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Harsh Winters and Garden Fountains

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Many people use water features to accentuate their lawn, complement their patio space, and to serve as centerpieces in their gardens. They come in a wide range of impressive designs, and offer many benefits for your home. People who live in colder climates, or experience harsh winters weather are often very apprehensive when it comes to installing water features in their own home. But, there are actually plenty of options for people in cold areas. It is important to know how to which materials to choose and how to prepare them for harsh weather.

Choosing the Right Material

Outdoor fountains are made out of many different materials. Some fountains are made of natural stone, while others are made of concrete or metal. These materials range in durability and strength. The right material with the proper maintenance can last for years, even in rough climates. When choosing your fountain, avoid materials that could chip or break easily. It may be best for some areas to choose fountains made of iron. Many companies also offer maintenance and repair kits, and the way you care for your fountain will make all the difference.

Draining for Winter

Fountains come in a wide array of sizes and styles. Some can circulate a hundreds of gallons of water, while others operate on just a few. If you are installing a water feature in a location that experiences harsh winter conditions, you’ll definitely want to choose something that you can easily drain. Units that move less water are more easily drained, and you’ll need something like that. If you leave water sitting in a fountain through those winter months, it will freeze, and that can cause major, irreparable damage to your garden fountain. You don’t want to turn on your fountain in the spring to find that it is cracked and broken from ice damage.

Protect Them from the Elements

The cold temperatures aren’t the only ways that your water can be damaged by the elements. If you want to protect your fountain from some of the more brutal effects of nature, you’ll probably want to utilize a fountain cover. Covering your fountain will protect the materials and finish during the months when you do not have it operating.

If you live in a harsh climate with heavy precipitation in the winter time, a simple cover might not be enough. If you are still worried about what Mother Nature might do to your outdoor water feature, consider purchasing one that isn’t too hard to move. Sometimes the best way to avoid the elements is to escape them altogether. During those unforgiving months, you may consider placing your fountain in a garage or shed.

 

Don’t let the fear of cold weather stop you from having water features in your own garden. There are still options for those of us who sometimes get snow and ice. Draining during freezing weather, protecting the pieces from the elements, and choosing fountains made of durable materials will allow you to have water features like everyone else!

Build a Classic Garden Setting

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Building a garden and cultivating a collection of plant life is one of the most gratifying feelings a person can experience. There are so many choices for what you can do with your garden space that it can be hard to settle on a certain style or theme. The simple, classical theme is one of the most beloved styles when it comes to garden design. The classic garden allows the visual and the atmosphere to speak for itself. To create a beautiful classical scene, opt for shrubs and flowers, a classical tiered fountain, and hand-crafted stone outdoor furniture.

Flowers and Shrubbery

The composition of a classic garden scene is actually fairly simple. The intricacies and details come from how the plants and flowers are arranged. When choosing plants for your classic garden, keep your list fairly short. All you will need is a collection of shrubs and selection of a few of your favorite flowers to add a bit of color to your space. The main design of your garden should be determined by where your shrubs are placed. You can even design them in a way that your garden has deliberate pathways. You can then accent your setup with the colorful flowers and vines.

Classical Tiered Fountain

When it comes to choosing a fountain for your classical garden, there is one main option that overshadows the rest. This option is the classical tiered fountain. A classical garden will seem nearly incomplete without the presence of a grand tiered fountain to finalize the look and feel of your space. Taking nods from ancient Rome and on, these amazing structures evoke an old-world feel while creating a scene that is welcoming and soothing. There are a wide range of sizes and styles to choose from, some complete with sculptures and figurines. There is sure to be a fountain that is perfect for your scene.

Stone Outdoor Furniture

Your garden is a place of peace and serenity. To better enjoy your time there, it is important to choose some outdoor furniture so that you can have a place to sit and absorb the beauty of your space. While they are countless styles and materials used to produce outdoor furniture, one of the best options for a classic garden setup is the use of stone furniture. The right stone benches, stools, and tables are perfect for complementing your scene. There are options made from granite, jade, marble, and more. The designs, ranging from smooth and basic to textured and intricate, are all great accents to a natural scene.

With all of the styles and designs that are always becoming available, sometimes the most desirable option is the simple, classic one. When it comes to designing a garden, the classic look is always a good choice. With the right plants, a beautiful fountain, and some classic stone furniture, you can have a classic scene in your own backyard.

 

Designing a Private and Secluded Outdoor Space

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With all of the distractions and stresses that come along with working, having a family, and just living everyday life, it’s nice to take some time out for yourself every once in a while. Private alone time is more valuable that people realize, and it’s a thing that many people often take for granted. Don’t allow yourself to be one of those people. Be sure that you take time out to relax and center yourself whenever you need a break. A great place to relax is a secluded outdoor environment. Create an environment like this in your own home with a type of fence or wall, the right outdoor furniture, and a soothing fountain or spillway.

Setting Your Boundaries

To create a place of seclusion and privacy, there must be boundaries. There are several options and styles available for you to keep your scene separate from the outside world. You can choose to have a privacy fence installed if you would like to separate your entire yard. If you are looking to create a small location within the confines of your yard, you can choose to install a few trellises around your space and grow vines on them, making them more like walls. You can even use chain link fence, which is fairly inexpensive, and improve the look with vines.

Outdoor Furniture

A necessary component in your outdoor relaxation space is furniture. After all, how else will you truly be able to relax with nothing on which you can relax? With all of the choices out there, it can be hard to narrow it down. A good place to start is by considering how you’ll be spending your time there. If you’ll be sharing your space with loved ones and close friends, you may opt for outdoor seating and a table to accommodate 2-4 people. If you’re going to be spending time there alone in full relaxation mode, you can even consider installing a hammock in your space.

