Fountains add whimsy to a small space.
Water features and ponds add whimsy to any garden. Before deciding on the type of water element you want for your yard, you must consider what you are looking to gain from adding a water feature or pond to your garden. Whether you want to bring a bit of nature to your garden or tone down outside noises, so you can relax, a pond or water feature might be right for you. Does this Spark an idea?
Fountains
Fountains are a great way to add a water feature for those on a tight budget or with little room to spare. Wall fountains make exotic water features in apartments and town houses, where yard space is limited.They are also fairly inexpensive when compared with ponds and man-made streams, as they do not require the same financial investment. You do not have to buy a pond liner, install rocks, or care for fish and water plants. Just add water, plug in the fountain and enjoy.
Ponds, Barrels And Troughs
Ponds are for homeowners who want to add a natural, woodsy feel to an area of their yard. Ponds, barrels and troughs work well as containers for fish and water plants. You can even connect a waterfall or fountain to your pond, thus combining water features. Ponds also provide a water source for birds and other animals who wander into your yard.
Rain Chains
Rain chains were invented by the Japanese hundreds of years ago to act as down spouts and rain gutters, so that rain could flow from the roofs of buildings into basins to be used for cooking and bathing. These Orient-inspired water features are created by piecing together tin, iron or copper cups along chains hung from the rain gutter drain hole, so that the water flows downward into the basin at the bottom.
One bonus of using a rain chain is the sound the water creates as it glides from cup to cup.
Man-Made Streams
Man-made streams are designed for one of two reasons. First, they are created as a means to maneuver rain water away from your yard, driveway or home during torrential rains. Second, a man-made stream adds a sense of rustic beauty and charm to your yard, without you having to care for pond fish or water plants.
There are two types of man-made streams. The first is created as a run off, and thus, is only functional when it rains. The second is created to connect one water source to another. For example, you can make a continuous flow by using an existing water source, such as a lake, and designing the stream to pick up the lake water and transport it along the stream back into the lake, farther along the yard.
Uses for Water Elements
Water features and ponds help drown out noise, assist you in relaxation and add a natural feel to any space. Some utilitarian functions include using rain chains to transport water from your roof to a basin, or creating streams for fielding water away from your home, yard or driveway.
Tags: your yard, fish water, fish water plants, from your, water feature, water plants