Sand

This soil can hold small plants only. Tall plants will not survive because this soil is exclusive for small plants. Although this soil can give nutrients, these nutrients are still not enough to accommodate the tall plants.

Clay Soil

This is the answer to aquatic plants. To keep the aquatic plants surviving you ought to have this clay soil. You can actually keep a plant in the water garden using this soil. Make sure that you only put moderate amount of this soil because too heavy of a clay concentration would reduce healthy root growth. This is the most common and easy to find soil. You can find it in your yard anytime. You can also find it in a store.

Fiber

Rockwool or coconut fiber can be used in your planting activity. They are also common and abundant. However, it is not useful and helpful in tall plants. Shorter plants are the ones that can only be accommodated in this type of soil. To add, this soil does not produce enough nutrients to completely keep a plant healthy and strong.

Gravel

This soil is useful only for short plants. It is poor in nutrient retention. It can be used for filtration purposes and not for fertilization purposes. You will find this very helpful on land alone and not in water because it will just be released in the water.

Packaged Aquatic Soil

This is the perfect choice for water aquatic plants. This is useful in water gardens so you do not have to worry about plating anything into your water garden using this type of soil. Moreover, this soil provides a strong base for anchoring plants. Moreover, it holds a great amount of soil that will surely make your plants healthier and more beautiful.

Potting Soil

This soil is not suitable for your water garden. It contains to much organic and it is so light. It will just be carried away or it will just drown your plant into the water because it is so light.

If you are really looking for that perfect soil for your plant, read and search more on soils that will help your plants to grow healthier. These soils here should serve as a guide to you on which one you should choose for you to be able to achieve your planting and gardening easily. You will end up with a smile knowing you have the right soil.

When contemplating a water feature for your garden it is
important to reflect on the style of your landscaping and draw
from this to select the right style of water feature to suit the
surroundings. The wrong choice could result in your water
feature looking out of place. Consider a contemporary minimalist
garden with a Whisky Barrel Kit as the water feature!

Below we have prepared a list of common garden styles and some
suggestions for incorporating water features into these gardens.
This list is by no means exhaustive. Also, take into account
that many gardens are a fusion of two or three garden styles.

Contemporary Garden

This style of garden is usually characterised by attention to
detail such as the use of a single specimen plant. Simplicity,
form and the clever use of light and space are fundamental to
this style. Colours are used minimally to produce dramatic
effects.

Suitable Water Features Stainless Steel Features Water Walls
Clad (with Contemporary materials) Canals and Rills (made from
Contemporary materials) Reflection Pools Architectural Granite
Features (Aquifer Columns or spheres)

Cottage Garden

Arguably the most enduring of all garden styles, this garden is
characterised by mass planting of colourful flowers and herbs in
well designed garden beds. Although the plant design is
carefully structured it is designed to look natural and
free-flowing. This style often incorporates places of interest
to visit such as bench seats, arbours, and gazebos.

Suitable Water Features Bird Baths Wishing Wells Natural Ponds
Statuary Features Formal Ponds Fountains

Formal Garden

A formal look in a landscape is typically achieved by placing
plants to conform strictly to a geometric design theme. This
style relies on the use of symmetry to draw the eye to focal
points such as water features or sculpture. The use of hedging
plants and topiaries is essential to achieve the formal look.

Suitable Water Features Stone Fountains Bird Baths Reflection
Pools Spilling Urns / Pots Fountain Sprayers Geometric Ponds

Tuscan Garden

The rustic Italian garden seems to assimilate very well into the
Australian landscape. Aged, muted colors intrinsic to Italian
gardens are echoed in our landscape. A focus on Al Fresco dining
and entertaining is essential to this style. Planting is often
semi-formal – formal and includes topiaries and hedges.

Suitable Water Features Spilling Urns Wall Fountains Stone
Fountains Classical Statuary Tiled/Stone Water Walls Wall
Spitters

Japanese Garden

The Japanese garden has its emphasis in simplicity, control and
thoughtful design. This garden must incorporate the careful use
water as a focal point. Well placed, gracefully formed plants
such as bamboos, grasses and flowering shrubs provide balance
which is essential to this style. These gardens also use stone
and sand to imitate the natural landscape. The Japanese garden
is the ultimate meditation and relaxation. Suitable Water
Features Deer Scarer (Shi Shi Odoshi) Japanese Spill Basin
(Tsukabi) Large Containers with Fish and Water Lilies Rock
Geysers Fish Ponds Natural Ponds with Rock Waterfalls and
Cascades

Xeriscape Garden

Xeriscape is a term derived from the Greek word ‘xeros’ meaning
dry and from the word landscape, to form a new term for water
conserving gardens. This style is increasing in popularity due
to our dry climate. This garden often features both native and
exotic species and is landscaped to minimise water use and to
channel water to plants that have a higher requirement.
Xeriscaping often draws from Cottage and Contemporary styles.

