If it’s time to give a face lift to your patio or garden why not look to add a new fountain or other type of water feature. Nothing adds distinction to a garden like water. The sound of moving water has been sought after by landscape architects the world over. The serenity that moving water brings is unbelievable. It can be used to add a relaxing theme as well as to max distracting sounds.

Water features have always been an integral part of outdoor gardens for a long time. You just have to look as those magnificent palatial gardens of Europe or the beautifully intricate designs of the Japanese water gardens. No matter how much space you have to work with a garden fountain is an essential addition to any patio or garden.

Any outdoor fountain or other water feature is a great way to tie together all the elements of your outdoor living area. There are so many different choices for adding some kind of water. One of the most popular is the bird bath fountain. It is both stylish and functional – just ask all those birds. Another unique choice is a rain chain. Many have never heard of or seen a rain chain but it can be very attractive and a conversation piece as well. These ornamental pieces provide a path for water to the ground through a series of linked cups or chains. Very artistic, these are a great addition to a garden.

There are a lot of great ideas and types of features to consider – multi-tiered fountains, barrel fountains, cascading waterfalls – the list goes on and on. If you have walls on a patio or around a garden then certainly consider a wall fountain. They can be spectacular. By making the right choice your fountain will become the focal point of your garden area. Even with limited space such as a balcony of a condo or apartment there are water fountains that are perfect.

If your outdoor space is larger, than water features are the perfect way to highlight different areas of the garden. Since outdoor “rooms” have become so popular, having multiple water features allows you to design different moods and themes by matching different styles and varieties of fountains with each area. If you have enough space, you may want to think about a pond, pool or waterfall. While these can be dramatic, they can also be expensive and many times maintenance intensive.

Today there are so many choices in materials that are used in garden fountains. You can choose from stone, masonry, cast iron or copper. All are very durable and can withstand the elements. A newer material in use is a highly durable resin. It’s one of my favorites because it is lighter weight than stone or masonry so it’s easier to move around. It can be molded in a variety of intricate designs creating spectacular results at lower cost. Most fountains today come with easy installation needing only a power source and water. The solar fountains around today just need sunlight and a source of water and there are ready to go.

If you’re looking to reduce stress (and who’s not) then the soothing effects of moving water is just what you need. The addition of a garden fountain will add serenity and calmness to make your outdoor patio or garden a truly relaxing retreat to be enjoyed for years to come.

Summer is coming and now is the time to start thinking about patio design ideas. With summer comes the heat and the sun so you might be interested in figuring out how to cover your patio. It is always so much nicer to be sitting in the comfortable shade than the hot sun on those sunny summer days. There are a variety of options and some are definitely cheaper than others. You can use any of these for great patio covers:

Umbrellas
Awnings
Offset Umbrellas
Gazebos
Aluminum Patio Covers
Pergolas
Sail Shades

Metal Roof
Traditional Roof
Arbors
Trees
Trellis

Some of these can be bought at your local Home Depot type shop and others you need to get custom made. Installing a roof type cover for your patio is a big commitment and of course much more expensive than buying an umbrella or awning. In many cities you will need to get a permit to build that roof patio cover as it is an extension of your house. Unfortunately, the government wants to be involved in everything we do so be sure to check that out before you spend thousands of dollars.

Most people will want to do some serious barbequing on your patio and some may go as far as installing complete outdoor kitchens. Once again, before you spend that kind of money make sure you have all the appropriate permits. Unless you are a serious do-it-yourself type person, you will probably want to consult a professional about making that kind of commitment. You may also want to consider building a grill island and these can become quite expensive. You also want to make sure that anything like this you build or install is done correctly so that it is safe.

Some more cool ideas for your summer patio include adding a fountain or waterfall to your patio design. The sound of running water is always very relaxing and this type of addition to a patio is sure to take it to the next level. In addition to adding that feeling of tranquility, a fountain or waterfall will add value to your home’s price when you decide to sell. A fountain will be cheaper than a waterfall and much easier to install as well.

How about a hot tub designed to go with your patio? Again, this is not a cheap patio idea but one that will make your patio a very popular place all year long. If you want to do something like this just consult your local hot tub store and they will be able to give you some great ideas on how to incorporate the hot tub – patio design.

These are just some of the things you can do to make your patio a great place to hang out this summer. If done right, not only will you be making your home more fun but also adding value to it as well.

In many ways, gardens are very personal creations, each choice and each hour of tending yields specific results. After several seasons, however, the garden you dreamed may have never bloomed or no longer pleases you as you thought it might. At these times it is worthwhile to consider some more unusual, that is to say, more interesting or less common garden features. The most important thing when planning the space of your garden is keeping in mind the visual balance between the various elements. Stone elements always add excellent contrast to a garden. By using stone to offset your garden you will draw attention to all of the textures in your garden. A coarse sandstone finish will help display glossy green leaves, helping them to look lush and vibrant by drawing attention to the edges of individual leaves. A matte gray stone will help bring out the reds in your roses while a shiny marble will best offset flowing water and large “roundish” plantings.

