Bring Life and Energy to Your Front Yard

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , /by

When it comes to developing the scene outdoors, much attention is normally paid to the backyard space. With it being the more private outdoor space, people seem to be more inclined to develop that space. It is where many of us host our outdoor get-togethers, cook-outs, and children’s birthday parties. With all of the attention being paid to your backyard, it’s easy to overlook the great ways you can bring more life and style to the front of your home. With a few certain details, you’ll be surprised at how nice your home looks. With a simple flower garden, planters or urns, and small birdbath, your home can be on the cover of magazines.

Flower Garden

Gardening is one of the best ways to cultivate life and bring a new sense of color and energy to any outdoor space. You don’t have to have a major green thumb to maintain a simple flower garden. Framing the front of your house or your front porch with flowers serves as a great accent. Visit your local hardware store to find some stones to create your frame. Acquire some planting soil, if need be, and begin your garden space. Pick out some of your favorite flowers, and arrange them around your home or porch. You can purchase seeds or flowers that have already been potted.

Planters and Urns

If you would prefer not to have an in-ground garden, or if you would just like to take your floral design to the next level, consider the use of planters and urns for your front yard. These are a great way of accenting your space with a piece of art and bit of life. They come in many styles, sizes, and shapes. The right set of planters are great for adorning an entrance of staircase. Fill them with your favorite plants, or just use them as their own decoration.

Fountains and Birdbaths

When it comes to installing a water feature in the front yard, some people question the decision. Many people don’t want the piece to overwhelm the scene of their homes. There are many small garden fountains and birdbaths that are perfect for front yards. The right small piece can even sit in your flower garden, making that space a center for life and energy. The colors, butterflies, and birds will transform your plain front yard into a stunning neighborhood oasis for all your neighbors and visitors to see.

Don’t allow your front yard to just be another plot of grass on the street. Allow it to accentuate the style, class, and natural beauty of your home. A few deliberate changes can make all the difference. A small lively flower garden, a set of classic, commanding planters, and a small fountain or birdbath can turn your home into the envy of the neighborhood. It’s the face of your home; make the most of it.

Host the Perfect Garden Party or Barbecue

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , , /by

When the skies are blue, the breezes are warm, and the sun is shining throughout the day, it is a great feeling to spend your time outdoors with your family and friends. Hosting a beautiful and fun garden party, picnic, or barbecue is a great way celebrating holidays, birthdays, and special events. Sometimes, it’s great to have a little get together just for the fun of it. No matter what your reason is for having your loved ones over, it’s important to take care that your event is enjoyable for you and your guests. If you want to ensure an enjoyable shindig, make it a potluck, and enhance your scene with greenery and lighting.

Make it a potluck!

When you’re having people over for food, one of the hardest things to accomplish is preparing enough food, or types of food that everyone will like. One of the best ways to circumvent this type of issue is by asking your guests to contribute to the feast. Offer a main course and a couple of other options, then allow your guests to bring items that they would like to share. This ensures that there will be enough food for everyone, and that all of your guests will be guaranteed to enjoy at least one dish (assuming they enjoy their own cooking!).

Decorate with Greenery

If you are having garden party, the plants you have growing in your outdoor space is the truly the life of the party. Be sure that your favorite flowers, vegetables, and greenery are properly displayed. Consider installing a few planters in your setting. That is a great way of adding an extra element of class and elegance to your space. There are many stone planters and urns available that can enhance your scene with there design alone. Combined with the right plants, these containers are guaranteed to enhance your scene for your next get-together.

Lighting

An easy thing for people to overlook is proper outdoor lighting, especially when hosting guests. But, there is a lot you can do with lighting to enhance the scene and experience for everyone. There are a wide range of LED landscape lighting options that allow you to illuminate walls, staircases, and walkways with the perfect accent of light. You can even install lights in a pool, pond, or fountain, for a stunning effect. They come in many colors, and some are even color changing, allowing you to create the perfect scene at your next garden party.