Suitable Water Features Dry Creek Bed Mill Stone Features
(re-circulating) Rock Geyser (re-circulating) Granite Features
Natural Ponds (to provide an oasis for wildlife)

Tropical Gardens

The tropical garden is one for the plant lovers, these gardens
are gaining in popularity due to the range of plant species now
available to Australian gardeners. Tropical plants, densely
planted, look their best in summer when we typically use our
gardens. Characterised by the use of bold, lush and colourful
foliage with spectacular flowers. This style provides a cooling
oasis in the warmer months.

Suitable Water Features Natural Ponds Waterfalls Creeks /
Streams Reflection Ponds Spilling Pots/Urns Contemporary
Statuary Water Walls

Australian Native Garden

This style of garden draws on the unique characteristics of
Australian materials and the natural colours of Australia. Often
rustic in style, the use of timber, stone and corrugated iron
can be incorporated into the Australian garden. Modern
Australian native plantings are often designed similar to a
traditional cottage garden with the focus on the colour palette.

Suitable Water Features Whisky/Wine Barrels Wishing Wells Mill
Stone Features Cobbled Creeks Natural Ponds Concrete
Sinks/Troughs Rock Geysers

The addition of water fountains into your home has a number of benefits for you and your family and by adding the right style you can create the perfect relaxing mood for the room. Water Fountains are often considered as outdoor features and this is correct they can be added to the outside of a house; however indoor fountains are now more popular. The reason an indoor one is something people are more interested in is because they can benefit from the natural beauty of the fountain as well as the sounds of the water flowing over the fountain. A well positioned water fountain in a room will be a subtle addition that is unassuming but has a very high impact. As soon as anyone walks into the room they will hear the flow of the water and this sound is naturally soothing for humans and this will make them feel relaxed and at home. The water fountains come in a range of styles, shapes and sizes and the most common ones are either wall fountains or floor fountains.

The wall fountains are a feature anyone can add to their home and they come in various sizes, depending on how large your wall will reflect on the size of the fountain. It is important to ensure you do not overload the wall with a feature that is too large or this will dominate the room and you will loose the desired effect. Installing them is simple and the modern ones come with assembly instructions to ensure you can get your fountain in position without any fuss and as quickly as possible. Once in position they are fully self-contained and you will only occasionally need to top up the water in the basin to ensure you have enough to be pumped around. Once the water fountains are up and running then you can enjoy the purity and the natural sounds and the perfect ambience it brings to the room.

Floor fountains are the other most popular version and these are extremely adaptable and versatile. You can move them from room to room and they do not take any installation and once in place the visual effect is stunning. The flexibility of the floor water fountains is what makes them so appealing and the larger ones really create a fantastic atmosphere and can help purify the air in a room. If you are looking to create a relaxing environment in your home, office or garden then the water fountains are one of the best ways to do this. You can choose from a variety of materials which are mainly natural and include the likes of stone, slate, copper and glass and you can even create your own design should you wish.

The first thing you must do to know which design theme your landscaping garden fits into. Is it of ornamental style? or country style? Are there many curved shaped spaces or straight pathways. This is very easy to find out just by looking at the garden for yourself without any professional help.

If it’s a planned garden then it must have certain common elements in it’s design such as repetitive use of a certain color or material or example all pathways are made up with brick and at the same time compound wall also uses brick as it’s base material. You will have to observe this and takes short notes if possible.

Why we are doing this exercise because the fountain you choose must blend with the visual qualities of your garden and not break the flow. Once you get to know the theme there are 3 simple steps to finalize your choice of an outdoor garden fountain.

