Water Feature Ambiance
Installing backyard water fountains is a fantastic way to add special character to it. You can get all types of water features, including the love birds, to the dolphins, even the classic cupid fountains are still in style.
A water feature can add a dramatic aspect to the feel of your backyard. Ponds, fountains and waterfalls are all examples of water elements that can help in creating a harmonious feeling in your personal outdoor space. They can also be a fun home improvement project for the entire family.
If you want to set up a water feature, your local home and garden supplier should be able to provide you with the basic things you need. Make sure that you’ll have sufficient water available to supply it and keep it from becoming stagnant, which could be a health threat. You may need to lay pipes to connect the feature to water, so if you’re creating your garden from scratch, it’s best to set it up before you lay gravel or turf.
There are typically two different methods of creating a pond for the backyard. If you plan to keep fish in the pond, it is necessary to excavate a hole that is six feet deep at minimum. It should also be substantially wide to allow for sufficient oxygen exchange. Plenty of oxygen results in larger, healthier and happier fish. The lining can be made of pond specific material or simple heavy duty plastic. The plastic can be held at the edges with large stones. Once the water has been added, you can enhance the appearance with reeds or other water friendly vegetation. Test the water on a regular basis to make sure that the habitat remains safe for the fish.
If you’re not interested in keeping fish in your pond, creating it is much simpler, but it will still have to be at least two-and-a-half feet deep to avoid damage caused by evaporation and frost. If you line it with rocks or porous plastic, it will slowly leach out water into the surrounding soil, helping to sustain your plants, but it may also become contaminated by chemicals in the soil, making it hazardous to animals and birds. Test it regularly if you aim to offer a safe drinking spot for local animals.
Traditional fountains need a pond, but free-standing fountains are less trouble and self-contained with the pump already installed. The free-standing variety comes in an assortment of designs, sizes and materials so the biggest dilemma you may face is choosing which one is your favorite. The material you choose may depend on the area where you live. If you live in a very cold environment, then you should bypass the faux stone because this material can crack. If your space is limited, you can still enjoy the ambient feel of a water feature. Wall-mounted fountains can be installed to a sturdy fence or wall to produce the same charm and character.
Buying a complete unit can eliminate the hassle of constructing a custom fountain if you do not have the time or skill to make one on your own. But, if you want something fancier than what can be readily purchased, you could ask for a recommendation from your neighborhood nursery employee. They may be able to refer you to someone or they may do this kind of work themselves. Even a small addition can alter the atmosphere of your garden and increase the amount of time you spend outdoors in the fresh air.
Find a wonderful home in Tucson, AZ: Bear Canyon Estates View Homes for Sale or Benson Luxury Real Estate.
Author: Anita Koppens
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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As you have taken some time to build an extraordinary garden, you definitely want to make the best use of it. The addition of an Outdoor Water Fountain is just the best thing to ensure that you will be able to convert any garden into an unique haven. Through just the right ambience in the garden, the chirping of birds, and also the running of the water from the Outdoor Water Fountain, you are sure to find yourself and your family spending increasingly more time in the garden.
Popular Water Fountains
Types of Water Gardens
Putting in backyard fountains is a magnificent way to add special character to it. You can get all sorts of water fountains, from the love birds, to the dolphins, even the classic cupid fountains are still in style.
It is springtime again and you are planning a new project for your backyard. Along with the many options for backyard improvement such as gardens and patios, there is another project you might consider; building a water garden. Water gardens provide a relaxing oasis at the end of a busy day in the summertime or for those lazy summer afternoons where you can just let your cares slip away. But before you run out the backdoor with a shovel and a crazed look in your eyes, or head to the nearest garden supply store, you’ll need to plan this project. What type of water garden do you want? Would you want a fountain that creates the soothing sound of running water? How about a peaceful pond where you can have fish and other creatures and plants? There are several types or water features and fountains to choose from, so let’s take a look at these types.
Containers:
A container water garden is a good choice for those who have a limited space to work with. The requirements for a container garden include a sunny place on your patio or deck, some lovely aquatic plants and a suitable container. Containers range from bowls that hold several gallons to large barrels and tubs. Container water gardens have the advantages of being easy to build, and easy to take care of.