No matter the occasion, you’ll want your event to go over beautifully. While you can’t be in control of every little thing that may happen, you can at least set yourself up for success. Avoid awkward conflict over food by having a potluck-style event, enhance your garden party with perfectly-placed greenery, and accent your landscape with the LED lighting. Your guests will be amazed, and you’ll be proud of your home.

How to best remove algae from your fountain

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , /by

Algae is the green plant formation that can appear in most bodies of natural or man made water sources. When the water is stagnant, algae has a ripe breeding ground to multiple and expand. Algae is both an unpleasant sight and a harmful organism to the functionality of your pump. By running the fountain often and cleaning it you will be able to prevent invasive vegetation. However, we have plenty of suggestions on what to do when algae does from on your stone or metal water feature.

 

Add algae inhibitors

There are many algae forming inhibitors that we recommend to use. A natural method is to add barley to the pool or bottom tier of your outdoor fountain. Wrap the barley straw in some netting place it all under the water in the deepest areas of the fountain. If the barley flows, weigh it down with a rock or brick. The barely will decompose which omits an enzyme prevents the formation of algae. This is safe for fish in the water as well.

There are also chemical algae inhibitors which you can purchase from us in our pond products collection. Applying once every three months is a standard to be followed. However, you can add these chemicals more often if algae does visibly form. These chemicals are usually not safe for fish. It is best to simply check the label regarding this issue.

Shade your water feature

Algae love stagnant water will much sunshine. Just like any other plant, they require sunlight to perform photosynthesis. In fact, almost half of the world’s photosynthesis processes come from algae

If you can move our fountain easily, then place it in a shady area. You could also plant other vegetation that will grow and cast a shade on the water feature. These plants might include lattice, bamboo peach trees.

Remove algae as you see it forming

Aside from preventative measures, we also have tips on the best way to clean your fountain of disgusting algae. Firstly, use a pond net to pick up all of the algae flowing in the basin and tiers of the fountain.

Once the rogue algae is fished out of the water, you will need to drain the feature. Scrub algae off the sides using a nylon brush and vinegar. You could also use bleach if it will not discolor your fountain.  This should remove all of the algae. We recommend you rinse the feature thoroughly before refilling it. Follow up with the preventative chemicals that we discussed above.

Bring Life to your Backyard

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , /by

Think about the scene around your home. Do you look around your backyard to see nothing that inspires you? Is your property not much more than a simple plot of grass? Your space can, and should, be more than that. Your property should be a place where you can enjoy your time outdoors, set a beautiful scene, and cultivate life. There are a few main ways you can go about bringing a fresh new energy to your outdoor space. If you are looking for ways improve your yard, consider building a garden, installing an outdoor fountain, and enhancing your landscape and water with LED lighting.

Build a Garden

One of the best ways to bring that extra sense of life and energy to your yard is by building a garden outside your home. For many people, the healthiest thing to do, especially if you plan on growing vegetables, is to build a raised garden bed. A raised garden bed actually sits on top of the ground, filled with soil that you place in it yourself. This method relieves the burden of having to rely on the soil in your yard, and allows you to make the healthiest mix of soil for your plants. The process is pretty simple and inexpensive; there are several tutorials available online that can lead you in the right direction.

Install a Garden Fountain

Having the garden built in your yard will add new life and color to your space, but your landscape is not quite complete at this point. Take your garden space to the next level with the installation of a well-placed garden fountain. A beautiful stone fountain adds to your landscape in a number of ways. The visual alone will take your garden area to the next level. The steady flowing water sounds will help to mitigate unwanted noise and create an even more soothing and therapeutic environment.

Accent with LEDs

Once you have your new landscape design all planned out, it’s about time to start thinking about those finishing touches. One of the best ways you can accent the beauty and style of your landscape is to use LED lighting. You may be surprised at what a few small lights can do for a wall or a walkway. There is even waterproof lighting available for your fountains and ponds that will illuminate the water at night. There are a wide range of options, even color changing lights that you can set to fit any mood.

