So, you’re considering building your very own Japanese pond; an oasis of Zen in a frantic modern world? Pulling inspiration from the water gardens of Japan will give you some stunning ideas that you can tailor to suit your own garden, bringing some of the magic of the orient to your daily life!  A Japanese pond or water garden has many elements which are of equal importance to consider if you want to add some authentic Asian flair to your pond.  Here are just a few things that you should consider:

Naturally Flowing Water

In traditional Japanese water gardens, any flowing water should appear natural.  This means that fountains, as we know them in the UK, are rarely used.  Instead, natural water features or structures in the centre of the pond which allow the water to flow naturally are encouraged.  One such example is a ‘Shishi-Odoshi’ or ‘Deer Scarer’.  This is a type of natural fountain formed from a hollowed out rod of bamboo on a wooden frame.  Water fills the bamboo cane until the weight tips it and the flow of water is emptied back into your pond.  Another popular style of Japanese fountain is a ‘Kalehi’, a basic spout made out of bamboo that splashes water onto a stone basin.  The sound of water in Japanese culture provides a calming and peaceful atmosphere conducive to losing yourself in your thoughts.

No Man is an Island

The use of an island in the centre of your pond will add an authentically Japanese feel.  Why not consider placing a natural water feature or lantern on your island, which should normally be built feature piles of stones, as these are a classic part of any Japanese water garden.  Stone lanterns known as Motoji are specially designed for ponds and feature long legs which cast a beautiful reflection in the water.  Misiki lanterns are smaller and designed to sit on low banks of land which jut out into the water, or choose a Rankei lantern, which has a curved pedestal; the lantern hangs over the water, creating stunning reflections.  You can shop online for pond supplies such as garden pond liners, pumps, plants and lanterns, to ensure that you have everything to hand before you begin adding the decorative elements to your pond.

The Art of Discovery

Japanese gardens aim to make the visitor feel as if he is being led on a journey or adventure and an air of mystery, with hidden elements, is always present.  Recreate the mystery in your own pond by screening it with ‘Shioridro’ or bamboo screening.  This will also help to shield the fish in your pond from hot summer weather, which is particularly important if you are building a Koi pond as these fish sunburn easily!  Bamboo or light timber screening is also a great way to hide the less attractive features of your pond such as the pump and filtration system.

Fish

The Japanese Koi fish, also known as ‘Living Jewels’ are a great choice for your Asian inspired pond, but make sure that it is a big enough space as Koi can grow up to 3 feet in length!  Try to choose a shaded spot in your garden for your pond, as Koi don’t like the sun.  Consider adding Koi pond plants and Japanese water lilies to provide some natural shade if your pond is already in a sunny area.  Try to design your pond with lots of natural curves, as the water will flow better, creating a healthier atmosphere for your fish.

There is plenty of inspiration to be found online where you can also shop for all the supplies to build your Japanese pond, from garden pond liners to filtration systems, plants, decorative features and even the fish themselves!

Sally Dimmock is a writer who believes that a garden should reflect your need to relax and forget the stresses of your daily life. To create your very own Japanese inspired garden, it is important to buy quality basic materials such as garden pond liners and pond plants online to get a great deal.

Featured image courtesy of HayNeedle.com

The post When East Meets West appeared first on Water Fountains.

Get Some Water

Water is always serene and relaxing. If you have a pool in your backyard then this is a great source of water. If not, you can either put one in or just go for a more budget-friendly fountain. You can find outdoor water fountains at all home improvement and big box stores. These are easy to set up and then you just add a water source which could be either pouring water in or for bigger fountains you may need to use your water hose. The water will be relaxing and serene. The sound of the water flowing from a fountain is known to help relieve tension and make you feel more relaxed.

Plant Life

Colorful plants are a must-have in your outdoor space. You can create a design based on the space and budget that you have. For example, if you live in an apartment and only have a patio or balcony, you will only be able to use potted plants and flowers. Do not worry though because you can still do a lot with these. You can run planters along the edge of your patio or balcony and fill these with a variety of small plants and flowers. This will make a big difference.

