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Learn to Keep Algae Under Control

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A private pond is a beautiful addition to many homes. Ponds accentuate the beauty of the home and enhance the outdoor environment, providing a tranquil spot for people to relax and find a little peace. Ponds are definitely a beautiful thing, but they require maintenance, or else they won’t be so attractive. Neglected and stagnant ponds will begin to see a rapid buildup of algae and a certain smell that is, in no way, a pleasant one. If you have a pond, or are planning to have one built, be sure to take certain precautions. To keep you water clean, provide aeration, remove debris, and add pond chemicals, if necessary.

Aeration

Aerating your water is probably the most important thing you can do to keep your water clean and fresh. The process of aeration involves dissolving oxygen into the water supply, and this process can be achieved in many ways. Many people use pond fountains, or aerators. These devices pull water from the top few feet of the pond and shoot it into the air. As the water splashes back down, it breaks the surface of the water and mixes it with the surrounding oxygen. This process is so important because it allows the process of decomposition to happen much more efficiently. If the algae and organic materials are able to break down faster, they won’t stick around and start to smell.

Skimming Debris

One way you can make it a little easier on your pond is by taking time to manually remove debris from the water. It is common for wind and rain to wash leaves, sticks, and other materials into your water. These materials will begin to decompose in your pond, releasing gases during the process, and can eventually begin to become a real nuisance. With a regular cleaning, your pond will look beautiful, and your water will be fresh.

Pond Chemicals

Regular skimmings will keep the leaves and sticks away, but, there is only so much you can do about algae. Sometimes, you have to bring out something a little stronger. There are several fountain chemicals available to keep these nuisances at bay. Adding a little to your water can provide stunning results. Regular cleaning with chemicals that combat the growth of unwanted materials is a sure way to keep your water clean and free of bacteria and algae. Find which one is right for your body of water.

Your pond is one of the main elements of your landscape. It is a defining feature of your home and its surroundings. It’s important that you keep it looking fresh and presentable. With proper aeration, regular cleanings, and pond chemicals, you can be sure that your pond is as beautiful as it was meant to be.

Support the Health of Your Pond with Aeration

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Having a pond on your property is a wonderful luxury. It provides your landscape with beautiful scenery, and having a body of water of your own is a treat that everyone doesn’t get to enjoy. Such a treat does not come without responsibility. It is important to be sure to make the most of your pond, and keep it in its best condition. Not only are you maintaing a body of water, but you are responsible for the thriving of an ecosystem. If you have fish in your pond, this is especially important. One of the best methods for maintain your pond is through aeration, the process of dissolving oxygen into the water.

Methods of Pond Aeration

Pond Fountain

One of the most popular and attractive ways you can provide your water with aeration is with a stunning pond fountain. Pond fountains come in a wide range of spray patterns and designs, and they always produce a constant show of water design.  You can even accent the design with LED lighting. Available in a plethora of colors, they are a great way of adding an extra flair to your nighttime scene.

Pond Aerator

A pond aerator is a great choice for the pond owner who doesn’t want to put on as much of a show. Pond fountains and aerators both achieve the process by pulling water from the top few feet of the pond and shooting it upward. When the water lands and breaks the surface tension, the oxygen in the air near the surface mixes with the water, achieving the desired goal. The difference of the aerator is that is doesn’t shoot the water up so high to create a visual. The water stays near the surface, moving enough to mix with the air but not to create a scene.

Benefits of Pond Aeration

Health of Fish and Other Animals

If your pond contains wildlife or pet fish, it is important to aerate their environment to keep them healthy. Fish need oxygen to survive, and their only source for it is what has been dissolved into the water. If you keep your water properly aerated, you will be able to support a larger and healthier population of thriving fish.

Aerobic Decomposition

Whenever there is vegetation or other organic material in your pond, it must go through a process of being broken down. With a source for oxygen your pond will be able to achieve this process much more efficiently through aerobic decomposition. Aerobic decomposition utilizes the oxygen to rapidly break down organic material; anaerobic decomposition, on the other hand, takes much longer. This slower process produces undesirable organic compounds and acids that give off foul smells.

Be sure to avoid all of the consequences that come along with a lack of dissolved oxygen in your pond. Create a healthy and thriving ecosystem by giving the environment what it needs: air. Your fish will be healthy and abundant, and your algae will be tame and controllable. Enhance the beauty and health of your pond.