Don’t allow your backyard to just be another patch of green on the hill. Make it a point to truly make the most of your outdoor space. Tap into your artistic and creative side, and let your imagination flourish. Create a scene that is dynamic, colorful, and full of life. Add life and color with some of your favorite flowers, vegetables, and greenery, take it to the next level with a beautiful fountain, and accent it all with tastefully placed LED lights.

Enhance the Class and Elegance of your Outdoor Space

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

Your home is place that you should certainly take pride in; you’ve spent countless hours earning and developing it. And, your backyard and patio space is where you spend some of your most precious moments. Think of the many garden parties, cookouts, and outdoor celebrations that occur at your home. Be sure that when you are hosting your friends and family, your home reflects your style and class. With the addition of a beautiful stone statue, an outdoor fountain, and some LED light accents, your home will be the most beautiful place in the area.

Display Stone Artwork

One of the best ways you can elevate the level of class in your home is with the addition of artwork. When it comes to exterior design, people often overlook the effect of art, but there are a wide range of options for outdoor sculptures and statues. There are pieces that are designed to be placed in or next to a shallow body of water, and some that create an entire scene on their own. These masterpieces are carved in 360 degrees of stunning detail, and are certain to provide your scene with a fresh sense of style and culture.

Install a Beautiful Fountain

Another great way to accentuate the beauty of your environment is by installing a classic, elegant stone fountain. Picture a beautiful tiered work of art in your own backyard. See the beauty of the water spilling from the finial and cascading over the edges of the piece. It will transform the look of your space, while creating a welcoming and relaxing scene for you and your guests. Everyone will be dazzled by the stunning water show, and your home will take on a brand new look. This type of choice is guaranteed to please.

Install LED Accents

If you would like to take your statues and fountain to the next level, consider the installation of LED light accents. There are kits available that are designed specifically for tiered fountains, and plenty more options for your landscape. Accent your staircase, walls, and garden with the perfect touch of light. It is sure to add a modern and contemporary look to your space that is subtle and very easy on the eyes. There are even options available for color changing lights. With the right set up, you can design your space to fit any mood and occasion.

When the time comes for you to make some decorative changes around your home, be sure to make the right choices. Create a scene that is full of class and elegance, one that reflects the style of you and your family. With the addition of stone statues and sculptures, an elegant tiered fountain, and a few LED light accents, you are sure to transform your home into the ideal space. You and your guests are sure to be pleased.

Create the Ideal Patio Setting

/0 Comments/in , , , , , /by

When old man winter has blown his last frigid breath, there is no better feeling than emerging from hibernation to feel the warmth of the sun. The birds are singing, the sun is shining, and the warm breezes are calling us to experience it all. Do you have an ideal location in your home to relax and enjoy the beautiful days? Be sure to make the most of your patio space. It will become a location that you will cherish. With the right selection of patio furniture, an assortment of live plants, and a perfectly-placed water feature, you can be certain that your patio is perfect for you and your guests.

Patio Furniture

Finding the right furniture for your patio is a very important process. There are so many styles and options, it can be hard to find exactly what you need. Before going out to make a purchase, begin by predicting how you will be spending most of your outdoor time. Some furniture is better for hosting, some is better for dining, and some is best for relaxation. Next, consider your outdoor climate and which materials are best suited for your area. If rain is very common in your area, you may want to avoid outdoor furniture is cushions and other absorbent materials. Finally, find a set of furniture that fits in your allotted space, and create a scene that fits your setting.

Plants, Planters, and Urns

One major mistake that people encounter when designing their patio scene is allowing the space to remain plain and lifeless. Your outdoor space should reflect the beauty and energy that is found in nature. The installation of a few stone planters is a great way to achieve this effect. They are works of art themselves, and also allow you to display some of your favorite flowers and greenery. The presence of living plants will bring a fresh new energy to your patio space.

