The auditory and visual appeal of moving water can have a highly meditative effect. The soothing sound of a babbling brook can ease your mind while relaxing, working or trying to sleep at night.
However, not every home is situated near a moving stream or waterfall. Thankfully, it is possible to find a hardscape supplier in Chester County capable of adding a fountain, waterfall and other water elements to your property.
Is your yard missing a fountain?
Some folks will consider a fountain as a close second-place to the rustling stream they had in their childhood home, or in the house of their dreams. Others will see the fountain as a symbol of achievement or a celebration of life.
Have you ever taken a step back, looked at a portion of your yard or patio and realized something was missing?
A yard fountain as a means of self-expression.
Adding a fountain need not be expensive, nor must it be a “cookie-cutter” solution you’ve seen a dozen times at Home Depot. Most consumer fountains cycle water in a self-circulating manner. They consist of very few parts.
Some common fountain parts include:
- Pump
- Power supply
- Collection tank
- Decorative element(s)
Make the most of your fountain investment. Find a creative idea or design so your fountain is truly yours. Everything from a Nascar hood, to carefully-placed pottery shards can be conceived as possible fountain decorative material.
The “Dry Fountain” alternative.
Ideal for corporate settings, or to give your kids incredible bragging rights over their friends, a dry fountain is another possible option. A dry fountain consists of special flooring tiles equipped with water jets, draining functions, and sometimes lighting.
These are commonly found in the entrance of amusement parks and occasionally at a large company’s corporate headquarters. They get the name “dry fountain” because when the fountain is switched off, the walkway becomes dry for pedestrian traffic.
Five fountain owner basics:
- Hardwired vs. Solar: The hardwired option gets more expensive the further you wish to place the fountain from your home. A solar-powered fountain will be limited in the amount of pressure it can create and will require adequate sun exposure.
- Regular cleaning: Algae and other natural buildup can accumulate in the various parts of your fountain. Your fountain installation contractor will prescribe a specific cleaning method and cleaning solution for the job.
- Winter maintenance: Every fountain should be completely drained before the first frost of the season. If your fountain is directly connected to your home’s plumbing system, a separate shut-off valve usually must be switched-off as well.
- Seek specialists for highest quality installations. Most contractors will say ‘yes’ if you ask them if they can install a water feature on your property. If you hire a contractor who doesn’t specialize, you run risks. A poorly-installed, or poorly-designed system can be a breeding ground for algae and mold.
- You can always start small. If you’re not entirely sure you’re ready for a big commitment like a fountain or pond, smart small. Find a small water element project you can start with as a test. Maybe a lion or fish’s head spitting water out of its mouth, for example. These simple units often are recirculating systems and require minimal maintenance costs.
Fountains, Ponds and Waterfalls: Create an Oasis
Who doesn’t love treating themselves? After a long work day isn’t it nice coming home and enjoying the sound of water trickling in your backyard. Well, for some, a fountain alone would not nearly be enough! The dream of some involves multi-level ponds and stream networks incorporating multiple waterfalls.
For another person, a simple hose-fed bird bath would be perfect. How you make a splash will depend on your property configuration, budget and the capabilities of local landscape architects. Your local climate is another key factor.
Ready to make a splash?
If you’re ready to add a fountain to your landscape and are looking for a hardscape supplier in Chester County, look no further than Woodward Landscape Supply. Our team is ready to provide you with a soothing addition to your outdoor living space. Contact us today to get started.