Five Water Features that Will Transform Your Backyard

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Every once in a while it’s great to make your surroundings feel new again. Has the time come for you to make some changes to your landscape? The options are endless. Installing a water feature outside of your home is a great way to enhance the look and feel of your space. There are countless ways of using water design to improve your landscape. We’ve compiled a list of popular outdoor options to consider if you are thinking of installing a water feature at your home.

1. Garden Fountains

Do you have a garden at home? One of the best ways you can enhance your garden space is with a beautiful garden fountain. There are many styles to choose from. You may opt for a classic tiered fountain to evoke an elegant feel. Or, maybe a more contemporary and unique design is more your speed.

2. Floor Fountains

There are many fountains that are designed to stand freely on your patio or deck area. These pieces are great for adding a decorative accent to your space with a unique work of art. They come in many designs, from simple urn and jar shapes, to intricate modern art designs.

3. Ponds

A great way to complement the natural setting of your yard is by installing a small pond. Ponds are great for creating a peaceful and relaxing scene. You can even introduce fish and other wildlife into your pond to make the experience even more enjoyable. There are also pond fountains that help to aerate the water while creating a beautiful design.

4. Spillways

If you are looking for a more sleek and modern look, spillways are definitely a choice to consider. These special pieces allow the water to flow as one single smooth sheet, creating a stunning visual effect. They are great for accenting patio spaces, or even connecting to pools or ponds.

5. Waterfalls

There is nothing quite like watching water cascade freely over a rocky over a tower of stones. You can recreate the wonderful setting of a waterfall in your own backyard. There are designs that allow you to have a simple waterfall that flows directly into a basin, or you can also install them with your pool or pond.

Water features are a great way of enhancing the look and feel of your home. With all of the choices available, it can be hard to narrow down the decision. There is a fountain that works for every style of home. Whether it’s for your garden, patio, or lawn, you can transform your home with an outdoor water feature.

Enhance Your Private Pond

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Has the time arrived for a major landscaping change at your home? Every so often, it is a great feeling to reimagine the look and feel of your surroundings. It’s refreshing to go out into your scene and have a sense of new energy. There are countless ways you can enhance your outdoor setting. A beautiful, beneficial, and popular way that many people decide to do this with the installation of a pond. You can enhance your pond with a pond fountain, the presence of fish, and even a connecting waterfall. You will love the new scene that you have created.

Pond Fountain

If the pond that you install is large enough, a great enhancement to consider is the installation of a beautiful pond fountain. Pond fountains come in a wide range of spray patterns and designs. You will be able to add a stunning and energetic touch to your outdoor scene. Pond fountains also help to keep your water clean and fresh by constantly aerating the water and keeping algae at bay. You can accentuate the beauty of these fountains and their designs with the installation of LED lighting. The nighttime visual that is created will be even more dazzling than before.

Pet Fish

Another great way to make the most of your pond is by introducing fish into your body of water. It’s a great way of enhancing the visual, while giving your scene even more energy, and an enhanced connection to nature. The fish will also be very appreciative of the pond fountain. The aeration process provides them with the oxygen they need to survive. There are many types of fish that you can get for your pond, the most popular being koi fish, a type of carp. Not only will your landscape be even more beautiful, but you will have new pets to care for.

Waterfalls

If you are looking to make a grand change to your landscape, why not go for installing a dynamic waterfall to flow into your pond. The water cascading over rocks and into the calm pool will create a wonderfully serene setting. The steady flowing sounds of the water will mitigate unwanted surrounding noise. This is great for people who enjoy their peace. It is a major change, but well worth the transformation. You will enjoy the benefits of this impressive enhance immensely.

Your outdoor space shouldn’t be plain and bare. Install a beautiful pond to accentuate the beauty of the surrounding nature. Make the most of your new pond with gorgeous enhancements. Fish will add life and energy, while the right pond fountain or waterfall will completely create a new look. Allow a pond to change the look and feel of your space!

Add Life to Your Pond: Plants and Fish

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Installing a pond in your yard or garden area is a great improvement to make to your landscape. It enhances the scenery, and the view and sound is calming and therapeutic. When you have a pond installed on your property, it becomes a responsibility. You must be sure that is stays clean, and that the water is fresh and safe. The maintenance factor is what keeps some people from actually getting a pond they want. But, did you know that adding life to your pond aids the health of your pond? There are several benefits that come along with planting in your pond and adding fish.

Plants

Adding plants to your pond is the perfect place to start. One of the most important factors of cultivating a healthy body of water is a good supply of oxygen. Planting a little greenery will immediately support this need. As plants grow, they produce oxygen, allowing your water to stay clean and healthy. They are also able to create shade in the water, which keeps algae from thriving. Their ability to break down the detritus in water is also very helpful. Combined with the supply of oxygen, you will be able to naturally eliminate waste, naturally decomposing organic material at a healthy speed.