1) Material  – Fountains are available in stone, cement, marble, granite, glass, copper, stainless steel and ceramic. However it is strongly advisable not to use metallic fountain in outdoors. This is because they get affected by atmospheric exposure and lose their shine after a few months if not maintained properly. Natural materials such as stone is the best for an outdoor fountain. You can even match it’s color based on your previous exercise.

2) Budget – This is an altogether personal choice depending upon how much you want to add value to your entire garden. A little online research will give you an idea about the costs of various designs of garden fountains.

3) Custom made fountain – If you are not happy about the kind of designs available in the market today then you can order a custom-made fountain from a professional company. These guys will first have a look at your landscaping garden and then come up with a unique design just right for your allotted space for the fountain.

Thus installing an outdoor garden water fountain can add great amount of value to the property. You should always give it a try and experience the joy of having one in your garden.

Copyright Samir Joshi

There are several types and styles of garden furniture to choose from for your backyard, depending on your budget restrictions, your preference in materials and how you would like to match the decor with the flowers and other items in your backyard. For example, if you have a fountain in your garden, you would probably want to go with garden furniture that was more light an airy rather than something heavy or bulky.

One of the most economical garden furniture is the wicker material. It is durable to a point and some of it is waterproof, you would have to check the label. If it is not waterproof, you would have to bring it in during rain storms. Wicker outdoor garden furniture can look very nice in a garden setting of flowers or a screened in porch were there are many hanging baskets of flowers and potted plants with vine type leaves. They come in benches, large wing-backed chairs, tables and even swings.

A very durable material is the metal or iron type that will stand up to all weather so there is no need to bring them in when the season is over or when it snows or rains. This metal garden furniture comes in mostly benches, chairs and tables. The tables can be small, like end tables or coffee tables or large like an umbrella table. And one thing about the metal material is that very intricate detail can be carved into them making them very ornate and beautiful. However, they are mostly black or gray in color.

Garden furniture made of a metal piping, usually aluminum comes in a variety of colors such as garden green or cream and usually have the large umbrella table, regular size chairs, unlike the large wicker ones, and can also have a swing or slider with padding or an awning to protect against the sun. This style seems to be the most popular and can be matched with most flower and garden decor.

Hand carved wooden garden furniture is another style that is available in selected areas because it is usually hand made and specially ordered. Your local garden center would be able to tell you where you can get in touch with someone who carves handmade wooden garden furniture. Some wood workers prefer a certain type of wood over others but you can probably find what you are looking for if you shop around a little.

In addition to the hand carved wooden garden furniture, there are those that are environmentally friendly and use actual trees and branches to put together a unique looking set of garden furniture without the nails and glue. These are usually larger pieces and also need to be specially ordered.

Water fountains are more than just mere objects of decoration. They have been known to add serenity and a peaceful appeal to any place they are installed. The gurgling sound of the water gives peace to the mind and calms down all mental stress and anxiety. Water itself is known to heal so many human diseases and ailments. The water vapor that evaporates from water fountains is also known to keep surroundings cool and moist, ideal for the growth of plants if installed in the garden.

Today many interior decorators and designers advise on installing indoor fountains inside your home as well as the outdoors to add a more sophisticated and stylish look to your house. Many urban homes today have a fountain, be it a table top or a wall fountain in the indoors, or a garden fountain in the outdoors. It provides an ultimate background appeal when you are hosting parties or talking to guests. It provides a stunning scenic back-drop in your indoors if installed in the right place with the accurate lighting and surroundings.

Nowadays as home décor stores are increasingly becoming popular, even wall water fountains are being modified to all shapes and sizes to fit in nearly all places and surroundings. They come in different materials from stone or ceramic to glass or slate, even plastic. Some of the more expensive pieces are themselves rare artifacts that add a classy look to your home when installed in the right place among right surroundings. They are available in different looks from the contemporary to the sophisticated and sometimes even the rustic look. You can choose the best one that fits your décor and suits your budget. These wall fountains can be installed anywhere from offices to living rooms or hallways or roof gardens or backyards. They are very easy on installation and do not require much maintenance except checking on the water amount and flow on a regular basis and cleaning every couple months.

