Selecting a Fountain for Your Climate

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Installing a fountain or pond in your garden serves a number of benefits. Your landscape will be improved visually and physically, and, with the constant flow of fresh water, the entire atmosphere of the area will be changed. If you are considering installing a new water feature in your garden, consider the climate and weather conditions in your area. Outdoor fountains are designed to be durable and built to last, but even the most durable pieces will need regular maintenance. Whether you live in a wet and humid climate, a hot and dry climate, or a location that experiences brutal winter weather, the fountain you choose should be able to withstand the weather conditions.

Wet and Humid

If you live in a tropical kind of climate that experiences a great deal of humidity and precipitation, maintenance is very important. In these warm and wet climates, algae thrives. You must be proactive about keeping its growth under control. This will require regular cleaning. There are several chemical cleaners to help, and options that are safe to animals. A humid climate will also take a toll on your metal pieces. If you decide on something made of metal, more attention must be paid to maintaining the finish.

Hot and Dry

In both tropical climates and hot, dry climates, the options for different types of fountains and materials are vast because there is no worry of the water freezing. In the hot, dry climates, you will find that there isn’t much to worry about at all. But, that doesn’t make maintenance any less important. Your fountain still needs to be cleaned regularly. And, if your climate is particularly dry, you will want to keep an eye on your water levels. Evaporation may require you to refill your fountain from time to time. It isn’t something that happens often, but it you will want to pay attention to it.

Frigid and Frozen

The fountains that will require the most attention and maintenance are the ones that are installed in colder climates. If your home experiences winter weather and temperatures, your options are slightly more restricted. One of the most crucial steps you must make when those colder temperatures come around is removing all of the water from your fountain. When water freezes, it expands, and that can lead to irreparable damage. Depending on the severity of your winter weather, and the material of your fountain, the best option may be moving your fountain altogether. Consider choosing something that doesn’t weight much so you can place it in a garage or shed during the winter months.

No matter what climate you live in, if you want a water feature, there is probably one out there for you. You just have to consider the restrictions that Mother Nature has placed on you. Be aware of what maintenance techniques and tools you need, and be prepared to protect your fountain from harsh weather.

Choosing the Right Fountain for Your Garden

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Your garden is a place that is full of beauty, life, and energy. One way that many people accentuate those features is by installing a garden fountain. There are a wide range of styles and designs to choose from, including wall fountains, tiered stone pieces, small tabletop units, and more. With the wide array of choices, it can be hard to decide on the right style for your personal space. A well-placed water feature can bring together the entire scene you’ve created, but the wrong choice can stick out and ruin the energy. There are many factors to consider, especially size, style, and material.

Size

The size of your gardening space is probably the first thing you will want to consider. Do you have a small patio setup that may only allow for a small free-standing piece? Or maybe you have a large garden that can handle a grand, commanding centerpiece. When deciding on the size of your piece, be sure to choose something that complements your space. You want the fountain to accent the beauty and set the atmosphere. If you choose a fountain that is too large for your small space, it will be overwhelming. Alternatively, a piece that is too small for a large space will seem out of place. Avoid a setting that is awkward and distracting.

Style

Cultivate a charming, comfortable setting. The style of fountain you choose plays a large role in creating that scene. If you have a large, classic garden, a tiered stone fountain could be a great choice. If there is a wall in your garden, there are also a wide range of wall mounted pieces that serve as a beautiful accent. For more contemporary styles, there are waterfalls and spillways that allow the water itself to serve as a work of art. Tabletop designs work for small settings that are accented with a stone table setting.

Material

Before making a final decision, you should consider the material of your garden fountain, and your home’s climate. Fountains come in a wide range of materials, like stone, concrete, earthenware, glass, and more. Be sure that the piece you choose can handle the weather that your landscape will endure. Some materials need extra care or protection from winter weather. Once, you have chosen the style and material, be sure to look into taking care of your chosen material. There are several techniques and products available to maintain and preserve the various materials there are.

Your garden can be taken to the next level with one main addition. A perfectly placed water feature accents the visual, and creates an atmosphere that is soothing and welcoming. After you have examined the size of your space, and considered the style and material of your fountain, you can narrow down your decision. Your garden will be flowing with new energy in no time!

Making the Most of a Dry Environment

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Gardening is one of the most beneficial and therapeutic ways you can spend your time. The act of cultivating life is soothing and rewarding. People all around the world have home gardens where they grow some of their favorite flowers and greenery. There are gardens that thrive any many types of environments, but some people believe that there is no hope for the hopeful gardener living in a dry desert location. Those people are truly mistaken. An entire oasis can be built in the backyard of a desert home. With the addition of an outdoor garden fountain, resilient succulents, and a shaded seating area, your desert location can be a thriving and comfortable place to spend your time.

Garden Fountain

One of the biggest changes you can make to your arid environment is introducing water to your scene. Considering the fact that a lack of water is what makes a desert, the presence of a water fountain in your yard will be a great transformation. An outdoor fountain will add a sense of life and rejuvenation an old, dry scene. There are many designs available to fit any style, and a wide range of sizes to complement any size space. Your fountain will be the center of your oasis.