Lights are an ever-increasing popular feature in gardens. Gone are the days when lights in gardens only give alert of intruders. There are many different kinds of lights that can be used to set your garden glowing at night so be sure to choose carefully for your purposes. Too much light will overpower the natural peacefulness of your garden while too little may create long and discomfiting shadows rather than giving your garden gentle illumination.

Placing a waterfall in your garden will change the overall landscape and ultimate impact of your garden. A garden waterfall provides a relaxing accompaniment to other garden sounds as the water falls gently or skips along its path. Large waterfalls will likely offer a feeling of luxurious grandeur that may not be desirable in every garden. Tiny spaces are better suited to the smaller, less sprawling waterfall arrangements. With many options available, think about how much space you are willing to give over to your waterfall. Garden Waterfalls: http://www.garden-fountains.com/Categories.bok?category=Waterfalls

Remember to be careful to consider texture when selecting your waterfall. There may not be a great deal of statuary and stone in your garden already, but when adding a large attraction like a waterfall, be sure to select a color and kind of stone that looks natural in your area. Different plants are best accentuated in different ways so it is important to select landscape elements with a deliberate eye for contrast and texture.

Another interesting feature that you can use in your garden is a birdbath. A birdbath is a slightly more sedate source of interest in a garden and will not have as much impact on the overall look, but it will provide interesting balance and contrast to the leafy and flowery. There are many types of birdbaths, ranging from small low to the ground constructions to Romanesque columns.

Try moving your birdbath around and look at it from several directions and during several different times of the day. Arrange flowers and other garden elements carefully around your birdbath so as not to distract its charm. For Bird Baths: http://www.garden-fountains.com/Categories.bok?category=Bird+Baths

If you have a very limited amount of garden space, but a large patio, deck, or veranda, use planters to arrange greenery in the space you do have. Accent your planters with a trellis or coax a vine along another standing structure to increase the height of your arrangement. By arranging several different planters in a small space it is easy to create the illusion of a much larger garden.

A trellis can also be used effectively to block unsightly constructs in your vicinity. Many climbing vines grow (especially annuals) quickly, without much care to add attractive height, color and texture to your space.

Another way of adding height to your arrangement is by using a wall fountain. Wall fountains provide graceful lines to areas that usually remain unornamented. The advantage of structuring your garden around such inanimate objects is lasting, low maintenance attractiveness.

Think about the shape of each object you are using and how it balances its companions. Two planters of the same height but very different shape should probably not be placed side by side because it creates an awkwardness in the visual flow. Use other pieces of statuary to move the eye along a more graceful line.

Many people have trouble arranging their garden in ways that please them. There are a few key design elements that may help you create a garden that provides lasting visual pleasure and is reasonably easy to maintain.

1. Use permanent objects to define the boundaries of your garden. Limits help to create relationships between objects and will help you determine what is missing.

2. Use movable objects to create change and keep yourself from feeling trapped within an inflexible design (your garden should make you happy!).

3. Remember that not every item in your garden can be the center of attention. Although it is often a good idea to work outward from a large central object, symmetry is actually the hardest kind of pattern to do well. Asymmetrical patterns are actually far easier to work with for the average gardener.

With all the DIY information out there today, theres no reason to live with a dull or unsightly patio that does naught to invigorate the exterior look of your shack. The outdoors is very in and good patio landscaping can transfigure your deck into an extra room for your home. Home-decor magazines often do feature articles show off ideas for exterior design, so roll up your sleeves and turn that backyard fiasco into relaxing fresco!

To start planning out your patio landscape, contemplate the size of space you have available to transform. Once you know the space that you have to work with, creating a patio landscape is only restricted by your imagination. If your backyard area is large, you can consider changing your decking to spill out into green, grassy areas with winding pathways and shady trees.

You can maybe sketch out diverse areas, and portion off your deck and yard for adult space, playing corners for the children and relaxed spots for sitting and resting. Should you be restricted in space, your patio landscape can turn into a small, cafe-style morning room, complete with weatherproof, patterned curtains or a greenhouse-style showcase for green plants and flowerpots.

Patio kits and plans are readily located at hardware stores or in magazines. Putting together is fairly easy and doesnt necessitate the services of a professional, if youre effective with a saw and hammer or have a eager neighbor wholl supply the labor. Try to use material for your patio landscape thats robust and weather resistant but that also looks natural. Green-stained treated boards doesnt always give the feeling of a natural area.

Boards and planks made from recycled stuff will last practically forever, are also environmentally friendly, and they are produced in a wide variety of colors and textures. You can also effect an Old World look for your patio display with ornamental stone slabs or brick paving.