Furniture

You will want furniture that allows you to kick back and put up your feet. A chaise lounge is a popular choice because these allow you to lie back and get comfortable. If you have a little more space, you can create a living room of sorts right in your backyard with outdoor chairs, tables and a sofa. The key is that the furniture is comfortable and allows you to kick back. Having a table is a good idea so that you can set your drink down when you need to. This is a good idea, especially if you head outside to do things like read or have company that heads outside to hang out with you.

Lighting

There are going to be time when you will be outside after dark, but you will still want to be able to see. If your space is really small, a few candles could do the trick. Another popular choice is white holiday lights. These can be strung through a balcony to help gently light the space. The amount of light is actually quite ambient and romantic. You can use the holiday lights for any size space. Just be sure to string them well such as on a pergola or around poles and outdoor trees. You can also choose lanterns that have candles in them. These are really neat and can be hung or set onto tables. Larger ones can be placed right on the ground. Just be careful with candles if you have small children or pets because you do not want a fire.

About The Author: Stephanie writes about the home improvement world. She likes reviewing sites like Kane Bros. which specialize in landscape design. In her free time she likes to spend time with her new baby girl and teach her everything there is to know.

Featured image curtsey of Amazon

The post How To Create A More Relaxing Outdoor Space appeared first on Water Fountains.

Another reason why you will want to make sure that your office is decorated well is for professional appearance reasons. If you take the time to decorate your office in a professional manner, than that will show prospective customers, clients, and business partners you are serious about how you present your company to the general public. If these entities see that you have taken the time to make sure that your office looks great, than they will realize that you pay attention to the little details that can make all of the difference at times, no matter which type of business industry you happen to be in. It will also show that you care about the individuals you employ, thus making you look good on a variety of different levels.

How should my office be decorated?:

You will indeed want to decorate your office in such a way that gives off an incredibly professional appearance to all that walk inside of it, yet also provides a “happy” and tranquil mood at the same time. There are many different things that you can do style-wise in order to do this. Perhaps you can install a beautiful indoor water fountain within the confines of your office, which will really help when it comes to enhancing employee morale and creating a positive vibe on a daily basis. Indoor water fountains are known for their beauty and peacefulness, so this is certainly a way to help ensure that your office is decorated in such a manner that will suit it very well. There are many things you can do to decorate your office in a fantastic way, such as some of the following:

• Install a beautiful indoor water fountain or bubble panel

• Use bright color schemes throughout the interior areas of the office

• Hang some interesting artwork on the walls

• Have some small sculptures and other decorative accessories scattered throughout the office

Samuel Harris is a content contributor for Water Gallery. Samuel enjoys writing about beautiful home decor, new technology, and much more. Visit us here to check out the most beautiful custom bubble walls.

Featured image courtesy of Amazon

The post Great Interior Design Ideas To Help Liven Up Your Office appeared first on Water Fountains.

Make your own compost to nourish plants and be more Eco-friendly. You can very easily compost your food scraps and other recyclable items in order to make a useful, home made compost. The compost will provide your plants and flowers with the nutrients that they need to liven up your garden with their blooms, and is a great way to reuse your discarded food items without being wasteful. It is also extremely Eco-friendly and good for your wallet as well (given that you won’t have to purchase plant nutrient additives or enriched soils).

 Avoid plants that aren’t native to your local area. If you are trying to decide upon plants that you would like to include in your DIY home garden, you might want to consider avoiding those that aren’t native to your area. Growing plants and flowers that aren’t usually indigenous to your region can actually end up costing you in the end, as they are less likely to thrive and will need to replaced often. They also may bring in pests that aren’t conducive to the health of your garden as well.

 Use hanging or potted plants to spruce up your bare outdoor spaces. If you happen to have areas of your garden that are bare or patio sections that consist solely of concrete, pub hanging baskets or plants for offices are a great solution. Both the pub hanging baskets and the plants for offices can fill your outdoor space with attractive foliage year round. Potted plants are especially helpful when dealing with smaller outdoor areas or balcony gardens, given that they won’t take up a lot of room and don’t require a large garden bed to thrive.

 Choose plants and flowers that offer pops of color. One of the best ways to improve your outdoor space on your own is to purchase plants and flowers that give your outdoor space pops of color. For example, if you already have a fair amount of lush, green foliage in your garden, why not consider placing some fragrant red roses or stunning white lilies in your flower bed to liven up the space.