Raised ponds:
Raised ponds are man made ponds that are also easy to build but require some masonry skills because the ponds are built with concrete blocks or bricks. These ponds are suitable for fish because the temperature of the water is more stable than a container water garden. These ponds are well suited for formal gardens and are safe around children as well as the workability for maintenance and cleaning. These ponds can be partially or fully raised.
Sunken Ponds:
A Sunken pond is another man made pond which requires a lot of digging as well as the placement of a flexible or preformed liner once the hole is created. Patio stone can also be placed around it to add to the decor. These ponds are also well suited to fish and aquatic plants.
Bog:
A Bog is an irregular shaped hole in the ground that was dug out. It is built by digging out some ground and laying a flexible liner with sand, plants and rocks holding it down. This feature is appropriate for wildlife such as dragonflies, frogs and others. Natural bogs can be made without a liner and very little water, used to manage and filter rainwater runoff which is an important environmental feature.
If you enjoy the sound of running water, you can also add that to your water garden in several ways.
You can add small waterfall that runs directly into your pond. Or you can add a cascading feature with a series of waterfalls that run down over rocks into small pools before trickling into a main pond. Or you can have a fountain that throws the water into the air from a pump that is located under the surface or is embedded inside a statue. This statue is usually located in the fountain’s center.
And for that special touch, you will want to add such features as garden bridges, statuary, stepping stones, and other accents, that will provide just the right decor for your tastes.
So start planning your backyard water feature, and soon you’ll have your own special oasis in your own backyard.
Visit Tim’s website, Water Gardens & Fountains, for water gardening products as well as some tips and ideas to get you started.
Author: Tim Sousa
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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When you have taken time to make an attractive garden, you surely have the desire to make the best use of it. The addition of an Outdoor Water Fountain is just the fitting thing to make sure that you're able to change any garden into an one-of-a-kind retreat. By way of the right ambience in the garden, the twittering of birds, along with the running of the water from the Outdoor Water Fountain, you are guaranteed to find yourself and your loved ones spending more and more time outdoors.
Popular Water Fountains
Water Gardens Designed For Wildlife
Installing garden fountains is a magnificent way to add special character to it. You can find all kinds of water fountains, ranging from the love birds, to the dolphins, even the classic cupid fountains are still in style.
Water gardens designed for wildlife are sure to bring you many hours of viewing pleasure. Birds will take a sip of water from even a simple tub, and they’ll bathe in a splashing fountain. Butterflies love shallow pools. Insects and other animals-dragonflies, frogs, salamanders-will be drawn to your water garden and to the plants that accompany it.
Of course, water gardens designed for wildlife may also attract wildlife you would rather not deal with. Raccoons, mosquitoes, cats that love fish, and even the occasional rambunctious, water-loving dog may also become visitors to your water garden. But all in all, water gardens extend the ecosystem delightfully into your own backyard.
Water gardens designed for wildlife in a country setting may attract abundant wildlife because animals are more plentiful in locations near their natural habitat. Yet even a big-city water garden draws birds, butterflies, and other animals.
Style, Size and Location Can Make a Difference
A large garden may attract a more diverse selection of wild things, but a small garden will surprise you with the number of animals it lures.
Wildlife won’t know whether your water garden is formal or informal, of course. But the more that it resembles a country pond, the greater the number and variety of creatures it will attract because of the greater variety of habitats it offers.
Depth of Your Water Garden
If you’re planning a water garden that will support fish and plants as well as other wildlife activity, you’ll need to consider constructing it to contain a variety of depths. Fish need at least 18 inches of water to survive. To over-winter them in areas where the pool freezes, they will need a place on the bottom deeper than that. Plants over-wintering in the garden pond will need deep areas, too.
In a climate with winter temperatures of minus 10° to minus 20° F, the pond will need to be 24 inches deep. In regions where average minimum temperatures of minus 30° to minus 40° F, the pool should have areas that are 30 to 36 inches deep. Check with your local extension service or water garden supplier to be sure the water garden you’re planning will have depths suitable to your garden and your region.