Outdoor Water Features

Another great way to maintain a refreshing energy is by installing the right water feature for your home. There are a wide range of options available to you. A classic tiered fountain is perfect for accentuating an elegant and refined style. A sleek spillway is more desirable for some people. It creates a contemporary look with a smooth sheet of water splashing gently into a basin below. Any of your water features can be enhanced with LED lighting to take your scene to the next level. Be sure to choose a piece that reflects the style and feel of you and your home.

You patio space should complement your home; it should be an extension of your interests and personality. Create the perfect scene that caters to exactly how you like to spend your time. With the appropriate patio furniture, the presence of a few lively plants, and the addition of a perfectly placed water feature, your patio space can become an ideal backyard oasis.

Is Your Backyard Ready for Summer?

/0 Comments/in , , , , , /by

Summertime is a great time of year; some may even say it’s the best. The sun is warm and nourishing, while the days are filled with life and activity. During this time of year, people are often drawn outdoors with a natural desire to enjoy the beautiful weather. With picnics, parties, and cookouts, there’s an abundance of fun to be had. Is your home equipped to make the most of these summer days? You’ll want a space where you can fully enjoy this time. With an outdoor dining area, a collection of flowers and greenery, and a beautiful outdoor water feature, your backyard can be the perfect summer hangout.

Outdoor Tables and Seating

Whether you prefer gas or charcoal, grilling is almost necessary when summertime rolls around. With all of the amazing food you’ll be grilling with your friends and family, it’s important to have a place to enjoy your meal. There are lots of different outdoor tables, benches, and seats to choose from. Consider the size of your yard and the amount of people you would expect to host when making a choice on this selection. For instance, if you are into more intimate get togethers, you can get a small stone table with a few seats to match. Find what works for your space.

Plants and Greenery

A great way to enhance the look and feel of your space is by adding a bit of life and energy with a collection of flowers and greenery. The colors and designs will add beauty, while the aroma and energy of the plants improve the environment of your backyard. There are many shapes and sizes of planters, urns, and other containers for you to house your plants. The containers themselves provide a sense of class and elegance to your space, while giving you a place for your beautiful greenery. What seems like a small accent can be a huge improvement.

Outdoor Water Feature

Another huge improvement comes from a more obvious accent. A great way to enhance the style and atmosphere of your backyard is by installing an outdoor water feature. When it comes to outdoor water features, there are plenty of options. From classic or modern statuary fountains to ponds and waterfalls, there is sure to be something to fit perfectly in your space. A backyard water feature will bring a refreshing element to your summertime space. With options for LED lighting, it can serve its purpose throughout the summer days and nights.

Be sure that you take full advantage of those days and nights. Create an outdoor space that is just right for getting what you want out of your summer. You can have a space that your friends and family will absolutely love. With the appropriate seating, some living accents, and an outdoor water feature, you’ll have a summer oasis in no time!

 

How to Make Your Garden Shine this Spring

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

The changing of the seasons, particularly from Winter to Spring, marks a special time for us at Water Feature Pros and probably yourself too. Winters can be unbearable in certain parts of the country, we understand. Spring is a great reprieve for everyone, and when it finally comes there is much work and play to be had. We gear up to sell fountains and install ponds, while you might be doing some serious housekeeping or tending to your backyard and front lawn.

Working on a garden is a huge task for both first timers and longtime enthusiasts. We have some suggestions on how to make your garden this Spring more updated and refined than previous years.

Consider what plants you have

Plants require a lot of maintenance. Some are fickle and others aren’t, and the best protocol is to consider what plants you are interested in and research how well they will behave. You should consider the following factors: Does the plant require much light or will it easily fry in the sun? How much water does it need and will it drown easily? How much space does it need and does it harm/ is it harmed by nearby plants?

Once you have a clear idea of that, you need to look at the two most important factors that affect the health these plants. Consider if your environment is conducive to the needs of the plant, and consider what practices you have to implement to best take care of those specific plants. After you consider these factors and feel confident about certain plants for your garden, then you will be set.

