Archive for April, 2008

Choosing a Garden Fountain

Garden fountains add one of the richest features to your backyard, garden, pond , or private retreat. The pleasant flow of water helps block background noise and enhance the tranquility and peacefulness of your outdoor areas. Moving water discourages insects from laying eggs reducing mosquito population and eliminating the need for costly insecticides.

Garden water fountain trends today are toward lightweight easy to install rock designs, classical and more modern and natural features. There are a number of considerations in choosing a garden fountain, and the article that follows will provide you with ideas.

Home Garden Fountains

Fountains can make a great addition to any outdoor space and with the many styles, sizes available to choose from, you are sure to find one that will meet your individual tastes and preferences.

Garden fountains can be free standing structures, placed on a wall or custom built in to the landscape.

Wall fountains can be placed in a garden with limited space to achieve the same soothing sounds of a larger fountain.

Choosing An Outdoor Fountain For Your Garden

Important things that you need to think about is whether you want a stone or masonry or a plastic fountain.

If your looking for a fountain that will last a long time consider choosing a stone or masonry fountain as opposed to a plastic one. The masonry fountains will last for many years but they will also be more expensive.

Once you have selected the material you want your fountain to be made of, you need to consider the size. Be aware that masonry garden fountains are very heavy, so if weight is an issue in installing your fountain choose the lighter plastic.

On larger fountain you may need to consider the cost of a plumber to install the pipes needed to circulate the water through the fountain. Electricity will also be needed to power the circulating pump for your fountain.

Many fountains have the option of using solar energy to power the pump. One disadvantage of going solar is that on cloudy days and at night the pump will not work.

Be sure that the type of fountain you choose compliments the flowers, plants and landscaping you have in your garden.

For more information on home garden fountains please visit Garden Pros For the latest information on home garden products and ideas.

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April 30 2008 | Garden Fountains | No Comments »

Do Garden Fountains Heighten Our Awareness?

Garden fountains are a marvelousl way to add some real interest to your backyard garden. Incorporating the relaxing sound of running water creates a calming environment, and doing so with a fountain is an appealing and unique method. Garden fountains are designed to add breath taking brilliance to your garden area. You can find garden fountains in an array of sizes and designs, all to add beauty to your garden area. Garden fountains are available in a vast array of sizes from small one-foot fountains to fountains that are the size of birdbaths and therefore, one should have a size in mind before they go shopping. In addition, you should be cognizant that incorporating a garden fountain in you outdoor botanical area can actually help heighten your own awarness. The article that follows explains how.

Outdoor Garden Fountains And Awareness

Call it awareness, gratitude, meditation, being present, consciousness. Whatever comes to mind, the use of outdoor fountains can aid in your journey. A variety of tools and practices are currently being used to predispose us to awareness. There is an imperative being felt around the world, which is motivating many to change and grow. Being attentive to simple activities that can be done routinely is a great way to practice.

Communing with nature is frequently as a simple starting point to begin the awareness process. But where does one find nature amid the asphalt, high rises and vacant land that we are surrounded by? If you cannot go to nature, bring nature to you. Easy, affordable facilitators are garden fountains placed strategically amid greenery and flowers. The abundance of styles and types of garden fountains make selection and placement easy for the city dweller.

What Size Are Outdoor Fountains and Which One to Choose?

Fountains may have a footprint as small as two feet or as large as six feet wide. Fiberglass wall fountains come in a variety of textures and finishes. They are lightweight and mount against any surface using a sturdy hook, screw, or nail. You can find garden fountains available in a wide variety of colors, patinas and structure. Beauty is a prime consideration when treading the steppingstones to awareness.

With the look of genuine stone alabaster outdoor fountains constructed of glass fiber reinforced concrete is particularly beautiful with its smooth variegated finish. Some garden fountains have the appearance of waterfalls, whereas some add whimsy with fairies, cherubs or woodland creatures. Water may trip and dance descending over many levels or gurgle with playfulness. Focusing on beauty will aid in experiencing the present. It is all about using ones senses to experience the “isness” rather than on words or labels. A beautiful outdoor water feature can transform patio, balcony, porch or window box into a tranquil respite for focusing.

Using Your Senses With Garden Fountains

Avoid labeling the object that precipitates water movement as just a “garden fountain.” Become aware of the thoughts that cross the threshold of your mind. Without judgment, allow your thoughts to ebb and flow and become the observer of the thoughts. When you do not identify with your mind, the stillness and peace within you begins to emerge.

Now, look at the fountain and the water, really take a look. Sense the texture, the color and feel it. Is it cold, warm, rough, or smooth? The liquid, how does it look and feel? Is there an aroma associated with the water or the wet or dry surface of your fountains? Warm wet rock does produce an aroma. Is it pleasant and refreshing? If your thoughts lead you to drift from the sound of the garden fountains just label them as “thinking” and gently return your focus.

Hear the sound that emanates. The relaxing sounds produced by the water descending over declines, stones or onto another surface bring one into the present with a sense of peace. That is the peace of being present in the moment. Consider using outdoor fountains as a valuable tool assisting in my journey to awareness and trust that it will be a positive force in your life.

Elizabeth Jean is the author of this article written for Garden-Fountains.com, a premier Internet resource for wall fountains and garden fountains.

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April 28 2008 | Garden Fountains | No Comments »

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