Many amphibians, small animals, and birds like gradual approaches to water. An inclined beach of small stones provides a natural entry into the pool for them.
Plants for Your Water Garden
Native plants, which offer food and shelter natural to the birds and animals of your region, draw wildlife to your garden pond. Trees and shrubs are especially good because they provide homes for nesting wildlife as well as food and cover.
Perennials and annuals are attractions, too. Their patches of color draw birds and butterflies to feed on seeds and flower nectar. Grasses and hedges, especially evergreen or semi-evergreen species, provide cover at the water’s edge for the better part of the year. Marginal plants (those that grow in the shallows of the water garden) also offer cover and food. Plants with floating leaves shade the water and serve as insect landing pads. Those with smaller leaves, like duckweed, are food for ducks and fish. Submerged plants release small amounts of oxygen into the water, which support insect larvae.
o Swamp milkweed or butterfly plant (Asclepias incarnata) grows about 3 feet high, and its yellow-to-orange, red, yellow, or white flowers attract butterflies for the nectar. This plant requires full-sun.
o Water mint (Mentha aquatica) grows about 1 foot high and bears small, light lavender flowers in mid- to late summer with nectar that is attractive to bees. It spreads rapidly and can be invasive. It should be planted no deeper than 3 inches.
o Water lily (Nymphaea spp.) spreads from 1 to 50 square feet, depending on the variety. Its flowers come in many colors and grow from 1 to 10 inches across. It prefers full sun and still water and makes a good place for frogs and other small animals to rest. Hardiness depends on the variety.
Although the location, style, and size of your water fountain garden all contribute somewhat to your success with wildlife. So again, having a diversity of depths, rocks, and plants will be key to attracting wildlife to your water gardens.
Elizabeth Jean is an outdoor gardening writer and frequent contributor to Garden-Fountains.com, a popular internet destination for water fountains and garden statuary.
Author: Elizabeth Jean
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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When you have taken some time to make a wonderful garden, you no doubt want to make the best use of it. The addition of an Outdoor Water Fountain is is really the right thing to ensure that you're able to convert any garden into an exotic getaway. Through just the right atmosphere in the garden, the tweeting of birds, as well as the running of the water in the Outdoor Water Fountain, you are guaranteed to find yourself along with your family spending more and more time in the garden.
Popular Water Fountains
Garden Fountains – Add a Sense of Serenity and Relaxation to Your Outdoor Living Space
Having garden fountains is a great way to add special character to it. There are all sorts of features, including the love birds, to the dolphins, even the classic cupid fountains are still in style.
The beautiful sound of running water is soothing to the soul. How many of us would like to sit by a creek and listen to the water moving across the rocks and fallen branches? Many of us could enjoy the sound of a babbling brook for hours. Garden water fountains are the perfect way to bring relaxation and serenity to your favorite outdoor environment.
Garden water fountains are a classy way to spruce up your home or business. They look beautiful and add a unique dimension to any landscape. The sound of falling water can provide privacy for those having intimate conservations. They’re also a wonderful way to tune out the sounds of the city or neighbors pets. Whether you are looking for a way to beautify the asphalt of the city or delight in the sound of trickling water in the garden, there are garden fountains for everyone.
There are many types of fountains to choose from for your garden. Some are free standing with water flowing from top to a pool at the bottom. There are smaller fountains that can be incorporated with plants and other aspects of your garden to create a cohesive look. If your yard space is limited then a fountain attached to your wall will provide the sounds and feelings of flowing water. The power to operate garden water fountains can be from a household outlet, battery or solar. Technological advances have increased the energy of solar fountains, making them an eco-friendly alternative to traditional water fountains
Every know form of life depends on water. The earth’s oceans teem with life forms of astonishing diversity. Anywhere from 55% to 75% of the human body is composed of water, depending on one’s age and gender. It’s only natural that we would find something innately appealing about the presence of water, be it in our bodies or in our backyard.