Add garden accessories

This is the less stressful task of the job. In fact, having these accessories will turn your homegrown DIY garden space into a luxury space. Take a break from the garden work with these outdoor furniture and art piece suggestions.

Lawn furniture make space for you to relax in your backyard. These can come as stone benches, rocking chairs, swings, patio furniture and pop up longue chairs.

Lighting will let you enjoy your outdoor area at all hours of the day. Plus, lighting is simply beautiful against the muted darkest of a summer night.

Privacy is also an important factor to maintain. Large plants or a privacy fence will take care of that.

We naturally recommend a water feature, because it adds more natural elements to your outdoor space. The fountain adds a water element, a stone art piece, and some soothing sounds.

You will want to maneuver your outdoor space in whatever way best suits you. That might be barefoot in tall grass, or that might be with a winding path. For something in between, stepping stones will add a rustic feel, another element, and a pathway for you and yours.

Combat White Scale and Hard Water Mineral Deposits

/0 Comments/in , , , , , /by

People have enjoyed the many benefits of water fountains throughout many years of human history. They serve a wide range of purposes, and these days, it is not uncommon to find water fountains in people’s gardens and even inside of their homes. They transform the visual and physical environment as well as creating welcoming and soothing atmospheres. People rarely have anything to complain about when it comes to their water feature. But, one common issue that people have in their fountains is the buildup of white scale and hard water mineral deposits. There are a few ways you can be proactive about these problems.

Clean the Pump

Before you even begin to notice the effects of white scale and hard water mineral deposits in your fountain, your pump will be experiencing them. Be sure to clean your pump regularly, as it is the first place where the buildup will be happening. You will want to remove the back of your pump and clean it thoroughly. It can be very effective to use a little water pressure and a small scrub brush to clean the holes inside the pump. You should also clean the tube that connects the pump to the fountain, where a lot of the buildup will be happening.

Regular Deep Cleaning

While cleaning the pump will play a big part in keeping unwanted buildup in your fountain at bay, it is not the only form of maintenance you should be aware. A regular deep cleaning schedule is required to keep you fountain in top conditions. A monthly cleaning is probably best. You will want to turn your fountain off, and drain all of the water from it to begin. There are many fountain chemicals available for this process, and you will want to use them on every single part of your fountain; don’t forget the small, separate decorative pieces.

Appropriate Fountain Chemicals

When it comes to the deep cleaning process, the chemicals you choose are very important. Any household cleaner is not appropriate in certain conditions. There are a lot of chemicals produced for fountain maintenance, and choosing the appropriate ones will ensure that your buildup is kept under control. Certain ones are specialized to remove buildup, while others are designed as preventative methods. Being proactive and preventative is the most beneficial decision to make.

White scale and hard water mineral deposits can be very stubborn once the buildup begins. Be sure that these don’t ruin the appearance and function of your piece. Regularly cleaning the pump and the pieces of the fountain with proper preventative methods will ensure that your piece will last for years to come.

Indoor Water Features

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Are you planning to give the inside of your house a complete makeover? It is time for a brand new look and a fresh, new energy? If you are planning to do some interior decorating, consider choosing a few water features to elevate the style and atmosphere of your home. If you aren’t sure where a water feature will go in your home, consider entrances, hosting areas, and bedrooms. That little touch can take them all to the next level.

Entrances

The first places inside your home that your guests will experience are the entrances. They are the first impression given from your home’s interior, and first impressions are everything. A small water wall in your entryway is a great choice for accenting the style of your home, and welcoming your guest from outside. The steady flow of water keeps the energy fresh and flowing, making the entrances more inviting and appealing.

Living Rooms

One of the main rooms to focus on when it comes to interior decorating is the living room. It is the place where you will host your guests, take time out, and make cherished family memories. It is a great room for a beautiful free-standing floor fountain. A floor fountain is a great way to decorate a large room, with more benefits to offer than just filling space. If will create a calm and welcoming atmosphere, while keeping your air clean and healthy.