What about Decor?

Accentuate your space with furniture thats fashionable as well as functional. Theres no reason to have plain, resin deck chairs and unstable tables that offer little help to your patio landscape you can go to stores that offer many models of wrought-iron furniture that looks luxurious. For added comfort, get some weather-resistant cushions to pad chairs or benches. If you choose to use regular cushions and throw covers for lounging outdoors, get a big, plastic container for quick and easy storage.

Stowed away underneath a bench and hidden by plants, a bin will keep your accessories dry and safe from the sun.

Your patio landscape should have plenty of plants that create a sense of lush fullness and vibrant greenery. Use low-maintenance perennials in bunches, or gussy up a flowerpot with vibrant annuals that will show off your patio landscape. You can find small kits for ponds and waterfalls available at many hardware stores, such as Home Depot, and can be set up for natural, soothing sounds in the background.

You can dress up your pond kit with plenty of plants and witty decorations, like painted rubber boots used as planters. Mirrors and sun-catchers are also attractive accessories for patio landscapes and they also provide the illusion of more space, as well as being interesting to look at.

That is until Create My Scene, a Tampa based company, introduced their latest product. The company produces scenic screens that are installed in place of the ancient black mesh that is commonly used on screen enclosures. These scenic screens allow homeowners to gaze out to white sandy shores, crystal clear water, and relaxing palm trees instead of staring at unexciting views such as their neighbors tool shed and a/c unit. And thats not the only benefit.There are plenty of examples of the scenic screens at CreateMyScene.com. The website is an extensive resource that includes many of the companys other products which include decorative wall coverings and decorative window filmalso known as Wall-Scenes and Window-Scenes respectively. Customers can sift through all of the available photos which range from golf courses to waterfalls to city skylines. Its also a great tool for creative brainstorming. There are tons of pictures of completed projects that are sure to spark new ideas. The company allows visitors to take ownership of their vision and truly, Create their own Scene.

One great way to add character to a garden is to add a fountain. Fountains, also called water features and water elements, can add elegance, a sense of peace or a feeling of fun to nearly any landscape design. The sound of flowing or trickling water is comforting and relaxing for most people, so it helps make the environment inviting. In addition, practitioners of feng shui often suggest fountains for enhancing energy flow.

When selecting a fountain, it is important to consider the personality of the space you want to decorate, as well as the effect you would like to create. Fountains are available in a myriad of sizes, materials and designs so the possibilities are limitless. Some fountains are built into the landscape, while others are self-contained and can be placed nearly anywhere.

The centerpiece fountain
A centerpiece fountain is usually most appropriate for a large outdoor space. Consider using a centerpiece fountain as a focal point for your garden design. Often centerpiece fountains are sculptures consider them as works of art and choose a fountain that you will enjoy and that makes you feel good to view. Usually centerpiece fountains are made of stone, cement or resin.

A large fountain can be used in a smaller place such as a patio garden, but only if the primary use of the space is not impeded by the fountain’s placement. For example, if children play in the space or groups of adults gather for drinks and barbecue, a fountain in the center is probably a bad idea. However if the patio is used for reading, tiny gatherings, or just observing the sunset, a fountain may be the perfect accent.

Waterfalls
While small waterfalls can be self-contained units, most waterfalls are integrated into the landscape. Waterfalls are ideal for a landscape that has a hill or slope. In some waterfalls, the water flows in a stream downhill. In others it falls from one plateau to another lower one. As the water lands, it has a lovely spray and satisfying sound. Often waterfalls have a pool at the base the pool may be used for fish such as koi, or decorative water plants. Usually, waterfalls use a plastic liner for the base along with natural elements for the sides of the waterfall.

Tabletop fountains
Small fountains suitable for a tabletop or pedestal stand are also popular for gardens. Tabletop fountains are ideal for a small space to which you want to add a decorative accent and lovely sound without spending a lot of money. They are easy to maintain and move, so if you are unsure of the ideal location for your fountain, this may be your best bet. If you are looking to get the most fashionable type of fountain, then mist fountains may be just what you are looking for. They give off a light mist, that not only is a great humidifier, but looks more beautiful than just a trickle of water does. Tabletop fountains are also great for indoor atriums and make great gifts for those who love gardens. The smallest tabletop fountains have footprints of only a few inches, others are up to a couple feet across. Tabletop fountains can be made of stone, metal, resin or plastic.

Wall fountains
If you are tight on space, wall fountains may be ideal for your purposes. Wall-mounted units are usually fairly small and can be hung from a fence or wall. These water features come in varying styles to look like artwork, natural elements or other structures.

About the Author

Johann Erickson is the owner of Online Discount Mart and TV Products 4 Less. Please include an active link to our site if you’d like to reprint this article.