Fish

With plants improving the water quality, it’s time to consider introducing fish to your setting. Not only do fish provide movement and energy that people love to observe, there are actually a number of health benefits. The simple act of the fish swimming around in the water agitates it, keeping the consequences of stagnant water at bay. They also provide carbon dioxide, from which your plants will benefit greatly. With the plants providing oxygen for the fish, and the fish providing carbon dioxide for the plants, they create the perfect cycle.

Koi (Carp)

When you are choosing what type of fish to have in your pond, you will probably want to look at types of carp. The most popular type of pond fish is probably the Koi fish, a type of carp. Carp are a great choice because they thrive in many climates, and are beautiful to observe. Not only will they produce movement and carbon dioxide, but fish will gladly eat the algae in your pond. With fish living in your pond, the frequency of maintenance will drop, while your time spent enjoying your pond will increase substantially.

Adding life to your pond will be a brand new sense of energy and nature to your pond and outdoor space. They will provide a beautiful visual, while producing many factors that benefit the cleanliness and health of the water. Having plants and fish in your pond is a win for everyone.

How a Pond Fountain Will Add to Your Landscape Design

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Water Feature Pros loves to work with landscapers and be a part of large scale design projects. A type of fountain that we recommend would be a lake fountain. Lake fountains add a floating or diffused element to man-made or natural bodies of water. If you are designing for a place that already has a pond or lake, then a lake fountain will add much to your entire project.

A lake fountain keeps the water looking great

An aeration device will make sure your natural or man-made lake looks great at all times. Aeration is very important in multiple ways. Dissolved oxygen needs to be present throughout the lake so that the fish can live off of it. Also, aeration keeps the water from becoming stagnant. We all know stagnation is a terrible thing and symbolizes death and decay. I’m sure you do not want that. Stagnation works to destroy bodies of water in another way. Unwanted algae or other vegetation growth will prosper if the pond or lake becomes stagnant. Your client will appreciate how their lake area always looks pristine.

Add a spectacular sight to your lake

High powered water works will represent your amazing water feature. You can buy your pump at whatever horse power suits your lake. A typical statuary fountain flows with gravity, but lake fountains send water skyrocketing, keeping your client’s head high and expression amazed.

The flow pattern

Other than sheer power, lake fountains have varying flow patterns. These patterns have multiple streams which bend in varying degrees. Our online catalog features the different lake fountains according to their flow patterns.

Lighting

Lighting is essential for all outdoor landscaping in our opinion. Lighting insures that your clients will not be bored with their outdoor space once the sun has gone down. Actually, lighting should add an element that will encourage the clients to stand outside and watch the light show that their lake fountain can give them. For the price, it is certainly a worthwhile investment. Lights are often times interchangeable and can be turned off as need be.

Other things to consider

Lake fountains can be either floating or diffused. Floating lake fountains obviously float and pump only the top two feet of the lake. These fountains are appropriate for shallow lakes. Diffused lake fountains have an element that can gather water that is deep in the lake.

Your Backyard Zen Garden

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Spending time in a peaceful outdoor setting is a great way to connect to the Earth and find a true sense of peace. There is a certain level of serenity that the natural elements bring, and that serenity is the main goal of a zen garden. A zen garden is a simple and peaceful setting that is designed to keep your energies flowing with the universe. You can build your own zen setting, and find peace in your own backyard. The main thing to consider when creating a zen garden is the elements. You will want to be sure that all of the basic elements (air, fire, earth, and water) are represented.

Air

This is the easiest element to implement in your space. Being an outdoor space, the air flow should be abundant. This is more a matter of location than anything else. Be sure that the space that you choose for your garden is open with plenty of room for energy and air to flow. Mother Nature will have no problem taking over from there.

Fire

Fire is more of a tricky element to represent in your zen garden. The trick to representing fire is that you don’t have to have actual fire present to accomplish your goal. Many zen gardens symbolize the element of fire by using the color red. If you would prefer a more in-depth and realistic depiction of this element, you can install a fire pit or decorate the area with red candles.

Earth

When people think of a zen garden, it is usually the earth aspect that comes to mind. To represent the earth in your zen garden, it is common to use sand, or sometimes gravel. You will have to periodically rake the sand as minor maintenance. This also contributes to a popular aspect of the zen garden. Not only will raking keep your sand free of debris, but you can also use the rake as a meditation tool, creating patterns in the sand and centering your energies in your garden.