Bedrooms

The bedroom is a sacred place. It is often overlooked when it comes to decorating with water features, but it is one of the rooms that can benefit from it the most. Your bedroom is like your oasis. It is the space where you can always escape and call your own. With a beautiful indoor fountain or water wall, you can make your space even more soothing. The steady sounds of the water will help you relax, concentrate, and even sleep.

If you are planning to change the interior of your home with some new water features, don’t feel overwhelmed or discouraged. There are a never ending list of options, but you only have to focus on a few things. Just consider your locations, your habits, and what it is you want out of your new scene. When you’ve covered all of your bases, the rest shouldn’t be hard at all. You’ll be in your new scene in no time!

Why Your Business Needs an Indoor Water Feature

/0 Comments/in , , /by

When it comes to owning your own business, it’s expected for the owner to have all of their bases covered. There are many times when a person knows exactly what it takes to run their business, be it a restaurant, retail store, or doctor’s office, but they overlook the atmosphere. There are many reasons why an indoor water feature can benefit your business, including brand exposure, useful white noise, and aesthetic value.

Brand Exposure

One of the best ways to have your customers remember your brand and style, is by having your logo prominently displayed. There are many options for custom fountains and water walls that can feature any image you choose. The stunning visual that a water feature creates will draw attention, and once people are looking, they’ll immediately see, and remember, your logo. It’s a great way to bring focus on your specific brand and to make it stick.

White Noise

Out of the many common mistakes that a business owner or host can make, one of the most damaging is not considering the sound environment that their guests will be experiencing. Too often have people sat in awkward silence, afraid to converse for fear that strangers will overhear their private conversations. Adding a fountain or indoor waterfall can be a great way to add white noise to your environment. This will help to diffuse the awkward silence and rigid atmosphere.

Aesthetic Value

The visual appearance of where you do business is arguably one of the most important factors when it comes to running a proper business. No matter how good your service, product, or abilities are, some people will always be put off by an uninviting and unattractive view. Adding a water feature can bring an entirely new sense of style and class to your space. A water wall totally transforms a room, and a free standing floor fountain serves as the perfect accent or conversation piece. Installing one of these options is a simple way to make a big improvement.

If you are having issues decorating your newly acquired space, or looking for a way to improve the look and feel of your space, consider installing a water feature. It’s a great way to keep your brand and logo on display, while creating a beautiful visual and calming atmosphere for your guests. You and your customers will be very grateful when all of the many benefits begin to really pay off.

How to Add Color and Decoration to Your Front Porch

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Front lawns are often neglected even though they are the first impression of your house and your lifestyle. Other than keeping your grass cut, there are little additions that people make to their front lawn. Water Feature Pros has some ideas for pieces and vegetation that would add a lot of life to this outdoor area.

Festive decorations

We love holidays and how they give us a great reason to spruce up our outdoor living spaces. Christmas comes with wreaths for your front door, lights around the house and a festive welcome mat. Halloween is our favorite holiday, and plastic electric Jack-o-lanterns or skeletons add a lot of character to your porch.

Showcase Flags

Putting up a simple flag pole allows you to hang some great looking flags on your porch. We love celebrating holidays, so festive flags are great. Also, you can make your own flag with whatever decoration suits you.

Install a porch swing

Kids love swings and so do we. A swing encourages you and your family to take a reprieve from the TV and computer in your house and instead swing on your porch. Some swings are sturdier that others, so make sure your kids know they need to swing gently.

Outdoor fountain

Outdoor fountains are great on your front porch, right next to your flower bed or standing alone. Fountains also look great along a path, so if you want to frame your fountain while letting it stand in the middle of your lawn choose a spot along the path to your front door.

Add a flower or rock bed

The area where your lawn meets your porch should have some decoration. Vegetation is a great idea, but tress are a bit too risky. Forming a flower bed or even a rock bed will add some decoration to your space. If you have bushes in this area, simply adding some rocks or flowers with tiling will help encase the area in a beautiful manner.

Call Water Feature Pros if you think a fountain or planters could improve the quality of your front lawn.