Water Features And Fountains
Ponds, Streams and FountainsAdding water is a wonderful way to add even more enjoyment to an outdoor living space. The sight and sound of moving water adds a calming effect to the space, while providing a consistent water source for birds and other small animals. There are many ways to introduce water into the landscape, depending on the space you have and the level of maintenance you are willing to perform.Fountains, either pre-made or custom built, are usually self-contained units that can be located just about anywhere. They provide a soft flow of water and small amount of noise, and can be an artistic focal point in the landscape. These are the easiest types of water features to maintain, and the choice of many for that reason.Pondless waterfalls are a relatively recent invention. They provide a larger amount of water movement and higher noise level, but without the maintenance a pond will require. Streams of varying length can be built into these features, adding to their functionality.Ponds of nearly any size can be built for the most avid of water gardeners and usually have at least one waterfall and stream. They are usually designed as complete ecosystems with the ability to support plant life and often koi or other fish as well. While properly designed and built ponds can be largely self-sufficient, periodic maintenance is always needed and should be considered before choosing this type of water feature.