Water

One of the most peaceful elements of the zen garden is the water. It adds a refreshing and energetic touch to the space, while contributing to the soothing energy around. To represent water in your zen garden, be on the lookout for different outdoor water features. There are a wide range of styles and sizes to choose from. One of the best options is a pond, especially with a waterfall, to give your space movement and dynamics. There are also many modern stand alone fountains that come in simple designs that fit perfect into a zen setting.

You’ll be able to find serenity in your own setting in no time. Connecting to the elements brings you a sense of peace that is often overlooked and taken for granted. With representations of air, fire, earth, and water, your backyard will be a spiritual oasis.

The Benefits of a Beautiful Lake Fountain

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When the winter weather finally breaks, it’s always great to go out and enjoy the warm breezes and blue skies. And, there’s nothing like relaxing next to a calming body of water on a summer afternoon. Some of us are lucky enough to have a lake or pond in our own yards. If you are one of the lucky ones, you should consider the benefits that come along with installing a lake fountain in your private body of water. The right lake fountain will transform and enhance your scene, aerate your water, and mitigate unwanted surrounding noise.

Stunning Visuals

The most obvious benefit of installing a lake fountain is probably the aesthetic value. When people think of lake fountains, the image of towers of water and beautiful moving shapes begin to inundate the imagination. There are a wide variety of spray patterns and strengths available to create the perfect visual for any setting. There are even LED lighting kits available to bring the most of your nighttime scene. If you thought your fountain was impressive during the day, just wait until the streams of water reflect the light and create bright and colorful shapes in the night.

Water Aeration

One of the most useful benefits of having a fountain installed in your pond or lake is the occurrence of aeration. Aeration is the process of increasing the amount of dissolved oxygen in a body of water. Keeping your lake or pond aerated is extremely beneficial to the health of your water. This is especially true if you have fish in your water; they need to oxygen to survive. Aeration also prevents the development of organic matter that can build up in your water. Remember that your body of water is an ecosystem, and it requires a healthy balance to thrive.

Noise Mitigation

Another wonderful quality associated with lake fountains is the soothing sound created by the steady flow of water. There is a profound serenity that overcomes a person when they allow such sounds to soothe and relax them. The water splashes continuously on the lake’s surface, mitigating surrounding noises that may be distracting. This is especially beneficial if your lake or pond is near a street or other noisy area. Once you hear the sounds of your new lake fountain, you will see that your outdoor scene is finally complete.

Make the most of the lake or pond on your property. Allow a beautiful lake fountain to transform your scene. With the wide ranges of styles and designs, you are sure to find the right fountain to complement your space. You (and your fish) will be pleased with the increased health of your water, and the soothing sounds will enhance the entire atmosphere. As beneficial as lake fountains are, they’re almost necessary!

The Importance of Water Aeration

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A beautiful pond or lake is always a beautiful feature to have present in your landscape. A fact of those bodies of water that people often forget is that they are living, breathing ecosystems of their own. If you have a pond or lake on your property, it is your responsibility to maintain the health of that ecosystem. The main thing you must do for your water is to maintain a healthy level of oxygen through a process called aeration. This process introduces necessary oxygen from the atmosphere into the water.

The Benefits of Aeration

In nature, the motion from the wind creates waves and introduces oxygen to the water at the surface, while the photosynthesis of the plants and algae underwater release oxygen from below. But, with the unpredictability of nature, it is easy for water to become stagnant or to be deprived of a healthy amount of sunlight. This leads to unwanted algae, dirty water, and unpleasant odors. Aerating your water is also necessary for keeping it fresh and healthy for your fish and other organisms.

Methods of Aeration

Aerating Fountains

One of the most popular choices for water aeration are floating decorative lake fountains. These devices allow you to keep your water fresh and to improve the look and feel of your landscape. They accomplish the process of aeration by pulling water from the surface of the water and shooting it up into the air in various patterns. The oxygen mixes with the water as it lands, agitating the surface.

Pond Aerators

For people who would like to put on less of a show, there are options that are not as commanding. One of these options is the floating pond aerator. This device uses the same method as decorative fountains for introducing oxygen into the water without shooting the water up to such great heights.

Diffusers

Decorative fountains and aerators are useful for many applications, but they aren’t quite capable enough once the water reaches certain depths. If a body of water is greater than 8 feet deep, diffused aeration is sure to be more beneficial. This method occurs by releasing compressed air into the bottom of the water and creating motion that affects more than just the top few feet of water.

