A garden is truly incomplete without an outdoor stone fountain. Flowerbeds, plants, and other green ornaments contribute to the beauty of the courtyard but there is nothing more beautiful if compared to the water shows of stone fountains.
The dynamic aspect of fountains captures glances and helps create a serene and pleasant outdoor atmosphere.
Gardens and open spaces are a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature and outdoor life. When a water fountain is added to a garden, it changes the entire appearance. What was initially a very ordinary garden can be transformed into an outdoor oasis. The sound of flowing water has a relaxing effect and completely changes the atmosphere.
A well-designed landscape can be a great investment as it can increase the market value of a property. Adding plants, benches, sculptures, paving, and water features are just some of the ways landscape design can be improved. This article focuses on the types of fountains that can be inserted into the context.
Stone Garden Fountains: The Types
Garden fountains are available in various sizes, materials, and styles. They can be wall-mounted, tiered, disappearing, or independent. They can be customized based on the space where they must be installed, budget, and amount of maintenance one wishes to perform. Landscapers generally when installing fountains, usually make use of two fountains, a large one and a small one. The larger fountain is the focal point of the garden and the smaller one is the accent element.
Tiered Fountain
Among the shapes and types of fountains, it is the most popular, especially in the Italian territory and in general throughout the Mediterranean. We find it in courtyards, squares, and Renaissance gardens, the tiered fountain can be simple but also very elaborate if sculptures, ornaments, architectures, and many levels are inserted. Water is pushed by a pump to the top of the fountain, then descends downwards on lower levels to the lowest basin where it is recycled.
Tiered fountains look good in a traditional or classic landscape. The fountain should look as if it were an antique and valuable object. The color of the fountain should blend with the paving.
Disappearing Fountain
The characteristic of this fountain lies in the fact that water does not collect in a basin. The water reservoir of this type is hidden underground. This solution gives a minimal and modern look and, moreover, when positioned near a patio or avenue, adds an attractive look and outlines a path. A disappearing fountain can be the ideal choice for your garden for a number of reasons, including:
- The water tank is underground, since there is no pond or open basin, there is no risk of drowning. Extra safety if there are small children.
- Since the water basin is underground, water does not evaporate. Therefore, less water is used compared to traditional fountains
- Requires very little maintenance. Dirt, debris, and leaves cannot enter the tank and the sun cannot cause algae growth.
- Occupies very little space and can be installed almost anywhere. It is more suitable for small courtyards, gardens, and avenues.
Wall Fountain
A wall fountain is perfect in a courtyard or small patio as it decorates and increases the feeling of relaxation. This fountain does not take up too much space and can be customized to fit any wall. It requires a spout, a water basin, an internal tube, and a pump. The style can vary greatly based on its structure and ranges from traditional to modern but also ancient and Asian.
Free-standing Wall Fountain
A free-standing wall fountain, also known as a floor fountain, is usually quite large. The basin of this fountain is placed on the ground while the small fountain with the water outlet spout is integrated onto an existing wall or incorporated into a new wall. This fountain adds a coherent look, which makes it seem a part of the landscape rather than an added feature. This natural look is rather a work of art.
Self-contained Fountain
Self-contained fountains are popular because they can be installed quite easily and quickly and do not require any major construction. They contain all working parts including plumbing and pump needed to operate. Fountains that have their own water tank and therefore do not need to be placed in a pond or pool.
To install the fountain, the landscaper will first have to make sure that the ground where the fountain is to be placed is level. If the ground is uneven (as often happens on a lawn or garden), it must first be leveled and compacted.
A stand-alone fountain is very convenient as it does not require external piping, plumbing, or connections to a water source. They can be placed anywhere in the garden, but smaller versions are often used as centerpieces or on terraces.
