There are many design elements that are important to a fountain garden and one of the most important is the fountain itself. Today many gardens have fountains and they are a beautiful accent to a garden not to mention they lend an air of serenity and tranquility to an outside garden that is unmatched in gardens without water features. Not only are fountains wonderful for the gurgling water sounds they create but they are also excellent for adding that extra something to your garden. Fountains really are the focal point of the garden and they can be incorporated into the garden in such a way that is truly breathtaking.

For example, the fountain could be placed at any area within the garden and then concrete brick pavers could be used to create paths throughout the garden and making its way to the fountain. Vinyl fencing could also enclose the entire garden to create a closed in and special place that is unparalleled. Remember that interlocking pavers may be used throughout the garden to create walkways, stepping stones, or else a little meeting place near the fountain. Creativity is key when it comes to designing a fountain garden and landscaping it in a way that is beautiful, breathtaking, and a place where you just want to be.

Many times homeowners choose to use vinyl fences to help them achieve the serenity of their fountain garden. That's because the fence closes in the area and provides a beautiful backdrop for the plants. With a fountain in the garden you can include many different types of plants and flowers that are tropical and will enhance the fountain placed in the garden. Of course, if you have a garden wall fountain you can simply hang it on your vinyl fence and enjoy it this way. It really is up to you to design and landscape your garden in a way that makes you happy and proud.

Keep in mind however that the basic landscaping techniques should be followed. Get a book or check the Internet to make sure you are landscaping your garden in the way that you want it to appear. Just be sure to plant some plants and flowers around the garden fountain so it looks luxurious and like it is a part of the garden. Leaving it bare will make it stick out as if it is not part of the garden. It may take you several months or longer to landscape your garden in the way you want it to appear but if you take your time you will achieve the fountain garden you have been hoping for.

About the Author
Caitlina Fuller writes about home and gardening.
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Where to Find Fountain Making Materials by Elizabeth Jean

For those of you with a creative spirit, you may be wondering where you can buy the materials to create a fountain of your very own. Most people do not really know where to begin so the following are a few tips on where you can find common water fountain making materials.

Reservoirs

Any kind of tub or giant container would be appropriate to store the water for your fountain. Just make sure that if you are using the tub for an indoor fountain that it is watertight to avoid leaks. For antique tubs (metal or stone) perusing farms and flea markets are good ideas. Ceramic or glass bowls are readily available at your local garden centers or home supply store. Import stores are sure to offer exotic ceramic and glass bowls from abroad. Aside from ceramic or glass bowls, these same stores offer wonderful concrete or metal planters and concrete tubs. If resin is more of your fancy, you will find Polyester resin bowls at craft stores and florist shops. The most flexible find are wooden troughs. Aside from the fact that you can visit a farm or garden center to buy one, you can also make your own. Just purchase wooden planks and create the shape container you want. All you need are nails and a hammer. Just make sure to line the wooden trough with a plastic liner such as those suitable for ponds.

Fountain System Supplies

There are an array of fountain supplies you will need to create a successful running system. The most important part of the fountain is of course the pump. Without the water pump the water would remain lifeless and even stagnate. Make sure you buy a pump appropriate in size to properly circulate the water for your fountain size. Pond supply companies are perfect for not only supplying pumps but also basic filters and biofilter attachments.

To carry the water through the fountain system, you will need copper tubing (rigid or soft). If you need tools to work the copper the following three should suffice: soldering tools, flux and solder. In lieu of copper tubing you can opt to use vinyl tubing. All of these materials can be easily found at your local garden center or home supply store.

Preventing Leaks

Obviously you want to be prepared to prevent as well as fix any leaks that your water fountain might have. Epoxy and silicone caulk are common "quick fix" materials for sealing and waterproofing. Epoxy putty is an easy-to-use miracle worker as you just put a dab of it on a leak to seal the hole or crack. You will also want to keep grout on hand especially if you have a fountain made of ceramic tile or mosaic pieces. Grout is used as filler between tiles/pieces. Polyester resin is also used as a waterproofing sealer. All these materials can also be found at home and building supply stores as well as marine supply companies.

The best thing to do if you need some personal water fountain building advice is to visit your local home building supply store. They usually have knowledgeable staff on hand to guide you step-by-step on the materials you need. Just be prepared to explain the exact type of water fountain you desire as well as where you intend on placing it (indoor or outdoor). These home building stores usually carry every component you will need to put your creative juices to work.

About the Author
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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Landscaping With Water: A Pond by Andrew Caxton

There are few things more soothing than reclining next to a beautifully landscaped pond, and watching birds take bird baths within it...or even the gentle trickle of a fountain. This article explains how to install a pond.

If you don't have any children, you might want to consider adding a shallow pond to your landscaping. Even a shallow stand of water can be dangerous to small tots, so you must watch them at all times. The purpose of having a pond in your landscape is to have a restful scene...and having that and children rather defeats the purpose.

Installing a pond is an easy task.

The steps

1. Since you are going to have to dig into the ground in order to install your pond, you must call your local utility company and make sure that you are not digging close to any power lines. You must also check your local building codes to ensure that you can even install a pond - and the electrical equipment necessary to run a small submerged pump, which you'll want to use to keep the water within the pond from becoming stagnant.

2. Purchase your pond liner - it should be a shallow, one-piece fiberglass liner - set in a hole dug to match its shape. These pond liners come in many shapes and sizes, but experts suggest that it be about 6 feet long, 4 feet wide and 15 inches deep. You usually have a choice of two colors - blue or black. Black is the most popular color, as it gives an illusion of depth to the pond.