Succulents

An oasis would not be an oasis without any life there. This is where many people believe desert climates come up short. The words garden and desert are rarely spoken in the same breath, but there are actually many types of plants that can survive with little water. Many of these plants are referred to as succulents, and they grow in a wide variety of colors and shapes. Succulents are thick, fleshy plants that are very efficient when it comes to storing water for extended periods of time. Cacti fall into this category, but they aren’t alone. You can create a beautiful diverse garden full of succulents.

Shaded Seating

Desert climates see little rain, so clouds are often scarce. The constant powerful rays of the sun can become very uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous. When you’re in this type of climate, it is important to find ways to protect yourself from the sun. A great way to enjoy your new oasis is by completing the scene with a canopy to frame your seating area. With the right selection of outdoor furniture, you will be able to set up the perfect space for hours of conversation, dining, and relaxation.

Don’t let the harsh effects of a desert climate force you indoors. If you are hoping for an oasis in the middle of your dry environment, create one in your own backyard. With the right fountain, the right plants, and the right shaded seating area, there’s no way you could go wrong. Make the most of your desert scene with water and life!

Making the Most of Your Patio Space

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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 with cushions or 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.

Build a Desert Oasis with a Garden Fountain

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Gardening is one of the most beneficial and therapeutic ways you can spend your time. The act of cultivating life is soothing and rewarding. People all around the world have home gardens where they grow some of their favorite flowers and greenery. There are gardens that thrive any many types of environments, but some people believe that there is no hope for the hopeful gardener living in a dry desert location. Those people are truly mistaken. An entire oasis can be built in the backyard of a desert home. With the addition of an outdoor garden fountain, resilient succulents, and a shaded seating area, your desert location can be a thriving and comfortable place to spend your time.

Garden Fountain

One of the biggest changes you can make to your arid environment is introducing water to your scene. Considering the fact that a lack of water is what makes a desert, the presence of a water fountain in your yard will be a great transformation. An outdoor fountain will add a sense of life and rejuvenation an old, dry scene. There are many designs available to fit any style, and a wide range of sizes to complement any size space. Your fountain will be the center of your oasis.

Succulents

An oasis would not be an oasis without any life there. This is where many people believe desert climates come up short. The words garden and desert are rarely spoken in the same breath, but there are actually many types of plants that can survive with little water. Many of these plants are referred to as succulents, and they grow in a wide variety of colors and shapes. Succulents are thick, fleshy plants that are very efficient when it comes to storing water for extended periods of time. Cacti fall into this category, but they aren’t alone. You can create a beautiful diverse garden full of succulents.

Shaded Seating

Desert climates see little rain, so clouds are often scarce. The constant powerful rays of the sun can become very uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous. When you’re in this type of climate, it is important to find ways to protect yourself from the sun. A great way to enjoy your new oasis is by completing the scene with a canopy to frame your seating area. With the right selection of outdoor furniture, you will be able to set up the perfect space for hours of conversation, dining, and relaxation.

Don’t let the harsh effects of a desert climate force you indoors. If you are hoping for an oasis in the middle of your dry environment, create one in your own backyard. With the right fountain, the right plants, and the right shaded seating area, there’s no way you could go wrong. Make the most of your desert scene with water and life!

Accent Your New Home with Water and Lights

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Developing the look and feel of your new home and yard is an important process. Some of your most precious memories will be spent there. Think about keeping warm in your living room during the holidays with your family, having a cookout on a beautiful summer day, or relaxing on the patio hammock, enjoying the springtime breeze. When you look back on family photo albums, your home will be the backdrop for some of your most treasured experiences. Create a backdrop that is welcoming, calming, and beautiful. There are several ways that you can utilize water and light to accent the beauty and style of your home.

Indoor Water Panels

When you are deciding how you want to create the look and feel of your indoor space, consider the many benefits that come along with installing a fountain or water panel inside of your home. Water walls come in many colors, materials, and styles. From natural looking rock and slate pieces with copper frames, to bold and unique custom art pieces, there are many ways they can enhance the style of your space. But, that isn’t their only use. The steady flowing sounds of the water produce white noise, which is proven to calm and assist a restful sleep. The water flow also assists in purifying and humidifying the air.

Waterfall Spillways

There are several ways you can make changes to your backyard, but one of the most stylish and contemporary ways to accent your space is with spillways. Installing one (or a few) of these is a great alternative to a more traditional fountain. A statuary fountain will serve well as a centerpiece or garden accessory, but a spillway will accent your setting with a sleek sheet of water, flowing gently into a basin below. They look great along walls and staircases, or in conjunction with a small pond.

Illuminate Them

Water panels and spillways are great ways of accenting your home and patio space with water, but you can take these water features to the next level. One of the best ways you can accent your space is by installing LED lights in your water features and landscape. Lighting is a powerful element that people often overlook. When applied thoughtfully, lights can completely transform your nighttime scene. LEDs come in all types of colors, some even color-changing. With so many options for light, you can create light themes for certain moods and events, and truly make the most of your property.

When you’re planning out how you want your space to look and feel, make sure you are thoughtful with your choices. Small improvements can make all the difference. Subtle accents to your home and landscape are a great way of bringing out the natural and structural beauty of where you live. With well-placed sources of flowing water and soft light, you can truly accent your space without overwhelming the scene. You will love to come home to such a beautiful, calming, and relaxing place.