We typically talk plants from week to week, but sometimes it is fun to mix it up a bit and expand into adjacent topics relevant to our gardens. Fountains (and other statuary for that matter) have always intrigued me, as I continue to add more garden art here and another piece there in my own garden. When walking my landscape, that magical sound of water certainly captivates me, as it does for those who visit. A water feature can make us feel like we have teleported to a babbling brook along our favorite hike in the woods, or to a beautiful waterfall in the mountains. With all of our hectic lives darting endlessly in multiple directions, some soothing sounds in the landscape can add some much needed tranquility. The summer breeze rustling through foliage, some birds chirping and water trickling may just help drown out that passing traffic or dull the sounds of the neighbor’s string trimmer whacking away.
If you are going to invest in a water feature, weigh your options first and foremost. Having a waterfall or a pond constructed may be ideal for some, but for others a simpler fountain may provide the impact desired. Like everything to me, you get what you pay for - a cheaper resin or plastic fountain may have a nice price, but it will fade and not stand the tests of time. Something concrete (cast stone as we call it in the world of fountains) is much more durable and will last a lifetime, if cared for properly. Back in the day, fountains were often painted, which flaked or peeled and required a lot of upkeep. These days they are stained, providing various rustic finish options that last much longer. A clear concrete sealer can be applied to help preserve the color even more and protect water from penetrating into the concrete that could cause potential damage. I try to take a few minutes every other summer to clean mine thoroughly, let it dry, then assess if it needs stain or sealing. The color should fade with time, and honestly there is nothing wrong with plain unstained concrete either if that is your thing. Like with plants, you do you, but I recommend considering these three parameters… location, size and sound.
Location: I would look around your outdoor spaces and evaluate where a water feature could work for you. The front porch is easy, as are the deck or patio, but where will you enjoy it the most? I think you should choose a location (or locations) where you tend to linger or relax. For me it was my patio, so I sited a fountain nearby it tucked into the landscape in my backyard. That way anytime I am in the yard I hear the calming sound of that fountain. If I leave the slider open, I can even hear it when inside the house, as long as my boys are not drowning it out with video games or brotherly banter that is. If you are doing this on soil like I did, build a firm gravel base and use a thick step stone to place it on - you will not want it to lean down the road.
Size: Like everything on this fine planet, fountains can be found in all shapes and sizes. A huge seven-tier Italian style fountain is not for everyone, so explore your options. For example, visit Henri Studio’s website (henristuio.com), a wonderful manufacturer outside Chicago, to check out their endless options. Small little patio bubblers are super popular these days, suitable even for apartment or condo balconies. With their smaller footprint and scale, they are also ideal for tighter entryways, decks or patios. Even with their compact packages, these fountains still provide impact both visually and phonically.
Sound: This is the main attribute I go for myself, essentially trying to maximize sound with minimal splash. In the last few years, built-in copper spills have been a fabulous addition to many medium and larger scale fountains. These copper spills provide a perfect concentrated flow that will drop into the bowl(s), amplifying noise. There is certainly nothing wrong with water trickling or cascading down from bowl to bowl as well. Different styles will sound very different, so listen to different models and go for the sound that catches your fancy.
Modern fountains often come with built-in LED lighting, either in the form of submersible spot lights or as a plume light that water actually goes right through. The days of hot Halogen lights that drain a ton of power is long gone and they are now replaced by efficient yet bright LED versions. Lighting really does add interest to any water feature at night, providing a lovely glow that highlights the water movement from dusk to dawn. Many, including mine, even have colored lenses that can be changed out to alter the mood - somedays I am feeling the blue or green shades and others the red or yellow tones. New fountains should also include what we call a “mag” pump as well, which is a magnet driven style motor and very easy on the power bill. These are also easier to fix as well, as down the road it is often just the cheap magnet that needs replacing and not the entire pump. Remember power and water are mortal enemies, so ALWAYS consult an electrician if needed and only use GFI outlets to be safe.
A couple of other suggestions I have for all fountains involve winter protection and cleaning practices. First and most importantly, I would never take the chance of winter damage caused by freezing. Although quality fountains are durably cast with what is the equivalent of sidewalk concrete, the colder the winter temperatures get the greater the chance for cracks to occur. Draining your fountain before the first frost in late fall is best: empty out all of the water, remove the plug and then wrap it with the appropriately sized winter cover. We include a cover with all of our fountains here at Sunnyside Nursery for no extra charge, as investing in a cool fountain should be for decades and not just a season or two. An uncovered fountain over the winter is asking for damage and in most cases also voids the warranty. Secondly, do not make cleaning too complicated. The use of bleach, cleaners, or anything abrasive will damage both the finish and your pump, along with causing harm to any of the creatures that may come to drink from your fountain. Yes algae will grow on it (as with most things here in the PNW), so simply draining it on occasion when it is dirty and using a soft brush to gently scrub the surfaces is best. Rinse it out, replace the plug, refill and off you go with the fresh, clean sound of tricking water.
Simply stated, water represents the proverbial juice of life; a substance that all creatures, great and small, need to survive. Having a water feature in the landscape, whether simple or grand, adds interest for both the eyes and ears. Trickling and splashing water soothes the soul and provides for wildlife in the garden. Stop into your local garden center to see what possibilities are out there that offer you the functionality you seek and matches your style. Ask a professional for advice on installation and for maintenance tips. Once you have the water flowing in your garden, close your eyes and enjoy the tranquil sounds, as it just may take you to an imaginary place for some well-deserved respite.
