Outdoor Fountains: Types and Materials
Make the great outdoors more serene with an outdoor garden fountain Outdoor fountains instantly turn your garden or patio into a refuge of sensory delights for the eye and ear. The sparkle and soft murmur of water can be contained in many different vessels -- copper fountains, naturalistic rock fountains, European style or starkly modern wall fountains; consider the possibilities... Outdoor fountains can be as large and spectacular or compact and simple as you wish, but because they are subjected to the elements, all are made of durable materials that will look great season after season. Particularly suited to the alfresco life are materials such as copper or rock. Solar fountains use the sun's energy to create splashing water that sounds refreshing and attracts birds. Gently bubbling wall fountains easily create a natural focal point, and on a practical level, keep small children and pets out of the water. When it comes to outdoor fountains, there is no easier set-up than solar. With today's technology, the solar panel soaks up the direct sun and the water flows. That's it -- no wires, no digging, no pumps to install. |  |
Copper Fountains lend themselves perfectly to outdoor settings. When shiny and new, they stand bright and pretty against the verdant greens of foliage and grass, gradually mellowing with age to a natural verdigris. All you need to do is check the water level regularly and enjoy.
If you live on the plains but long for a brisk alpine stream in your backyard, consider a rock fountain water feature for your yard. Tough, weather-resistant pre-molded pond basins come in single or multiple level styles and include a pump and tubing. An easy do-it-yourself project, most do not require digging to install. Even small rock fountains pump hundreds of gallons of water by recirculation every hour, creating a lovely spilling waterfall for your enjoyment. Complete the scene by adding decorative rocks and plants around the edge of the pond.
Outdoor wall fountains hark back to ancient Rome, where they were used as a water delivery system for citizens. Their styles often suggest Italian influences for this reason, featuring sculptural figures such as lions, shells or angels. However, many wall fountains are distinctly modern, using slate, glass, or textured copper or metal to create their sleek beauty.
Today's traditional style wall fountains are typically made of a lightweight resin or composite that mimics the look of carved stone without the weight. Even filled with water, they hang safely and securely on the wall without special plumbing or electrical modifications.
Whether you spend time in the back yard playing with the kids, reading, gardening or meditating, there is an outdoor fountain that will enhance your experience. From a simple wall or copper solar fountain to an elaborate rock fountain with cascading waterfalls, the element of water will be a welcome addition to enhance your outdoor time.