The water in the pond may become stagnant if you don't use a small recirculating pump. You may hide it or leave it visible.

3. As you dig out the hole pit, make sure that you level it about every twelve inches. The entire hole must be absolutely level, so take care here. You'll also want to dig the hole a couple of inches wider all around than the pool liner itself. Once you've finished the hole, spread a layer of sand from about 1 to 2 inches thick on the bottom.

4. With the help of a friend, lower the pond liner into the hole. If you're going to have a submerged pump in the pond, to prevent the water from becoming stagnant, you have two choices. Drape the power cord over the side of the pond, or hide it by running it through the dirt. If you're going to hide it, you simply need to drill a hole in the side of the liner through which to run the power cord.

5. The rim of the pond liner should be about one or two inches above ground level. (It will settle.) Fill the pool with water from the garden hose - slowly. Backfill dirt against the pool sides to equalize the pressure on the liner walls.

6. Shovel soil under the outer lip of the rim.

7. Landscape the area around the pond.

About the Author
Andrew Caxton is an online entrepreneur and writes for http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com . A focused website that offers the best articles on landscaping and patio gardening.

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A Preformed Pond is a Great Garden Centerpiece by gfung2

A garden pond is a great focal point for any backyard or garden. Unfortunately, the installation of a professional garden pond can be extremely expensive and require significant labor. For those of us on a budget and for those of us who don't have unlimited time to spend on our backyards, there is an alternative: a preformed pond kit. Preformed pond kits can make for quick, affordable, and easy-to-install garden ponds.

Unlike liner ponds, which require significant effort to design and implement, preformed ponds come with a default shape. Because of this, you do not have to worry about shaping the pond properly, or ensuring that your liner fits. You only have to dig a hole that's larger than your preformed shell, insert your pond, and backfill around the edges!

Preformed pond kits will not only save you money if you purchase them online, but they will also save you from costly mistakes. For instance, once you cut liner, it is difficult to seam it back together again. You also do not have to worry about purchasing the wrong materials because many preformed pond kits include everything that you might possible need in a preformed pond kit, including: a preformed pond shell, a watercourse, a pond pump, pump filtration, fountain heads, and all tubing and clamps required!

Preformed ponds can come in various colours and textures, some variants which include black, granite, and sandstone. There are two main types of preformed ponds: rigid, or folding. Folding ponds are similar to rigid preformed ponds in that they still retain a shape. However, the advantages of folding ponds are that they are made out of a liner-like material that allows them to be easily unfolded before installation. Folding ponds are more forgiving and adhere better to freshly-dug holes because they are not as rigid as fixed preformed ponds. However, the main disadvantage of a folding pond is that it cannot be installed indoors.

One particular example of a folding preformed kit is Algreen's 180 gallon folding preformed kit. Algreen's folding preformed pond kit is fish-safe, UV-resistant, and offers exceptional value because not only does their GardenSM.com kit come with all necessary materials, but it also includes a free pond accent: a 3-piece underwater light with a transformer! The 3-piece light comes in handy when you're landscaping your pond after your initial installation. At night, the water feature can be lit up in multi-colored light to create a fascinating light display.

After you've installed your preformed pond, there are always other improvements that you can seek. For instance, with proper filtration, you can raise fish in your pond. You can also add various other pond accents to your water garden including pond spitters, a stone retaining wall, and various plants and flowers.

About the Author
For more information about diy pond installations, do it yourself pond advice, preformed ponds, and professional liner pond kits, go to GardenSM.com.

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5 Water Feature Ideas For Your Back Yard by S Stadler

Looking to add a little bit of nature's serenity to your patio of backyard landscape? What better way than using water, one of the most soothing elements. Here are five water feature ideas for your consideration as you make your plans.

Idea One: Go All Out With A Waterfall

This is your chance to have the ultimate water feature! Build a waterfall out of natural rock that is actually to nature's scale. You decide exactly what size this is for your yard, but try and make is as realistic as possible.

Use rocks and stones of varying dimensions to build the actual structure. Then, pick up a waterfall kit fro your home center. This kit will usually consist of a pump and the necessary housing to needed to circulate the water

Idea Two: Splashing Bird Bath Fountain

Add an easy bird bath type fountain to your patio. Think of the traditional bird bath, but consider that they now come in many varieties. Many have built in pumps to keep the water moving. All you have to do is fill it up and plug it in. Your feathered friends will thank you too!

Idea Three: Water In The Sky

If you already have a decent sized pond or lake in your yard, why not add a floating water fountain? They come in many varieties and spray patterns, from pulsating or "dancing" water to sky high vertical water jets. Some are even solar powered so there's not much else to do after you set them afloat.

Idea Four: Abstract Wall Fountain

Looking for a water feature that's a little more abstract or artistic? The wall fountain might be the perfect option for you. While flat so they mount easily against a wall, these often give the illusion of being deeper or fuller than they are. Many will have a unique eye catching trick, such as making the water seem to flow upwards.

Idea Five: Peaceful Miniature Serenity

Maybe you just want the easiest and most economical way to experience the peaceful trickle of gently flowing water while relaxing on your patio or deck. If that's the case, you can find all kinds of miniature fountains made from flower pots or other similar décor. Many times, they'll be Asian themed with bamboo accents. These do work nicely and are always a pleasant addition to your outdoor living space!

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