Running water is known for its relaxing properties. People fall asleep to the sound of fountains and go to great lengths to visit waterfalls on their vacations. Adding a water element to your garden can help you create that relaxing, tranquil place right in your own oasis.
A Few Tips for Choosing a Water Feature:
* Ponds require a lot of maintenance and may be so time consuming that the benefit of having a water feature can be outweighed by the work involved.
* Water that doesn't move can harbor mosquitoes or other pests.
* Fountains pond pumps and waterfalls require a power source. Locating them near an outdoor electrical outlet that already exists can save you the labor and expense of having a new outlet installed.
A simple water fountain, such as this Millstone Fountain, has unyielding lines that bring a sense of strength to any setting, but is perfect for a Zen garden. Ideally, you should place it in a spot with full or partial sun to allow the stone to glisten when the sun's rays hit them. You'll find it at Garden-Fountains.com.
If you don't have a power source nearby, this dramatic solar powered fountain available from Naturehills.com is a creative solution for a sunny spot in an English cottage garden. In a more formal setting, such as the center of a herb garden, this fountain brings a serene energy.
Installing a water fountain can take seconds. To get that tranquil water feature up and running, you should:
* Unpack the fountain and complete any assembly.
* Find the right spot for your water feature. Remember, if it isn't solar powered, look for a spot near a power source.
* Level the area under the fountain. A crooked fountain won't run as smoothly or look as nice as a level one.
* Fill the water reservoir.
* Plug the fountain in.
Of course, other water features are not as easy to install. Ponds and waterfalls can take days or even weeks to install. Even preformed kits can be time consuming to set up, since you will have to dig a hole to hold the pond form. I have been known to hire a local landscaper to complete the installation for me. It's a great resource if you aren't very handy, have limited gardening time or like me - overwhelmed by this type of task.
Once your water feature is in place, you are ready to relax and enjoy its soothing sound. Hopefully, it is near your garden bench or patio furniture, so you have a place to experience to soothing benefits of a water fountain.
