

4.       Remove the pump

Take out your fountain’s pump and put it into a shed, garage or other dry secure place for the winter months. Clean your pump and flush any debris out of it before you dry it and store it. You can take the pump and other removable parts and store them in a sealed box in newspaper.

5.       Protect what is left

Any parts of the fountain which can’t be moved indoors should be protected from the elements where it stands. You can get specialist covers for your fountain base or even just a plastic sheet tied tightly around the fountain will help protect it from frost and harsh weather. Make sure the part of the fountain that will be staying outside is completely covered.

The Oldest Outdoor Fountains in the World

Outdoor fountains are a stunning piece of engineering that can be enjoyed by millions of people. Some are purely tourist attractions while others served a purpose for filtering water or even as a memorial.

While you might think fountains are a relatively modern invention, with fantastic displays in Las Vegas and Singapore immediately springing to mind, mankind has been building and admiring fountains for centuries.

Some of the world’s oldest fountains are still working as well as they did when they were first built proving that if something is designed and built well, it can stand the test of time.

Versailles Fountain, France

The fountains at the Palace of Versailles is one of the most beautiful places to visit. Sat within 800 hectares of pristine grounds, there are 50 fountains which have 620 water jets.

While the garden itself was created in 1632 after Louis XIII bought the land, it was some years later, in 1664, that the fountains began to be built.

There are several ornate fountains around the gardens all named – some after Greek gods. Bacchus, Latona, Saturn, Apollo, Flora, Ceres, Neptune, Mirror, Dragon and the Nymphs bath are all dotted around this huge garden.

Samson and the Lion Fountain, Russia

Louis XIV also inspired this incredible fountain sitting at the Peterhof Palace in St Petersburg, Russia. This fountain really tells a story. The centre of the water jets tells a story moulded out of stone.

There are 64 fountains which fall into the pool and has been in place since 1730. The Samson Fountain shows the moment Samson defeats the lion which is meant to symbolise Russia’s victory over Sweden during the Great Northern War.

A lion was chosen as it appears on the Swedish coat of arms and what some would say was the turning point of the war was St Samson’s Day.

This impressive fountain shoots water 20 metres in the air from the lion’s mouth. Incredibly, this is achieved without modern technology. Water fills reservoirs around the fountain at an elevated height. It’s this height that uses gravity to create pressure and then power the fountains.

The Hundred Fountains, Italy

This incredible water feature combines water jets and planting to create a leafy, lush wall with a beautiful sound of its own.

Located in Tivoli, these fountains are part of the Villa D’Esta and are a must see attraction if you ever find yourself in that part of the world.

Carved animal heads and ornate figures pour water from their mouths into two running troughs which sit one on top of the other. Atop that is a selection of water jets spraying different patterns into the air. The effect is wonderful and the noise of rushing water can be heard from the moment you arrive at the villa.

In the central square, a huge fountain sits in the centre of a pool surrounded by a curved wall climbing with ivy and other rambling plants.

The villa itself is one of the best Renaissance residences in existence and definitely one of the more luxurious.

The Best Bubble and Bowl Fountains for Your Garden

Bubble fountain work like magic. They don't have the regular, giant cascades as the ones with pools, or the obvious lapping and jetting like those with tiered nozzles. Quiet, unassuming, yet amazingly beautiful, bubble fountains bring your garden to life with its faint water flows and cheerful burbling of water. The sight of it is soothing; on an almost flat basin, you can see the water bubbling up from the middle, creating ripples over the small puddle, and rotates atop a beautiful installation. Not all fountains, it must be said, has to be extravagant. For some, a basic little bubbling is all they needed, and this water feature delivers perfectly well!

One of our favorite bubble fountain is the Trunk Garden Water Fountain. It is crafted from a strong material called glass fiber reinforced concrete, which is said to endure better than the regular cast stone surface. It has a wooden charm, thanks to its Sierra finish, and can fit eclectic homes with a tropical and resort-like twist.