 Use water features to enhance your garden. Adding a small fountain or even a bird bath statue can allow for you to bring a calm and serene ambiance to your garden, without spending a fortune on elaborate waterfalls or ponds for your space. You can often find small fountains online, or can even simply make your own bird bath out of recycled items, such as an old clay pot or container.

Do you have some great DIY home garden tips that you’d like to share? Feel free to leave a comment below and tell us how you have improved your outdoor space.

Rhiannon Hadas is a published author and pen for hire who writes for Phsgreenleaf about pub hanging baskets. She currently resides in the Western United States, where she spends most of her spare time working on her next fictional offering

Featured image courtsey of Amazon

The post 5 DIY Tips For Your Home Garden appeared first on Water Fountains.

Start with looking at the available space and the location where you intend to place your outdoor fountain. Water fountains are composed of three main elements: a water reservoir, a pump and visual elements to create the desired aesthetic effect. The principles of how to design a fountain apply the same to large stone garden fountains and small portable models, the only difference is the size and assembly. However, some types of water fountains require landscape adjustments, such as digging up a pool or terrain tiers to create a waterfall.

You should draw a basic blueprint for your fountain, as that will help you estimate the strength of the pump you will require. The strength of the water spray will be given by the power of the pump and the size of the reservoir: a powerful pump and a small water reservoir produce the tallest sprays. For a bubbling pond or a gentle cascading fall you can use a smaller pump. The water reservoir can be anything, from a water barrel to a dug pool with goldfish.  You may be able to re-use second-hand items, such as an old wooden barrel. Large pots can made great tabletop fountain ideas for outdoor use, though if you intend to use them indoors you will need to make sure they are totally water-proof.

Once you have a location, the right pump and a water reservoir all you need is decorative elements to hide the circuit. You can use rocks and plants to create a natural looking fountain, or industrial looking metal items for a more contemporary look. If you want to design a fountain that is also fascinating at night, purchasing LED lights can help you create a magic atmosphere if you place them underwater or right at the base of the spray.

Water Fountain Design Tips

Keep in mind that even if you can purchase large fountain water pumps cheaply, they will need to be connected to a power supply and a large spray will make your fountain lose water much faster. Always design your fountain considering the size of the space you want to decorate: there is nothing more annoying that a fountain that needs to be turned off because otherwise anybody near it gets soaked while having dinner outside.

Keep in mind that outdoor water fountains require power, so either use a cable that is compatible for outdoor use and make sure it’s not a tripping hazard, or choose a solar water pump instead.

One of the benefits of knowing how to design a fountain is that the sky is the limit, and you can let your imagination run wild. Use the Internet to inspire yourself, or look at ways to use discarded items to create a unique looking fountain made by you.

Featured Image courtesy of Amazon

The post How to Design a Fountain For Your Backyard appeared first on Water Fountains.

If you are looking for a small water fountain that you can install yourself, the best options are usually solar powered fountains, such as the Wishing Well outdoor water fountain, or this one if you don’t want something that takes up too much vertical space. The major benefit of a solar powered water fountain is that you don’t need to worry about cables, and as long as the sun is shining and the solar panels are under direct sunlight you can enjoy the pleasant noise of running water. If you really love a particular model but it doesn’t come in a solar version, remember that you can easily convert water fountains into solar powered ones by replacing the pump.

More complex water landscaping projects can include ponds, with or without fish and plants, which need to be dug into the ground and maintained correctly. As this sort of fountain is more likely to become dirty with algae, creating the right eco-balance is very important. You may want to look into ultraviolet lights and filters to purify the water without harming the fish. Since this sort of project can be pricey you may want to seek professional advice in order to get it right the first time, and future proof it. However, if you are good at DIY you can build your own pond water fountain using cheap home improvement supplies.

If you don’t have a lot of space, a cascade wall water fountain can hit the sweet spot between practicality and style. They don’t take as much space as traditional floor models, but they offer many of the same benefits and come in a variety of styles and materials that has nothing to envy standing water fountains. In order to make sure your house doesn’t suffer from leaks or humidity problems due to the fountain, make sure to install it following manufacturing instructions and check it regularly, particularly if you notice that the water disappears too quick.