No matter your method for aeration, it is a necessary process for maintaining the health of your pond or lake. If you have fish or other organisms in your water, this process can not be overlooked. Create a new scene with a floating decorative fountain, or maintain a peaceful scene with a pond aerator of diffuser.

Keeping a Healthy Pond: Oxygen and Aeration

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Do you own a private lake or pond? Did you know that the pond in your backyard is its own living ecosystem? The health and balance of this ecosystem depends heavily on the actions you take to support it. A very important component of water health is the presence of oxygen in the water. Dissolving oxygen into the water keeps fish and other the living things in the water healthy, and supports healthy natural functions. The main process used to maintain proper levels of oxygen in water is aeration. The various designs of pond fountains not only provide visual enhancement, but they perform the necessary process of aeration, which benefits your pond in many ways.

Oxygen

If your pond is overpopulated with fish or plants, or cluttered with organic debris, it can deplete the oxygen levels in the water. When those levels are too low, a number of consequences emerge. In deeper ponds, the water can begin to stratify, or separate, which makes less room for life. The decaying process will slow, causing that awful stagnant odor. Most importantly, the fish, and other animals in your pond, rely on the oxygen in the water for their own health. If there is not enough, the animals will struggle to survive. Aeration helps to combat these issues.

Aeration

The process of aeration uses a couple of different techniques to bring movement to the water, and dissolve more oxygen into the supply. When oxygen is constantly being dissolved, the water stays much cleaner and healthier. There are two main ways to aerate your pond: floating pond fountains and diffused aeration systems.

Floating pond fountains are best for ponds without much depth. These units interact mostly with the top few feet of your pond. It pulls the water, and shoots it up into the air. When the water hits the surface again, the oxygen transfer occurs when gases are released.

Diffused aeration systems are more effective with deeper ponds. If you have a pond that is eight feet or deeper, this will be the better choice for you. Instead of pulling water upwards, these units push compressed air to the floor of the pond, creating a constant flow of air bubbles in the pond. As these bubbles reach the surface, they mix the water with the air, and increase the level of dissolved oxygen.

Once you have a little information on water aeration and your pond’s ecosystem, you’ll understand the need behind pond fountains. While they are beautiful, that isn’t their only use. The health and cleanliness of your water depends on your actions. You will find that installing a pond fountain is a major improvement.

What’s That Smell? What to do About It

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One of the worst ways to ruin a beautiful setting and a relaxing moment is with a foul odor. The smell of stagnant water is an odor that is overwhelming and terribly unpleasant. If you have a fountain, pond, or other water feature installed at your home, it is important to keep the water clean and fresh, so you can avoid unwanted odors. The main culprits when it comes to these smells are algae, decaying organic matter, and anaerobic bacteria. With proper use of your pump, regular cleaning, and proper use of fountain chemicals, you can avoid that smelly annoyance.

Pumps are Necessary

One of the best ways you can avoid the smell of stagnant water is to use your pump properly and regularly. Using a pump aerates your water. This process dissolves oxygen into the water, and that keeps the growth of anaerobic bacteria at bay. It will also pump any cleaners or fountains chemicals you may be using throughout the entire fountain. Keeping your water moving and aerated is probably the most important factor to consider when it comes to keeping your water fresh. The only time you will want to turn the pump off is for a monthly deep cleaning. If it off for two or more days, you will want to replace the water in your fountain.

Remove Organic Debris

While paying attention to the pump is important, it isn’t the only thing that needs to be cleaned. In order to have fresh, clean water, it’s important to be aware of keeping the water itself free of debris. You will want to make sure there is no buildup of leaves, sticks, or other organic materials. When those materials begin to decompose, they release toxic gases that give off foul odors. Not only is a buildup of leaves and sticks unattractive, it poses several water quality and health threats.

Fountain Chemicals

Not only is debris buildup an issue, but so is the buildup of algae and white scale. There are several fountain chemicals available to keep these nuisances at bay. Adding a little to your water can provide stunning results. Vinegar and bleach can also be helpful, but only on certain materials and rocks. Regular cleaning with chemicals that combat the growth of unwanted materials is a sure way to keep your water clean and free of bacteria and algae.

The best way to keep you fountain from giving off a foul odor is simply to keep it clean. Regular maintenance is the key. The use of the pump is extremely important to water circulation and aeration. Physical cleaning is also a crucial part of the process. You want you fountain to be free of organic debris, and regularly using fountain chemicals keeps algae and white scale at bay. If you stay on top of things, you won’t have to worry about a bad smell creeping up to ruin your time.

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.