Outdoor water features like fountains and birdbaths can greatly improve your home’s aesthetics and ambiance. The pleasant sounds of flowing or trickling water create a relaxing environment while making your landscape look good. Strategically placing an outdoor fountain or birdbath in your yard or garden allows you to enjoy these benefits and also attract wildlife. Birds, butterflies and other creatures are drawn to fresh flowing water.
Benefits of Outdoor Fountains & Birdbaths
There are many excellent reasons to incorporate fountains or birdbaths into your home’s landscaping:
Improved Aesthetics
These water features simply look lovely in outdoor spaces. The sight and sound of gently flowing or falling water has an innate beauty. Fountains and birdbaths come in countless shapes, sizes and styles to complement any décor.
Increased Property Value
Outdoor fountains and birdbaths boost curb appeal. Properties with attractive landscape features often have higher resale values. These water features also make spaces more enjoyable for you while living there.
Stress Relief & Relaxation
The tranquil sounds of trickling water promote relaxation. The soft white noise blocks out less pleasant environmental sounds. Time near fountains has been shown to lower heart rate and blood pressure.
Wildlife Attraction
Birds, butterflies and beneficial insects are drawn to fresh water sources. Placing birdbaths or shallow fountain bowls in your garden encourages these creatures to visit and take up residence. Their presence helps control pests and adds lovely motion.
Types of Outdoor Fountains
If you’ve decided to add a fountain to your landscaping, choosing the right style is key. Consider your home’s architectural details and décor when selecting a design.
Some popular outdoor fountain types include:
Tiered or Cascading Fountains: These fountains feature multiple basins stacked vertically, with water flowing from one level into the next. The cascading effect works wonderfully in gardens. Place near steps, patios or porches.
Standing Garden Fountains: Freestanding outdoor water fountains come in endless shapes and sizes, perfect for lawn or garden placement. Classic materials like stone, clay and concrete complement natural spaces. Opt for copper or bronze for a more contemporary look.
Wall Fountains: Wall-mounted fountains add big impact in small spaces. Position above retaining walls or fences or affix to home exterior walls. Contemporary options include sleek metal or glass basins. Mediterranean or Tuscan wall fountains feature classic urn shapes and materials.
Pondless Fountains: Disappearing or pondless fountains conceal their water source below grade. This creates the illusion of water emerging straight from the ground. The simple jet and basin remain visible. Go pondless for a modern, minimalist look.
Fountain Materials
Outdoor fountains are commonly constructed from:
- Metal: Durable materials like copper, bronze and stainless steel resist corrosion. Great contemporary aesthetic.
- Stone: Natural stone like granite, slate and sandstone complement gardens. Sealing required.
- Concrete: Concrete fountains are affordable and weather-resistant. May feel less natural.
- Fiberglass: Lightweight yet durable fiberglass fountains are portable and low maintenance. More modern looking.
- Ceramic or Terracotta: Glazed ceramic/terra cotta options provide Mediterranean flair. Will require draining before winter frost.
Types of Birdbaths
Like fountains, birdbaths should reflect your home’s existing features and style. Garden birdbaths, pedestal baths and deck-mounted options offer versatility.
Garden Birdbaths
Most freestanding birdbaths sit directly at ground level for convenient bird access. Choose a simple basin or sculptural concrete, stone or ceramic bath. Place these in gardens,cpu lawns or landscape beds.
Pedestal Birdbaths
Elevated on a column, pedestal birdbaths feature a basin atop a tall central stand. The height makes them harder for predators to access. Great for porch or patio placement.
Hanging Birdbaths
Hanging birdbaths attach to trees, porches or exterior walls via hooks and chains. Go for a hanging style to save space or discourage predators. Hanging options feature glass, ceramic or copper basins.
Deck Box Birdbaths
For pool, patio or balcony areas, deck box-mounted birdbaths keep water easily accessible but out from underfoot. Look for removable basin options that tuck inside decorative deck boxes when not in use.
Placement Considerations
Choosing fountain and birdbath sites within your landscape requires careful thought. Factor in practical needs like access, visibility and drainage along with decorative impact.
Access
Ensure your fountain or birdbath remains easily reachable for cleaning, maintenance and seasonal draining/storage. Pathways through gardens provide close access. For yard fountains, use nearby gates, not just your home’s back door.
Visibility
The sight of flowing water adds atmosphere, so optimize visibility. Position fountains and baths in high-traffic areas you’ll view often, like porches or patios. Wall fountains and cascades look best on vertical house walls or staggered retaining fences.
Sunlight
While birdbaths want sun for algae resistance, fountains often look nicer in partial shade. Note how the sunlight shifts across your property during the day when choosing sites. Fountain pumps run more efficiently in cooler water as well.
Drainage & Water Access
Ensure adequate drainage grading to direct overflow away from structures. Place freestanding fountains and baths near hose taps for convenient water filling and on slight slopes to prevent pooling at bases.
Existing Features & Traffic Flow
Site fountains and birdbaths where you’ll naturally see and hear them during regular property use. Key areas include seating spaces like patios and paths leading to and from home entries or garages. Avoid bottlenecks.
Safety Tips
Outdoor fountains and birdbaths pose some safety risks, but a few simple precautions greatly reduce hazards:
- Drain features before freezing weather and winterize pumps.
- Select shallow basin depths for better stability and to deter drowning. Most birdbaths are less than 3 inches deep.
- In popular play spaces, anchor freestanding fountains and baths into the ground for added stability.
