Garden Fountain Features

While many gardeners establish water features for the cultivation of plants and the enjoyment of fish, there is much more to aquatic gardening than these activities alone.

Moving water and lighting are aspects of the art of gardening, rather than the science of working with nature, but each has a role to play in the overall scheme of things and the enjoyment of a garden.

Modern pumps are compact and reliable, requiring minimal attention to ensure successful operation. They provide opportunities for producing spray patterns of a size and diversity that almost defies the imagination, and which can be changed automatically every few seconds if desired.

There are lights that float in the water and create spectacular effects, while others can be incorporated to illuminate fountains in a kaleidoscope of colour. You can even arrange for your beautifully lit fountain to dance to the tune of piped music. This is may be taking things a little too far, but it does demonstrate the enormous strides that have been made in the domestic use of moving water. There are other special features that at first may not seem relevant to your water garden if you have a modest plot. bridges may only seem suitable for large gardens, but they can be equally useful and decorative in the small garden. A clapper bridge is a natural feature where water garden and rock garden meet, while a simple plank causeway may provide easy access to another part of the garden, and will give a different perspective to the tiniest stretch of water.

When planning your water garden, consider the many features that could be included. You cannot incorporate them all, but it is worth knowing what would be desirable, so that provisions can be made during construction.

Although most can be introduced later on, the disruption may be considerable and in many eases, the end result not as co-ordinated as if properly planned from the beginning.

 

GARDEN FOUNTAINS

One of the great pleasures of the decorative water garden is the fountain. True, the turbulence that it creates in the pool below prevents the successful growth of a number of aquatic plants, including waterlilies,  but the qualities that it can bring are immeasurable. The sound of moving water is equally as desirable as the twisting and glinting of fountain spray. The whole experience is magical.

A fountain is very important and should be the focal point of the water feature, which is why many gardeners choose a naked pool in which to place it prominently. To some extent, a fountain should be regarded as an aquatic sculpture, the spray jet arrangements that are available being capable of producing all manner of fanciful shapes. Of course, the fountain itself is often part of an ornament, which may he a sculpture in its own right.

Using a fountain in this manner will simplify its maintenance requirements, the water being treated chemically to control algae and filtered to ensure that it remains clean and fresh. There is no need to consider fish or plants.

 

CHOOSING A GARDEN FOUNTAIN

The simplest fountain is a single jet of water, produced by a basic spray unit, which is attached to a submersible pump and appears just above water level. Alternatively, it may be part of a figure or artificially contrived feature, which may be served by either a submersible or surface pump. These are very simple to install and for many gardeners they are perfectly adequate.

If you wish to be a little more adventurous, fancy spray patterns can be created by adding an adaptor that will vary both the height and shape. The bell fountain is one such innovation, which creates a globular spray pattern almost like a glass bell in appearance. Single bells are wonderfully simple and effective, but triple bells are quite outstanding. A tubular fountain ring, incorporating five or more adjustable jets, can be attached to a pump jet outlet to provide a variety of spray patterns, which will create a similar effect to the bell fountain.

Where a fountain is to be the focal point of the water feature, and the pool in which it stands is simply a reservoir for the water, a hemispherical fountain is worth serious consideration.

This looks rather like an over-elaborate sputnik, each arm carrying a small fountain jet. The effect is a twinkling, turbulent semi-globe of watery spray. It makes a wonderful fountain for a well lit sunny position, where it will appear as a crystal dome, with an ever changing spectrum of colours.

Other possibilities include conventional spray jets that are embraced by a globe of water and, of course, gushing geysers, which give a white-water effect. In warm weather, this kind of fountain is extremely useful, for it cools and oxygenates the water for the fish, although few aquatic plants will like the conditions it produces.

ILLUMINATED GARDEN FOUNTAINS

A water garden is at its loveliest in the summer months when you are more likely to be outside enjoying the garden, often until quite late in the day. At this time of year, there will be many occasions when an illuminated garden fountain can be enjoyed in darkness or twilight. Most are self-contained units that can provide a night-time spectacular, but during the daytime revert to an normal fountain.

A simple underwater spotlight can also be added to the ordinary garden fountain. This type of fitting is sealed in a waterproof body and available with a choice of coloured lenses to give a single-colour fountain. For the more ambitious, a colour changer can be used. This revolving disc incorporates a variety of coloured segments that automatically change the colour of the fountain. The rate at which the changes are made can be adjusted at will.

Automatically changing spray patterns are also possible. Often, as many as 18 spray patterns are obtainable in a set sequence, each lasting for around 16 seconds. Such a fitting can be used with both submersible and surface pumps, but the more powerful the pump, the higher and wider the spray patterns that will be produced.

Using Ornaments

While the water movement and patterns are the main attractions of a fountain, the ornaments from which the water is often expelled can also add to the overall enjoyment of the feature. There are innumerable classical figures, such as dolphins, cherubs and water carriers, but some of the more elaborate and esoteric modern tubular structures should not be overlooked.

When selecting a garden fountain ornament, be sure that it will provide the effect that you expect. Some very attractive ornaments may leave a lot to be desired as garden fountains. An ornament that produces a dribble, rather than a strong flow, will be a great disappointment. Before you buy, ask to see it demonstrated and find out which pump it requires to achieve the desired result.