The popularity of backyard fountains has increased exponentially over the past few years, due in large part to their captivating effect upon the senses.  But another reason is the fact that they now come in such a diverse range of forms and prices that everyone can find the right piece for their yard and budget.

You may want a small one that’s suited to up-close viewing in an outdoor seating area, or perhaps a large-scale model that visually anchors the landscape and looks striking even when viewed from a distance.  Some freestanding fountains are designed as adjuncts to a pool or pond, while others are water features unto themselves, working well on a deck, patio, lawn, or tucked into a flower bed.

The great thing about these fountain structures is that they are independent garden elements, and they don’t require a pond for a water source.  Instead they have a bottom bowl or reservoir that holds the water, and for convenience they are often fitted with a built-in pump.

In considering any water feature there are some important decisions to make.  Some decisions about the type of water feature will be determined based on some parameters of your particular situation. 

*  What type of features are you looking for in terms of sight and sound?

Would you like the water to spray, trickle, bubble or cascade?  Another consideration is the water’s sound.  The larger the fountain the greater the noise.  Do you want an exciting roar or soft babbling?

*  How large is the space available?

A small yard can be easily overpowered by a large piece.  Likewise, a large landscape can swallow up a small, delicate unit.  Therefore the fountain should be in scale with its surroundings.

*  What is the existing style of your yard?

Choose a fountain in keeping with the overall look of your garden and home.  It’s likely that a formal statuary fountain will look out of place in a simple country garden, and sleek, modernist piece will clash too much with a natural setting.

*  Where are you going to put the fountain?

Most people have the idea of where they want the fountain but they do not have the necessary outlets and access to water available in those “ideal” spots in the garden.  Most water features require at least one electric outlet, and it must be a weatherproof GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) type.  If you don’t have it, have a professional install one.   Water access is important as well as the water feature will need to have water added to it from time to time.  Depending on where you put the water feature will determine the rate of evaporation.  In the sun, more evaporation than in the shade.   Dragging a hose out all the time can get cumbersome.  Setting up a water access close by will help with the overall enjoyment of your water feature, believe me.