Different Types of Fountains for Your Yard
If your home is your castle, you’re going to need a moat, or at least a modern equivalent such as an incredible outdoor water feature. You may first want to figure out your basic landscape design, complete with hardscape elements like patios and walkways. Once you’ve got the foundations for your yard in place, it’s time to start having some fun with extras like a pergola near the patio or a centralized fire feature. This is the perfect time to select a water feature that will add beauty, serenity, and the soothing sounds of flowing water to your outdoor sanctuary.
There is no shortage of water features to choose from, ranging from self-contained fountains to custom waterways that run through your Rock Valley, Iowa yard. The hardest thing can be choosing the one that’s right for you. Let’s start then, with a simple primer. Here are just a few different styles of water features that should give you an idea of what’s possible.
Tiered Fountain
This traditional fountain features a large base with smaller basins stacked atop it, allowing water to cascade down from one basin to the next. These are commonly found in courtyards and plazas in Mediterranean countries, giving them a feeling of classic, old world charm. They can be simple or feature complex embellishments, depending on the style of your home and your personal preferences.
Pondless/Disappearing Fountain
If you want to take a minimalist approach to your water feature, a pondless, or disappearing fountain is probably your best bet. This type of water feature is characterized by some type of structure above ground from which water bubbles up (like an urn or a column, for example), with a hidden reservoir, so that you don’t have visible pooling at the base. It’s a great way to add a water element to your yard if you’re worried about keeping a pond or basin clean and fresh.
Pond
Maybe minimalism isn’t your style. If you don’t like the idea of a pondless water feature, how about a pond? The difference between ponds and some other water features is that you have to dig into your yard to install them, and the basin can be built to your specifications since it’s essentially whatever size and shape you want to carve into the ground. Proper lining and setup ensures that you won’t suffer leakage into surrounding soil.
Waterfall
If your yard has a pool, a pond, or a steep grade, you might want to consider putting in a waterfall that adds greater volume (of water and noise) to your space. The splash of a waterfall careening into a pool below can help to cover the sounds of noisy neighbors or traffic beyond your fence.
Water Wall
The sound of water cascading over corrugated metal, a rock wall, or even stacked river rocks can be magical and musical. Having a virtually flat, vertical water feature can also save space in a smaller yard. Water walls can be placed near structures or put on prominent display in the middle of the yard, making them a versatile addition to any Sioux Center, Iowa landscape.