Fountains and Spillways

One of the best things you can do to create a space that is soothing and secluded is by installing a fountain or other water feature. The right water feature will create a relaxing and steady sound with the flowing of the water. This sound is not only relaxing, but it helps to mitigate unwanted noise surrounding to place of privacy. If you live on a busy street, or in an active neighborhood, this can be a definite life-saver. With all of the many styles of fountains, ponds, and spillways, there is sure to be something to fit perfectly in your scene.

Take some time out  for yourself. Many people miss out on valuable lessons that can only be learned when spending time alone in a calm environment. And, sometimes, you just need to get away. Create a space where you can do just that. With the appropriate boundaries, the right outdoor furniture, and a soothing water feature, you can have the perfect secluded and private outdoor area.

Bring Life and Energy to Your Front Yard

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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

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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.

Bring Life to your Backyard

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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.

Choosing the Right Garden Fountain

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Do you love spending time knelt in the dirt, hands in the soil, with the aroma of fresh plants and flowers filling your senses? Having a garden at home is a fun, therapeutic hobby, and a great way to produce your own flowers and vegetables. Installing a water feature in your home garden is perfect for enhancing the soothing and therapeutic qualities of your space, while contributing to the beauty of the scene. There are a wide range of outdoor water features. If you are considering adding one to your garden space, some of your best options are stone statuary fountains, small ponds, or spillways.

Stone Statuary Fountains

Do you have a large classic garden? A classy hand-crafted statuary fountain serves as the perfect accent or centerpiece. There are many different styles and designs of statuary fountains, available in many sizes and shapes. The classic tiered fountain is a popular choice for this type of application. There is nothing like watching the water flowing from a round or pineapple shaped finial, and raining over the edges of multiple tiers. Many of them feature sculptures and classic designs that evoke an old-world atmosphere. These fountains add new levels of life and energy to an already thriving space.

Small Ponds

Sometimes, you want a more subtle and natural look for your garden. If so, installing a small pond is likely to be your best bet. They are a great way of enhancing the landscape surrounding your garden space without being too visually overwhelming. They are also perfect for cultivating even more life in your space. You can add fish to your pond and take it to the next level. You will love the feeling of growing flowers and vegetables, while sustaining wildlife in your area. With these small changes, time spent in your yard and garden can become much more than just a hobby.

Spillways

If you would prefer to forgo the classic scene or the natural look, you might want to consider installing a spillway and basin near your garden. These are a great way of taking water’s natural soothing abilities, and giving it a modern and contemporary display. The stream flows out in a smooth sheet, splashing gently into the water below. If you are looking for ways to accent and enhance the style and class of your garden area, these are a great choice for you. Their sleek and minimal design is truly incomparable.

If you have a garden at home, take full advantage of your space. You will be truly surprised when you feel how much of an improvement installing a water feature can make. Stone statuary pieces complete your classic scene, small ponds enhance a natural look, and spillways brings your water display into a contemporary realm. For an extra touch, you can install LED lighting into any of these water features, accenting the beauty of your scene, even after the sun sets. The dazzling displays of water and soothing flowing sounds combined with the calming hands-on act of gardening makes for a truly blissful experience.

 

Winter Maintenance For Your Garden Fountain

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Outdoor fountains are popular choices, with many people using them to accentuate their lawn, complement their patio space, and to serve as centerpieces in their gardens. They come in a wide range of impressive designs, and offer many benefits for your home. People who live in colder climates, or experience harsh winter weather are often very apprehensive when it comes to installing water features in their own home. But, there are actually plenty of options for people in cold areas. It is important to know which materials are more capable of withstanding the conditions, and crucial to know how to prepare them for the harsh weather.

Choosing the Right Material

Outdoor fountains are made out of many different materials. Some fountains are made of natural stone, while others are made of concrete or metal. These materials range in durability and strength. The right material with the proper maintenance can last for years, even in rough climates. When choosing your fountain, avoid materials that could chip or break easily. It may be best for some areas to choose fountains made of iron. Many companies also offer maintenance and repair kits, and the way you care for your fountain will make all the difference.

Draining for Winter

Fountains come in a wide array of sizes and styles. Some can circulate a hundreds of gallons of water, while others operate on just a few. If you are installing a water feature in a location that experiences harsh winter conditions, you’ll definitely want to choose something that you can easily drain. Units that move less water are more easily drained, and you’ll need something like that. If you leave water sitting in a fountain through those winter months, it will freeze, and that can cause major, irreparable damage to your garden fountain. You don’t want to turn on your fountain in the spring to find that it is cracked and broken from ice damage.

Protect Them from the Elements

The cold temperatures aren’t the only ways that your water can be damaged by the elements. If you want to protect your fountain from some of the more brutal effects of nature, you’ll probably want to utilize a fountain cover. Covering your fountain will protect the materials and finish during the months when you do not have it operating.

If you live in a harsh climate with heavy precipitation in the winter time, a simple cover might not be enough. If you are still worried about what Mother Nature might do to your outdoor water feature, consider purchasing one that isn’t too hard to move. Sometimes the best way to avoid the elements is to escape them altogether. During those unforgiving months, you may consider placing your fountain in a garage or shed.

Don’t let the fear of cold weather stop you from having water features in your own garden. There are still options for those of us who sometimes get snow and ice. Draining during freezing weather, protecting the pieces from the elements, and choosing fountains made of durable materials will allow you to have the water features you’ve always wanted.