The Pond Gnome
(623) 572-5607
Licensed contractor and member of the Better Business Bureau
FOUNTAINS
Fountainscapes are small decorative water
features such as tabletop fountains, container water gardens, stand-alone
fountains, bubbling urns, spitters, and fountains that incorporate an in-ground
reservoir.
Container Water Gardens
If
you're interested in "testing the waters" of the water gardening hobby, a
container water garden is a great place to start! They are generally used
to add the sound of water to a deck or patio, but they also look great greeting
visitors by the front door. But they don't just add beauty, they also give
kids a fun way to learn about nature, and make a great starter "pond" for any
young children interested in water.
A container water garden can be created using virtually any type of container
... as long as it has the ability to hold water. An old clawfoot tub, a
galvanized bucket, your favorite terra cotta pot, or an old whiskey barrel all
make great containers for your new water garden! Once you've chosen the
container, you need to make sure it will hold water. Any un-glazed pottery will
need to be sealed and drain holes will need to be plugged. A wooden container
such as a whiskey barrel can be lined with a piece of rubber liner that is
affixed to the rim. Make sure the sealant you use safe for plants and fish.
A container water garden wouldn't be a garden without out the plants. When
planting a container water garden, the same principals apply as with a regular
container garden. A balance of plants that are different shapes and sizes
means you'll have a planter that is pleasing to the eye. Or, highlighting
just one special plant, such as a lotus plant if you have a large container, or
a single, pigmy water lily if you have a smaller container, makes a striking
garden and a much simpler approach.
If you add fish to your container water garden, consider the water volume of the
container. The water in smaller containers goes through extreme
temperature changes, which has a negative effect on most fish. Mosquito
fish, however, can tolerate warm water quite well. If your container holds
more than 20 gallons of water you can add any type of goldfish.
Since mosquitoes will lay eggs in stagnant water, you'll need a small 75 gph
statuary pump fitted with a spitter or fountain head to keep them away from your
container water garden, unless you have mosquito minnows. If you don't
want a fountain effect, you can position the pump discharge just under the
surface of the water to create water movement.
Maintenance is easy! To keep the pump operating properly and the plants
submerged at the correct level, you'll need to occasionally add water to make up
for evaporation. Now that you're enjoying your container water garden, be
careful. Once the water gardening bites you, there's no going back! Next, you'll
be reading how to build your own in-ground pond.
Standalone Fountains
Standalone
Fountains are gaining popularity due to their ease of set-up and maintenance. A
wide range of styles and finishes are available to fit everyone's taste and
budget. From impressive brass to simple resin fountains, these features are
made to "stand alone," meaning they don't need any counterparts to make them
function. Much like a tabletop fountain, all you need to do is add water, plug
it in, and enjoy.
Once you find a fountain that fits your style and budget, all you need to do is
find the perfect location for it. You can place it in the foyer of your home to
greet guests, or set it outside on the back deck to enjoy during a cool summer
evening. Tuck one near a garden path or by the front entrance of your home.
You'll soon find you want more than just one fountain to grace your landscape.
The sound of water draws visitors into your garden and provides a place for the
eyes to rest while enjoying the outdoor spaces.
Bubbling Urns and Spitters
These
larger water features are typically set atop an underground reservoir that keeps
re-circulating the water. Once the urn fills with water, the water spills out
and over into the underground basin, which pumps the water back up through the
urn. If a spitter or decorative fountain is more to your liking, you can still
set it on the reservoir and a pipe will transfer the water from the basin up
through the center of the spitter or fountain.
The AquaBasin underneath the decorative fountain supports up to 2,000 pounds and
holds 75 gallons of water. Large basalt columns can be set atop the basin for a
truly impressive decorative water feature in the landscape. For a more formal
look, try an impressive brass sculpture.
For information on AquaBasin pricing, click HERE.