BY ANNIE HUSTON, BIRDSALL & CO.
Children run through sprinklers in the heat of summer, jump across streams in the mountains, and love the ocean waves. Adults themselves won’t turn down an afternoon on the beach, paddle-boarding on a lake, or lazy lounging by the pool. Water is one of those perfectly biophilic marvels that help humans connect to nature and bring on a refreshing state of relaxation.
Why get a fountain?
So, barring a second home on the ocean, fountains are the most affordable and convenient way to get closer to nature. Besides the stress relief benefits, there are many practical reasons to introduce a fountain in a landscape, a terrace, or a balcony. The sound effects can be anything from a bubbling or trickle to a loud cascading; whatever your space or sound requirements, there is a fountain for you. Traffic noise? One flowing spout will cover that. Want a soft mood for the evening cocktail hour? A bubbler will be charming. Want to attract birds for their ablutions? A birdbath fountain will do double duty. Beating sun on a large empty wall? A wall fountain will be both architectural and provide a respite from the heat. Do you have a dog in the house? He will love the constant coolness of the water and will abandon the water bowl for it.
How to pick a fountain?
There are so many to choose from, but there are things to consider that will help you narrow down to the perfect fountain:
Budget – from $70 for a sweet tabletop fountain to thousands for a large estate fountain, and everything in between.
Sound – water sounds carry far, especially at night when everything is quiet. Unless you want Versailles in your backyard, pay attention to the sound quality of the fountain you are coveting. You can always set it on a timer so it either helps you go to sleep at night, or helps you wake up!
Scale – Size is self-explanatory and only involves measuring. The height and width of the fountain are all important. Too large and it will dwarf your space and look out of place. Too small and it will look like an afterthought, ending up in the garage under a pile of moving blankets after one season. Be bold. You committed to a fountain and it should feel and look comfortable in its new home.
Style – The architectural style of the home will dictate the style of the fountain. Since you picked your house, you will most likely gravitate toward the same type of aesthetic in the choice of your fountain. There are many styles available from ultra-contemporary, sleek and simple to classic two and three tiered ones. Pick a large and deep basin if you want to cool your feet in it or toss in water plants.
Location – Tuck it in the landscape amidst plants, create its own accent location as a focal point, let it welcome you in the front yard or comfort you in the back yard. Place it against an empty garage wall, nestle it on the terrace, set it on the outdoor side table. The fountain can lead visitors to it with its sound, to discover it amongst the roses or boxwoods. Or it can take its place in the limelight in the driveway and be accented with lights for evening interest.
In a state as dry as Colorado, the little water needed to create an oasis in your home with a fountain is one of those simple pleasures that give you joy on a daily basis. Since it is recycled, the water level will require topping off due to evaporation and the thirst and bathing habits of your neighborhood birds, but that’s a lot less than a bluegrass lawn.
Finally, once a week, maybe more in the summer months, take the time to fully enjoy the benefits of your fountain: visit your fountain with a glass of Champagne, and compare the bubbles.