When going to buy water fountains for your home keep the following things in mind in order to select the best one:

Size – There is a huge variety of different sizes of water fountains available on the market. But you should be definite about the size you want. Study the place and surroundings of the place where you are planning to install a water fountain. Decide on the type and size of the fountain that will be best suited to the surroundings.
Material – As said before water fountains are made of a wide variety of materials ranging from copper to steel or fiberglass, marble, cement and sometimes even red glass. Take the weight of the water fountain into account while choosing your model. Do not select a model that you will not be able to use because of its heavy weight.
Location – The type of water fountain can also depend on the type of location that you want to install it in. It can range from a table top fountain or a wall fountain for the indoors to a huge garden fountain for the outdoors.

So keep in mind all of these points before you select the perfect water fountain in your home.

You also have to consider how much room you have, particularly when planning an interior wall fountain. Buying a fountain that is too large or wide would clutter a small, studio apartment. On the other hand, if you have a huge, empty wall than a small fountain might be underwhelming. Remember that a fountain is a decorative piece (health benefits aside) and it does attract attention. Your goal should be to create a warm environment. There are a variety of wall fountains to choose from, including garden fountains, balcony fountains and even porch fountains. These smaller fountains can easily adapt into an already existing theme. However, larger tiered garden wall fountains fit in with landscaped grounds.

Another issue to consider when buying a wall water fountain is the traffic you anticipate. If you are adding wall water fountains to a large public space (and anticipate a lot of traffic) then the bigger the better. However, if you are putting a fountain in a small hallway area, you want to make sure the fountain doesn’t protrude outward too much. Otherwise, people will be bumping into it constantly.

For the best results, look at the dimensions for your anticipated fountain. Take down the length, height and depth. You can even use tacks or tape to keep track of the measurements. Be careful not to put the fountain too close to children, as they may be tempted to play with the device.

How will the weather influence your wall water fountain? Will cold temperatures cause more dryness or will there be a high amount of humidity? Lastly, pay attention to the wall fountain’s surroundings. Take into consideration the paint color of the room (if any), the fabric, the patterns and other stylistic factors. Consider whether the area has a rustic feel or urban feel. You might also consider how the material will fit in with your room or outside patio; what about copper, steel or slate? Remember there are hundreds of choices of materials for a wall fountain and dependent upon the material the fountain can weigh as little as eight pounds in a resin garden wall fountain  and go up to over five hundred pounds for a marble wall fountain.

A wall water fountain will definitely make your home or garden area come to life!

BluWorld of Water Fountains

Orlando, Florida-based BluWorld is a custom fountain manufacturer that also manufactures fountains through its so-called HOMELEMENTS division. BluWorld has created self-contained water fountains for homes for over a decade. The company’s designs combine the sleek, clean look of modern styling with a more diverse array of materials than usual. This adds a warmth that is often missing from straight glass and steel fountains. If you can’t find what you need in their expansive line of standard features, Bluworld Custom Manufacturing is recognized worldwide as the industry’s leader of exquisite water design and can design, build and install whatever your project needs are.

Garden Fountains by Gist Décor

Gist Décor is a Las Vegas-based company specializing in sculpting, casting and fabricating creative designs for interior designers, architects and contractors working on both residential and business projects. In addition to its work on high profile international projects, Gist also manufactures outdoor water fountains. Many of these freestanding fountains appear to be stone, but are actually made of glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC). GFRC is more durable and lighter than its stone counterpart, making it a more practical material for modern homeowners. These fountains are easier to transport when renovation or moving to a new home demands it.

Harvey Gallery Art Wall Fountains

The Pennsylvania-based Harvey Gallery is a family business that boasts over 35 years of experience. Harvey Gallery’s Galaxy Fountain line represents a truly distinctive foray into water fountain design. Galaxy pieces are actually paintings on Lexan, which serve as the backdrop for a standing water fountain. Each fountain is hand painted, so no two are exactly the same, and custom paintings are available.

Henri Studio Stone Fountains

Illinois-based Henri Studio is a group of stone artisans who produce some of the most finely crafted stone fountains in America. The company actually began with Tuscan sculptor Eneri Prosperi, who shared his Old World expertise with cast stone and marble with a team of home grown artists and designers. Henri fountains are made of high quality stone, sculpted in both contemporary and classic European designs.

Kenroy Home Fountains

Kenroy Home is a large quality home décor retailer. Indoor fountains are part of their overall selection, which also includes light fixtures and interior design accessories. Kenroy is a reliable brand for economical indoor or outdoor fountain choices. Distinct among its counterparts, Kenroy is owned by its employees, making commitment to quality a concern at every level of the company.