Transport the beauty and sounds of outdoors into your home with an indoor waterfall. Its beautiful, relaxing and healthy. The sounds of water flowing bring an outdoor quality to your indoor environment. Many waterfalls are self-contained and require no plumbing. You can easily decorate them with artificial or air plants. Waterfalls take about four to six weeks to be custom built.

Filling the waterfall:

1. Fill the water basin with distilled water

2. Prime the stone with a spray bottle or sponge to fully wet down the slate before turning on the waterfall

3. Turn on the waterfall

4. Check the water level everyday to make sure your pump does not run dry.

Indoor waterfalls are flooding the market for people who like a touch of Niagara Falls. Besides the popular water pillar, waterfalls can be custom built to any design. With a water pillar, you get the look and feel of water without giving up a lot of space.

You need to focus on two features in preparation to construct outdoor waterfalls: the pool into which the water drops and the cascading structure for the waterfall itself. Outdoor waterfalls come in all shapes and sizes and make forceful focal points. A landscape designer often uses an incline on the land, or else erects a berm to create such an area behind the pond.

The self-contained, popular two-piece Rocky Mountain waterfall is available online and is meant to be placed against a wall, fence or deck railing, indoors or outdoors. The waterfalls face has 6 decorative ledges from which the water pours, creating exciting water action.

Americans nowadays are increasingly turning to their homes and gardens as a retreat for comfortable, cost-effective and relaxed entertaining. Besides waterfalls, we are opting for components such as patios, decks, pools, hot tubs, ponds, fountains, fireplaces, play structures, gazebos, ornamental lights, artificial putting greens, complex outdoor kitchens and lavish landscaping to create our own backyard dream.

As a source of life for the garden itself and as an ornamental constituent within the garden, water has always played an important role in gardening. Most water features fall into one of two categories: fountains and ponds or waterfalls. There are three important things to consider when planning your water display: style, location and maintenance. Your water feature should match the style of your garden and by extension your own personality.

Earth, our magnificent blue planet, stands out from light years of huge giants and the cold emptiness of deep space by a solitary exclusive difference the existence of water. With water the most obvious symbol of our distinctive natural world, we find it appropriate to promote the artistic quality of real flowing water, to arrest a bit of its splendor and awe, and to rejoice in its fundamental position in our lives.

Adam O’Connor is the owner of www.purewaterwizard.com, which provides excellent free information on fountains and ponds or waterfalls. Adam O’Connor is an expert in his industry and his website helps people find answers to questions such as, which types of indoor waterfalls work best in an office or commercial setting.

Garden ponds and fountains were once mainly for the very rich. Today, anyone can have a garden pond. A fountain or waterfall can be included almost anyplace–even if your “yard” is limited to a patio or balcony.

Adding water to your patio can be as simple as setting out a shallow dish of water for use as a birdbath. Any shallow container at least 6 inches wide and a half-inch deep will work. Pie pans, garbage can lids, or flowerpot bases work well in small spaces. Fill the container with clean water and wash it every day or two. The wildlife attracted to the water will depend on where you place the container. Containers set on the ground usually attract the greatest number of wildlife species, from birds and butterflies to squirrels and toads. Hanging birdbaths or ones on pedestals will be restricted to those creatures that can fly or jump high enough to reach the water, and give birds a chance to escape from neighborhood cats and other predators.

If you want to grow water plants–and perhaps a fish or two–you can add a tub garden to your patio or yard. Many products are on the market today. Frequently, half whiskey kegs with plastic liners are used. Numerous plastic tub gardens are available in a variety of sizes and have the advantage of being lightweight and inexpensive. Small pumps can be added to any of these containers to allow for fountains or cascades of water. Moving water is pleasant to listen to and attractive to wildlife.

Here are some considerations before adding a small tub pond to your patio or yard.

If you want to grow water plants, choose a container that is at least a foot deep. While some water plants do well in shallow water, other species–including some water lilies–require deeper water.

Consider adding a variety of plant species. Depending on the depth of your tub, place pots of plants either on the bottom or on bricks to achieve the proper depth. Floating plants such as duckweed also can be added. Floating plants reduce the amount of sunlight that enters the water, which helps reduce the growth of algae. When adding potted plants, place a layer of stones on top of the soil before setting the pots in the water. This will help hold the soil in place and help prevent any fish from “digging” into the pots.

If you live in a cold climate, consider what you will do with the tub garden in the winter. Small tubs can be moved inside if a suitable location is available. Other tubs may need to be drained to prevent damage from freezing.

Caution: Use caution and take security measures if small children have access to your pond. Even small tub gardens can be hazardous. If you intend to have a fountain or waterfall, be sure a grounded electrical outlet is available.

Above all, have fun. Water gardens provide habitat for wildlife, but also can be an enjoyable hobby for you and your family.