GARDENER'S READING ROOM
The Art of Gardening
Ponds

Water Features

When envisioning a garden design it’s important to have a focal point to draw the eye to a remote corner or to make you want to venture further in. In garden design this has often been in the form of a water feature. Now more than ever, water in the garden is as important as it was during the great landscapes of royalty and the wealthy land holders of our past. The only real difference is the size and scale of the landscapes, and perhaps the water features themselves.

Whether you are looking for the soothing sounds of water resonating from a cistern-shaped fountain or the look of old-world style with streams of water spilling from one level to another, the ability to create a focal point with water couldn’t be easier. Styles and forms are constantly changing, and set-up and use are becoming easier.

Several of the newer fountains that have arrived at Sky Nursery are perfect for creating an intimate seating area where the feature is either the centerpiece or the perfect background element on or near a patio, terrace or deck. Many are low-profile bowl shapes with millstone-style tops that allow water to gently splash on top and recapture water below with the resonant sound echoing up from within. They come in many styles, from traditional to contemporary, and vary in sizes. All are ready to go within minutes of setup.

If you are looking to make a grand statement or create that large, important focal point in the landscape, you can choose from several old-world style fountains with single and multiple tiers. These make beautiful visuals, whether standing alone in a courtyard as the crown jewel or nestled into the landscape as a centerpiece. Add some outdoor lighting to your feature and you have created a completely different feeling with the flip of a switch.

As the buyer of fountains for Sky Nursery, each piece that I bring in has to have a place and a function for our customers and their gardens. I’m always looking for new features to add to our displays. Talking with our customers is one of the best ways for me to discover what you want to see. If you like what you see but wonder if there are more choices, please let us know. Sky has plenty of options and finishes available to help you create that perfect focal point for your own garden.

Fountains shown are available at Sky Nursery.

By Joe Abken
Skylights Spring/Summer 2007 Vol. 22, No. 2

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