Finally, if you have a very small patio, or want something to decorate your garden table but without the hassle of a real water feature landscaping project… outdoor tabletop water fountains are a great and affordable choice to bring some water energy into your garden without emptying your pockets. This kind of small water fountain is often solar powered, but you can also find battery operated models if you want to enjoy the relaxing noise of water while having dinner alfresco after the sun has set.

Photo credit: Amazon

The post Choosing The Right Outdoor Water Fountain appeared first on Water Fountains.

Water Feature Landscaping Power Requirements

All fountains need power in order to make the water flow, however not all outdoor water features go the same way about it. For example battery operated fountains are too weak to operate anything but a tabletop fountain pump, which can be charming in a small patio but won’t really cut it if you are seriously interested in water feature landscaping. Solar water fountains are more versatile, but need to be installed somewhere with plenty of sunlight, and won’t operate for long if the weather turns sour or night-time arrives.  If you want a fountain that operates all the time, you may need to invest in a traditional water fountain plugged into the mains, which means you electricity bill will increase a bit and you will have to deal with cables. Large outdoors water features are often installed with the cables hidden underground and directly connected to the main electricity supply, but if you choose to go that way make sure you contact your supply provider so they can map your existing underground supply cables for you, as that would cost a fortune to repair.

Outside Fountains Water Requirements

There are two main types of outside water fountains: those that have a container that can be refilled as the water evaporates, and those that need to be connected to your main water supply in order to refill themselves when the amount of water in the circuit goes low. The first kind are usually easier to install, as you can just place them anywhere you like and refill the deposit as needed, but the most impressive examples of water feature landscaping often fall within the second group: water ponds and large stone fountains usually are too big for the deposit to be refilled manually. If you opt to install a water feature that is plugged into the water supply you may need to talk with your supplier in order to see if it’s even possible, and your insurance company as the risk of flooding on your basement may increase. If your garden landscaping project is very complex you may benefit from hiring a professional contractor in order to get the job done safely.

Placement Tips For Outdoor Fountains

The right placement can make or break your water feature landscaping project. Depending on the type of fountain you choose you may already be restricted in where you can place it, from cable maximum lengths to the placement of solar panels in order for the fountain to have enough power to work. However, is a good idea to avoid placing your fountain under trees, or you will spend a lot of time fending off leaves and debris that may even clog the pump.

If you have small kids even a small pond can become a hazard, so you will either have to place it out of their way or choose a type of water feature that is safer, such as a wall fountain or a smaller model with a flat dish. If you are in love with the idea of a pond water feature, place a safe fence around it to protect the little ones. And if you have a particularly playful dog you may want to take similar precautions or risk your carefully planned water garden becoming a trampled mess.

In order to avoid the risk of your basement becoming flooded, it’s important not to place a large water feature too close to your home. However, for you to enjoy it it’s important to have it nearby enough that you can enjoy an outdoor dinner near it without having to cross half the garden carrying dishes. If you are unsure, it’s worth talking with your insurance company or a water feature landscaping professional to make sure your fountain is both practical and safe.

The post Introduction to Water Feature Landscaping appeared first on Water Fountains.

HoMedics WFL-GDN Envirascape Garden Leaves Illuminated Fountain

HoMedics WFL-GDN Envirascape Garden Leaves Illuminated FountainBuy Now

This 4 tier cascading copper water fountain is a low cost way of bringing the soothing sounds of water into your office. The LED lights highlight the water flow, making this desk water fountain the perfect decorative accent to relax the senses and soothe the mind. At 11×9.8x6inches it fits with any décor. However, it is not a copper fountain but made of polyresin, so if you are after a metal water fountain for feng shui you will need to look at other alternatives. But for the price is a great looking table top water fountain that looks like copper and the soothing trickle of water and light effects make it look much more expensive than it is.

Gaiam Asian Zen Handmade Prosperity Fountain

Gaiam Asian Zen Handmade Prosperity FountainBuy Now

This copper table top water fountain has a clear oriental insipiration, and it’s designed to bring prosperity to the owner and create a soothing and relaxing atmosphere with the combination of the water sounds and the soft light of a tea light candle. It combines a handmade copper bowl sitting on top of two copper bars and slate with a flickering tea-light, and you can add other oriental elements such as the bamboo spring on the picture to personalize it. At 9inc diameter and 4lbs weight, it’s perfect for a large desk or a side table, and will help you create a relaxing and meditative space on your office.

