How Much Space?

There are some truly magnificent displays available and you have many options regarding the function and form of your new feature. But you have to consider the logistics of your garden’s square footage before pushing the boat out. The whole idea behind a water feature is to lend some atmosphere and beauty to your plot. By choosing an oversized feature you are more likely to convert your garden into an off shaped swimming pool. Think about your garden after the feature has been installed, you still need to be able to walk around, not swim! If you set your limits before you start to choose, you will have an easier time in the garden centre.

How Level Is Your Garden?  

As well as the available space in your garden, you should think about where you want the feature to be situated. If you have a nice flat area with enough space for the feature, then you have no issues. But perhaps your garden is a tad hilly and uneven in places. You can try and choose a cascading water feature for the sloped landscape, or you can flatten the ground sufficiently enough to fit your water feature in nicely.

Water And Plants

If you like the idea of a natural ambience, then you should try to add some plants into your water feature’s theme. If your feature has still water, then you can add plants to the water itself. With running water you can arrange them on the periphery and achieve a lovely effect. You should think about the available sunlight if your plants are to thrive happily.

Fishing?

Although they can be high maintenance, fish can add a lovely dimension to your garden’s charm. They love running water and you don’t need to worry about any oxygen shortages. Add some rocks and pebbles to the floor are for a truly natural looking setting. Remember to consider any predators and don’t forget your family cat, they love fish more than we do!

Designs?

As we touched on earlier, the sky is the limit when it comes to water feature designs. If you have a large enough garden, you will be spoilt for choice. Just consider the after care when you choose that multi fountain complete with cascading pools full of beautiful golden carp. You will have your work cut out looking after that magnificent menagerie!

This guest post is by Michael Harris, a technology lover by passion. He uses guest posting to share his knowledge and opinions about various modern technologiesand their usage. His day job is at Lump Sculpture Studio, an art design studio that deals in the best laser cut screens.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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Stone Water Fountains

Stone fountains, from granite to marble or slate, are some of the most popular types of water fountains because of their relatively low cost and their durability. Correctly installed and maintained, a stone water fountain can last for decades, providing a refreshing place to rest in summer and attracting birds even during winter as they require a place to drink and bathe. You can choose between standalone models, such as those you would see on a park or public garden, or wall water features if you don’t have so much stuff but want to install a water fountain in your patio.

Pool Fountains

Pool fountains combine a pool and a water fountain, usually a tumbling cascade but sometimes upward high pressure sprays, to create a natural looking water feature. They don’t necessarily require a lot of space, though you will need the help of a landscaping expert to create the slated tiers that create the cascade. One of the major benefits of this type of water fountain is that you can have fish on it, such as goldfish, and even a small aquatic garden that will liven up your backyard and provide endless hours of relaxation to anybody who loves tending their garden.

Concrete Water Fountains

If you are after sculptural designs, such as birds, mermaids or angels, concrete water fountains come in a variety of shapes, both painted and sealed with a transparent resin. It is important to keep in mind, however, that this type of water fountain can be expensive and will last you for years, so choosing a design on the spur of the moment may not be a good idea. After all, if you later on decide to sell your house the new owner may not be so keen on the giant Mickey Mouse spiting water on the garden. In terms of versatility, concrete beats all other types of water fountains.

Resin and Fiberglass Water Fountains

While this sort of fountain used to look really fake, high quality models nowadays have become much more realistic and so popular. They look like concrete or stone from the distance, but they are still easy to distinguish from the real thing. However, they are quite cheaper than most other types of water fountains so if you are after a cheap water fountain you should look into those.

Depending on your budget and how much space is available, you will have to choose between the myriad types of water fountains until you find one that ticks all the boxes. You may also want to look into solar water fountains if you are worried about energy consumption, or even table top fountains suitable for outdoors use if you don’t have the space but love the idea of having a small fountain in your garden.

Smart Solar Aquatic Range Floating Lily Solar FountainBuy Now

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If you don’t fancy the idea of having more cables than indispensable on your garden, or just want to avoid yet another rise on your energy bill, solar water fountains are the perfect option. They can be extremely cost effective, as you can often install them yourself without having to dig to hide cables, and the designs and styles are as varied as traditional water fountains. In order for a solar water fountain to work even on overcast days, most fountains have a solar panel rated at a higher wattage than the pump and many have battery storage so they can work at night.

Smart Solar 23941R01 Lava Red Finish Lava Ceramic Solar CascadeBuy Now

Solar panels and pumps are also sold independently, so you can adapt one to many outdoor water fountain types, as long as the pump is compatible and you have enough hours of sunlight to create the necessary energy. A larger fountain will be more demanding than a smaller model, and cheap models are often quicker to stop working at night or when the sun is not shining brightly. However, solar water fountains always work when you actually need them to, which is when you are outdoors enjoying the good weather and relaxing near the refreshing water sprays.

Most solar water fountains are almost maintenance free, provided the solar panels are kept free of plants or leaves that would prevent them from working. They require the same basic outdoor fountain maintenance as traditionally wired models, but they are designed to remain outdoors all year round, whether it snows, freezes or rains. Solar powered water features also provide you with the flexibility you need if your patio doesn’t have easy access to a power outlet without having a visual impact, as they can be placed anywhere in your garden where they can be exposed to the light.

Choosing the best solar water fountain is mostly a matter of taste and budget, as you can place them anywhere that suits you. However, it’s worth being realistic about the amount of sun your fountain will receive, as stronger pumps will require more energy than a smaller one. Solar water features come in all sorts of styles and materials, from traditional looking stone water fountains to modern LED illuminated garden centrepieces that can be placed on top of a table. So enjoy the freedom that solar energy gives you when decorating your garden, and choose a model that truly suits your tastes and personality.

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