Watching flowing water is a great benefit of a garden fountain. Garden water fountains will draw the attention of those who visit your home. All ages are drawn to watching flowing water. You will find that once you install outdoor garden fountains your guests will be making their way to your garden’s fountains to appreciate them.
Garden water fountains seem to be one of the key garden decor accents and accessories that many gardeners highlight in their gardens. One of the reasons for this is that the addition of a water fountain can truly add a sense of mystery, serenity, joy and beauty to your life. A water fountain is a source of natural humidity in dry climates, which can benefit thirsty plants and allergy-afflicted people.
Peaceful, tranquil and calming garden fountains are the perfect touch for any garden. When you hear the running water from a garden fountain you are often transported far away from city life and out exploring nature. The serenity and tranquility of water is essential to complete a garden or outdoor living space. Your garden fountain will create a quiet atmosphere conducive to relaxation and reflection. A flowing water fountain is sure to provide a bit of beauty and solace to any outdoor environment.
Garden water fountains are the perfect way to add beautiful decor to your favorite garden space. You’ll love relaxing by your garden as you listen to the tranquil sounds of your garden water fountain. Garden fountains transform your garden into an oasis on hot summer days and adds a comforting vibrancy to any green space, not to mention humidity and lower temperatures.
Take a deep breath and think of the sound of a running stream and relax with a The beautiful sound of running water is soothing to the soul. How many of us would like to sit by a creek and listen to the water moving across the rocks and fallen branches? Many of us could enjoy the sound of a babbling brook for hours. Garden water fountains are the perfect way to bring relaxation and serenity to your favorite outdoor environment.
Garden water fountains are a classy way to spruce up your home or business. They look beautiful and add a unique dimension to any landscape. The sound of falling water can provide privacy for those having intimate conservations. They’re also a wonderful way to tune out the sounds of the city or neighbors pets. Whether you are looking for a way to beautify the asphalt of the city or delight in the sound of trickling water in the garden, there are garden fountains for everyone.
There are many types of fountains to choose from for your garden. Some are free standing with water flowing from top to a pool at the bottom. There are smaller fountains that can be incorporated with plants and other aspects of your garden to create a cohesive look. If your yard space is limited then a fountain attached to your wall will provide the sounds and feelings of flowing water. The power to operate garden water fountains can be from a household outlet, battery or solar. Technological advances have increased the energy of solar fountains, making them an eco-friendly alternative to traditional water fountains
Every know form of life depends on water. The earth’s oceans teem with life forms of astonishing diversity. Anywhere from 55% to 75% of the human body is composed of water, depending on one’s age and gender. It’s only natural that we would find something innately appealing about the presence of water, be it in our bodies or in our backyard.
Watching flowing water is a great benefit of a garden fountain. Garden water fountains will draw the attention of those who visit your home. All ages are drawn to watching flowing water. You will find that once you install outdoor garden fountains your guests will be making their way to your garden’s fountains to appreciate them.
Garden water fountains seem to be one of the key garden decor accents and accessories that many gardeners highlight in their gardens. One of the reasons for this is that the addition of a water fountain can truly add a sense of mystery, serenity, joy and beauty to your life. A water fountain is a source of natural humidity in dry climates, which can benefit thirsty plants and allergy-afflicted people.
Peaceful, tranquil and calming garden fountains are the perfect touch for any garden. When you hear the running water from a garden fountain you are often transported far away from city life and out exploring nature. The serenity and tranquility of water is essential to complete a garden or outdoor living space. Your garden fountain will create a quiet atmosphere conducive to relaxation and reflection. A flowing water fountain is sure to provide a bit of beauty and solace to any outdoor environment.
Garden water fountains are the perfect way to add beautiful decor to your favorite garden space. You’ll love relaxing by your garden as you listen to the tranquil sounds of your garden water fountain. Garden fountains transform your garden into an oasis on hot summer days and adds a comforting vibrancy to any green space, not to mention humidity and lower temperatures. Take a deep breath and think of the sound of a running stream and relax with a garden water fountain.