- Situate electrical cords out of main traffic spaces to prevent tripping and disconnect cords before working on pumps.
- Install residual-current circuit breaker outlets near fountain pumps as an added precaution against electrocution.
Maintenance
While lovely additions, fountains and birdbaths do require regular upkeep. Factor required care into placement decisions. Key maintenance tips include:
- Seasonally drain, clean and store small fountains and birdbaths in cold climates.
- Frequently change water and scrub away mineral deposits and algae overgrowth.
- Monthly clean pumps by removing debris and calcium buildup to maintain optimal performance.
- Apply protective cleaners to natural stone materials as needed to prevent etching or corrosion. Use bird-safe products.
- Annually inspect fixtures for damage or leaks and replace parts like hoses or light bulbs as needed.
Decorating with Fountains & Birdbaths
Beyond placement, factor aesthetics into your fountain or birdbath selection. Decorative accents complement the relaxed water ambiance. Useful accessories include:
- Landscape Lighting: Illuminate installations for 24-hour drama. Go for ground or underwater lights.
- Plantings: Frame fountains and baths with shrubs, ornamental grasses, vines or perennials. The vegetation absorbs sound softly.
- Garden Sculptures: Incorporate decorative sculptures like gazing balls, statues or stepping stones for layered interest.
- Found Objects: Use interesting relics like antique urns, old wheelbarrows or worn farm tools as novel planting beds or fountain spill pools.
- Gravel/Stone: Finish fountain surroundings with pea gravel or crushed stone. This neatens spaces and prevents mud.
Top Brands for Fountains and Birdbaths
Outdoor Fountains
- Campania International – Known for their high-quality, handmade stone, ceramic and copper fountains. Made in the USA.
- Alpine Corporation – Offers a wide selection of outdoor fountains across styles and price points. Made from materials like fiberglass, resin and metal. Imported and imported components.
- Kasco Marine – Specializes in aerating fountains for ponds but also makes water feature fountains. Very durable for outdoor use. Made in the USA.
- Mosto – European company crafting modern and contemporary concrete, marble and granite fountains.
- Henri Studio – Handmade fountains and statues for gardens and landscapes made from materials like limestone, cast stone and cast aluminum. Based in California.
Birdbaths
- Allied Precision – Known for making sturdy and well-designed metal pedestal and hanging birdbaths at affordable prices.
- Allied Stone Creations – Specializes in high-end birdbaths handmade from sculpture stone. Unique custom designs. Based in Texas.
- Plow & Hearth – Sells their own brand birdbaths as well as stocking various name brands. Focuses on decoration and curb appeal products.
- Perky Pet – Top seller of glass, ceramic and copper birdbaths and bird feeders/houses at major retailers. Affordable prices.
- Hawksley – British company crafting classic stone resin and lead birdbaths. Elegant traditional European styles.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Enhance aesthetics and ambiance – The sights and sounds add natural beauty.
- Increase property value – Boost curb appeal and perceived home value.
- Promote relaxation – The tranquil water sounds are soothing and peaceful.
- Attract wildlife – Birds, butterflies and beneficial insects visit the fresh water.
- Mask unpleasant noises – The pleasant trickling masks traffics sounds etc.
- Versatile placement – Fountains and baths work in gardens, yards, patios etc.
Cons
- Costs – Purchasing the fixture and accessories requires an upfront investment.
- Maintenance – Keeping water clean, pumps operational etc takes regular effort.
- Safety hazards – Risks include toppling, drowning, electrocution etc needing precautions.
- Water consumption – Fountains and baths lose some water to evaporation and splashing.
- Freeze damage risk – Cold climates require seasonal draining and storing.
- Limited use seasons – Enjoyment diminishes in cold weather.
FAQs
Costs range widely from $50 portable birdbaths to $10,000 elaborate tiered fountains. Plan $250-500 for starter-level installed fountains and $100-250 for simple birdbaths.
Stone, metal and high-grade polymer resins resist weathering. Choose materials to coordinate with your home’s existing features and style.
Site them near seating areas, paths or garden entries where they’ll be visible and you’ll hear the pleasant sounds. Ensure access for cleaning.
Change birdbath water 1-3 times a week. Clean fountains every 2-4 weeks to prevent mineral deposits and algae overgrowth.
Yearly tasks involve winterizing, inspecting fixtures for damage and replacing parts as needed. Monthly upkeep includes debris removal, scrubbing, pump filter cleaning etc.
Top safety risks are drowning, electrocution and injuries from falling or tipping fountains. Take basic precautions like shallow baths, securing fixtures and using GFCI outlets.
Most popular styles are tiered cascading fountains, pedestal birdbaths, wall-mounted fountains, disappearing fountains, deck-box mounted birdbaths and hanging options.
Fountain pumps typically use less than 100 watts on average. Cost about $0.10-0.30 per day to operate. Solar pump options available to avoid electric bills entirely.
Conclusion
Outdoor fountains and birdbaths instantly upgrade home aesthetics with the pleasant sights and gentle sounds of flowing water. From grand tiered fountains to humble pedestal birdbaths, water features enhance landscape designs, attract pleasing wildlife and encourage relaxation. Thoughtfully incorporate fountains or birdbaths into your exterior spaces, drawing attention to beautiful plantings or architecture details. With a bit of planning and regular care, these water features will provide joy for years to come.
Read More
Garden Makeover Secrets with Talavera Multicolor Outdoor Planters!
How to Transform Your Garden With Pampas Grass for Stunning Decor