For the rustic and timeless, the Spa Garden Terrace Fountain is the best choice. What we love about this is that it comes with its own planter; easily plant your favorite succulents and ferns on the pot and have it draped with organic greenery. It is also made from fiber reinforced cast stone and can be conveniently plugged into a standard 110V outlet. The best part? It doesn't need any plumbing as it only recirculates minimal water in the fountain.

Looking for something more elegant? ow about the Coin Garden Terrace Fountain? Instead of just rotating the bubbling water onto a seemingly flat basin, it ripples the liquid down the carved edges to the lower base. The result? A beautiful spectacle which can easily add some charm onto your garden. Place this between your potted plants and bask into the beautiful gurgling of water with this mini feature.

Maybe you want something extraordinary. Maybe you want something regal. Maybe you want something you have never seen before. If that's the case, we think the Eminent Garden Water Fountain is the one you need. A tall vase is perched atop a carved bowl. Water ripples from the top of the slender vase and rolls into the large basin. The Romanesque appeal of this installation makes it a great addition to nostalgic gardens.

Want to invite some magic into your backyard? How about purchasing the Zen Too Garden Water Fountain? Here, a pair of dandy frogs sit in front of each other, trying to meditate in front of a small carved fountain, as if trying to achieve a higher level of chi. This comical sight puts some joy into any bland corner, and invites the feeling of strange things coming to life with the power of imagination. This item makes used of reinforced fiber and requires no plumbing; just fill it with water, plug it in, and see it go!

Loved our bubble fountain series? Stay tuned to this blog and discover more of our favorite outdoor fountains! Listen from the pros; choose from our recommended items and experience the thrill of having a beautiful outdoor water feature.

How to Build a Fountain in Your Zen Garden

Japanese Zen gardens are the peak of beautiful design and tranquil settings. A well designed and built Zen garden is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a hard week at work.

Adding a fountain to your garden can add an extra layer of relaxation to your back yard and give you the pleasant sounds of running water while you sit out and enjoy your garden.

So if you’ve designed your garden but think a fountain would give it the finishing touch, here’s a simple how to guide showing you how you can build your own fountain in your Zen garden.

1.       Choose your setting

Do you want the fountain to become the main feature of your Zen garden or is it going to be tucked away so it can be heard but not seen? The type of fountain you choose will depend on whether it is to be seen.

2.       Choosing your materials

Natural materials, like bamboo, are often seen in a Zen garden and the colours are often subtle and muted. Think about natural wood, greys and pale greens to make your garden reflect a peaceful, relaxing colour palette. You can use stones, concrete, pebbles and sane as well as bamboo and other natural wood to create your fountain. Think about using a rounded shape, such as a large stone, alongside flat pieces like wooden planks. This gives your fountain contrast.

3.       Three things you need

All you need to create a fountain is a pump, base and pillar. As above, the fountain itself can be from any materials. This will create a simple, but effective, design. You can use a heavy duty potting tray as your base and simply fill it with smooth pebbles or rocks to give your water something to trickle over. Make sure you have a pipe to carry the water through the fountain – either plastic or a watertight man made material.

4.       Pump

You can buy ready assembled pumps which you can fit right in to your design. Make sure whatever you use for your fountain structure itself has a hollowed out area so you can fit the pump inside and hide it from view. You should also make sure there is an available electricity socket nearby or think about using a solar powered pump which will be easier to power.

5.       Construction

Make sure you have a hollow section in the base of your fountain. Place in the pump and run a PVC pipe or watertight tube from that up through the pillar of your fountain. Use clear silicone to make sure your pipe is watertight where it joins the elements of your fountain. Create a feature at the top by using a round stone with a hole for the pipe drilled right the way through or even just some hollow bamboo placed at angles so the water can trickle out once it has been pumped to the top. Place it on the base of your fountain and then fill with water.