Art Matters Nature Well Fountain

Art Matters Nature Well FountainBuy Now

Combining a hand painted bamboo statue with a small willow-green stone bowl and a handmade copper basin, this beautiful piece of art evokes the mystery of orient. The water flows from the top statue to the copper basin, creating soothing and relaxing sounds that will mask unwanted ambient noise and relax the mind. The small stone bowl sits atop three copper tubes that give this fountain a delicate and stylish beauty. This fountain is only 12” in diameter, and it’s handmade and hand painted, with an adjustable flow pump.

The post Copper Table Top Water Fountains appeared first on Water Fountains.

Solar Powered Wishing Well Water FountainBuy Now

Size and Specifications

This is a medium size outdoor water fountain, standing at 12.4in diameter and 29.1 inches tall. Even including the packaging, it only weighs 21.1 pounds which makes it extremely lightweight and easy to handle and install yourself. However, it’s important to keep in mind that if you have a large yard and want a central water feature, this one may be a bit too small. However, it’s perfect if you are looking for an accent for a sunny corner or a small patio, and you can move it around if you need to rearrange your backyard.

Maintenance

The sturdy construction of this small wishing well water fountain requires little maintenance once assembled, and it’s totally self-sufficient. One of the things I love of solar water fountains is that there is no negative effect on my electricity bill, but you must make sure the fountain is somewhere with enough sunlight to function. You can leave it out in winter, but if you know it’s going to be dark and freezing you may prefer to just disassemble it and store it in the garage until spring is back. All you need to do is clean your outdoor water fountain regularly. This style of outdoor fountain attracts birds, so you may want to keep this in mind when adding water additives such as white scale or algae preventers, as some may be toxic for the wildlife.

Should You Buy This Wishing Well Outdoor Fountain?

If you are looking for a small solar water fountain for your backyard or garden, this one ticks all the right boxes: flexible, resilient, self-powered and with a beautiful and timeless design that fits from a small patio to a sunny corner on a larger backyard. However, the design is classically rustic, and even a bit whimsical, so if you are looking for edgy or modern looking fountains this one may not be the right one for your garden. Also consider the amount of sunlight your yard receives, as this fountain doesn’t have a battery, so it will stop working if it gets dark. If this is the case, you may be better off with a wired model that connects to your home power supply. Overall, this is a great solar wishing well fountain for the price, and will last you for years with minimal maintenance, besides being easy to transport if you ever need to move it.

Wired Wishing Well Outdoor FountainBuy Now

The post Wishing Well Outdoor Solar Fountain Review appeared first on Water Fountains.

First of all, you will need to drain the water from the fountain. Large and heavy fountains will often have a drain that you can open to let the water out, but smaller ones may need to be disassembled or you may have to vacuum the water out with a wet/dry vacuum cleaner.

Water fountain pumps get dirty easily, and the best way to clean them thoroughly is using a small toothbrush and fresh water on your sink. Make sure you remove anything that may be interfering with the pump mechanism, as sometimes things can get stuck and cause noises and bad performance.

If your fountain is very dirty you may need to spend some time cleaning with a solution of water and vinegar (to remove lime build-up) or a commercial fountain cleaner. A softly abrasive pad such as those used for washing dishes can be used on stone fountains, but for copper and iron fountains that may get scratched you may prefer to use a commercial metal cleaning product. If you perform outdoor water fountain maintenance regularly, cleaning will be much easier.

Once the basin and the fountain pump are both clean it is time to reassemble the fountain and fill it again with fresh water if necessary. If you are worried about limescale build up you may want to use distilled water, or add a white scale prevention product to the water. It is also a good idea to add a water clarifier that is non-toxic but slows down the growth of algae, as that will keep your fountain looking clean and fresh for longer.

If you take good care of an outdoor water fountain, it will look good for years and become a refreshing feature on your garden or backyard. While cleaning a water fountain thoroughly can take a while if it’s very dirty, or after a long winter of not using it, it’s worth it and you will love the results.

The post Outdoor Water Fountain Care and Maintenance appeared first on Water Fountains.