Jean Seiler
http://www.relaxationsituation.com
Author: Jean Seiler
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Guest blogger
Since you have taken the time to make a gorgeous garden, you certainly need to make the very best use of it. The installation of an Outdoor Water Fountain is just the right thing to make sure that you'll be able to change any garden into an exceptional haven. With just the right atmosphere in the garden, the twittering of birds, as well as the streaming of the water from the Outdoor Water Fountain, you are bound to find yourself and your family enjoying more and more time outside.
Popular Water Fountains
Start Planning for Your Backyard Water Garden or Pond
Having backyard fountains is a great way to add special character to it. There are all kinds of features, ranging from the love birds, to the dolphins, even the classic cupid fountains are still in style.
Water gardens are great focal points for any backyard
With spring in the air, now is the time to start planning for your backyard garden. For many homeowners, a backyard pond is a perfect supplement to your existing layout. The trickling of water in the background is the ideal way to supplement the natural, serene and relaxing atmosphere that the outdoors should offer.
A pond or water garden will likely become the focal point for your entire backyard. Backyard ponds and water gardens will attract birds, butterflies, wildlife, and family members. Ponds are usually small and no larger than 3 to 4 feet in diameter, and often can be used to raise fish. At night-time, a garden pond can be lit up with both surrounding and submersible lighting. An extravagant light show can be produced by projecting underwater lighting directly onto trickling or falling water.
In the past, the installation of a water garden was a convoluted process that either involved the expense of a landscaper, or trial and error to perfect the art of pond installation. However, preformed pond kits are now available that can make pond installation relatively straightforward. Preformed pond kits are affordable, lessen the risk of mistakes, and come complete with all the accessories that you will need to complete a garden pond installation.
Before purchasing a preformed pond kit, make sure that it fulfils all of your requirements. How large of a pond are you looking for? Do you want to raise fish? Would you like water to trickle down a waterfall? How long is the warranty on the pond kit?
One preformed pond kit that comes highly recommended is the Algreen 180 gallon folding preformed pond kit. New to the Algreen line of products, this kit includes easy-to-follow instructions. The instructions minimize the effort required to install the pond, after a hole is dug. The pieces in the kit fit easily together and leave you ample flexibility to creatively position and landscape the area around the pond, according to your heart’s desire.
The 180 gallon kit comes complete with both a preformed pond shell and a preformed watercourse that is manufactured from a revolutionary rubber/plastic composite (this composite material is guaranteed to be more durable and resist wear more than any other existing preformed pond kits). The kit includes a powerful 792 gallon-per-hour SuperFlo pump with flow control; this pump is used to feed varying flows of water to both the watercourse and the built-in fountain. The pump is purposely oversized to allow it to channel water to your watercourse and fountain, and to accommodate fish in your pond.
Up to 4 fountain heads are included with the kit, to allow you to vary your fountain according to your mood. An underwater light is also included free with the kit. This underwater light utilizes colored filters to shine luminous light from the bottom of your pond to accentuate the falling water from your fountain and/or your waterfall.
Small backyard garden ponds are usually low maintenance. The occasional debris from your pond can usually be trapped with a mechanical pre-filter, which is included with the SuperFlo pump. However, if you decide to raise fish in your pond, it is recommended that you increase your filtration capacity. Because the pump is purposely oversized, this can be easily accomplished by upgrading your pre-filter to a larger filtration device. Optional filtration devices include the mechanical and biological SuperFlo submersible filter, or the Algreen pressurized filter.
You will need to start planning for your water garden now in order to have it completed by spring. Before commencing any project, it is always recommended that you conduct research to learn as much as possible about the topic. Therefore, it is recommended that you use the early part of the season to read more about pond construction.
Gerry Fung is the Vice President of GardenSuperMart, a garden pond installation resource.
Read more about the 180 gallon granite preformed pond kit.
Author: Gerry Fung
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
When you've taken the time to build an attractive garden, you undoubtedly want to make the very best use of it. The installation of an Outdoor Water Fountain is exactly the fitting thing to ensure that you will be able to convert any garden into an exotic escape. By way of just the right ambience in the garden, the tweeting of birds, as well as the running of the water through the Outdoor Water Fountain, you are guaranteed to find yourself and all your family enjoying much more time in your garden.