Size

The fountain should be in proportion to the size of the yard or lawn. A large fountain in a small yard can make it appear cramped. A small fountain in a big lawn does not catch the attention of visitors, nullifying its purpose. For a very small porch, you can add an outdoor wall fountain in a corner.

Location

Outdoor fountains face one problem that indoor fountains do not face – sinking. Soft earth can cause a heavy fountain to sink into the ground. If the ground becomes wet due to spilling, then the fountain is even more likely to sink. To avoid this problem, make sure that the fountain is placed on firm ground. Ideally, a large fountain should be placed in the center of the plot for the maximum effect.

Design

The fountain should not look out of place in its surroundings. Fortunately, it is easy to find fountains in various styles and designs in the market today. They brighten yards and add tremendous beauty to barren lawns without clashing with the scenery or furniture. Ceramic fountains can weather wind, storm, rain, snow, and harsh sun in a better way. However, these fountains are costly and heavy. Use wood fountains only in a porch or other sheltered spaces. Fiberglass, acrylic and metal fountains are weather proof and rather an inexpensive choice for the outdoors. Stone and slate fountains are also popular.

Price

Fountains come in a range of prices. The more elaborate ones with detailed workmanship are expensive. Smaller fountains built on modern, minimalist lines are cheaper. Ceramic founts are expensive, but fiberglass and copper fountains are not. An outdoor wall fountain costs $100, and floor fountains cost more depending on size and design. Bamboo fountains are perfect for the yard. They are eco friendly, light, and pocket-friendly. You can also consider terracotta fountains for your porch or lawn, as they cost less than metal and stone fountains. The total price would include fountain parts, accessories, and other decorative features such as fish for the pool.

Safety

Water fountains can be a hazard if you have small children and pets at home. Children can fall into pools, and pets may lap up water, that contains chemicals, from the pool. If possible, choose from outdoor water fountains that are out of reach of children, such as wall fountains. They are the safest. If you have a fountain on the grounds, one with deep pools, consider enclosing it in a fence.

Keeping these basic points in mind when out purchasing outdoor water fountains will go a long way in ensuring safety, proper budgeting, and effective use of your outdoor space.

If you have hesitated about buying a garden water fountain before, the benefits of solar power will quickly change your mind.

•    There are no running costs – No mains electricity or batteries to buy
•    No installation costs – Are easy to install for all skill levels
•    Eco-friendly – do not use non-renewable fossil fuels
•    Can be placed anywhere – user-friendly and easy to set up
•    Inexpensive and last for years

When you purchase your solar water fountain, it will be a self-contained unit. You may buy a direct power kit but you will probably want to go with the power pack. The power pack has the advantage of absorbing the suns rays then storing that energy for continued usage, day or night. You can take advantage of the fountain even when the sun goes down for those evening garden parties or poolside parties.

Because you are not using mains power, you are not contributing to the depletion of the Earth’s resources. There are no holes to dig, no electric cables to install and no dry cell batteries to buy. You do not have to worry about hooking them up to a power source to make them run. Solar fountains and solar water pumps require no power source and so can be installed anywhere. Find a nice spot in your garden where your fountain will have maximum impact

Setting up a solar water fountain is an easy project even for the most novice DIY person and you will have your fountain up and running in no time. Just add water.

Solar powered water fountains are comparatively inexpensive and will last for years. Even when you redesign your landscape, the fountain can be incorporated in a different area of the garden and continue to run effortlessly.

Solar water fountains will enhance the beauty of your garden or patio.

Solar fountains run off the energy of the sun and are quickly becoming very popular.

Solar fountains are extremely friendly to the environment. They don’t require any external power source so they don’t increase the demand for electricity from polluting coal or natural gas electric plants. Solar fountains are the organic way to enhance the ambience of your garden. Few sounds are as pleasing as the slow murmur of cascading water.

Outdoor water fountains come in all sorts of designs, from those with cascading waterfalls to those that include a birdbath pool, to those that spout jets of water into the air, to decorative wall fountains. serenityhealth.com has a great selection of solar water fountains available in many different styles for use landscapes and in ponds.

There is a large range to choose from, depending on the style you’re after for your garden’s new image. Make the solar fountain the centerpiece of your garden or simply use them as accents, to increase your gardens overall beauty.

Solar fountains are a great addition to a water feature. Take advantage of their benefits.