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Tap the soothing sounds of water for home

What do you imagine when you think of fountains?

Maybe the amazing 24-ton, four-
story silver loop Julie Penrose Fountain in America the Beautiful Park that is said to be a bridge between earth and sky?

It may be inspirational. But alas, it won't fit on your patio.

The sound of water is said to be one of the most popular sounds worldwide. And to have that sound in your garden - whether it is murmuring, burbling or splashing - can provide respite from the stressful modern life we lead, say those who have them in their landscape.

"It's having something in your garden that is alive and making quiet conversation," says Don Humphrey of Don's Garden Shop and Landscaping Materials. He has been selling fountains since the 1970s and has six in his yard. The newest was placed outside the bedroom window. It features soft lighting that reflects inside and onto the ceiling, providing a calm rippling effect.

Water features such as ponds, waterfalls and fountains have become especially popular landscaping features in recent years.

A fountain, though, can be an inexpensive and simple choice without committing to the care and cost of more elaborate water features.

"It's like having a minipond without all the work," says Robin Boutilier of Good Earth Garden Center.

Boutilier has a modern, three-tiered square fountain on her home's patio. "We spend more time outside now that we have the fountain. It gives a sense of permanence to our garden."

During the recession, the sale of fountains dropped off a bit, like everything else. But this summer they have sold very well, says Alice Spencer Robinson of Spencer's Lawn and Garden Center.

Fountains can cost anywhere from $100 to tens of thousands of dollars, with most in the $250 to $400 range. Spencer's recently special ordered a large, elegant three-tiered fountain that cost $5,000.

Given the popularity, manufacturers have created just about every style and size imaginable - contemporary, traditional, Gothic, European, Asian, Southwestern, Zen. Some are 10 feet tall and weigh tons; others are fountainettes that look like birdbaths or petite tabletop vases; still others can be hung on walls like a painting. There are designs that feature lions spurting water out of their mouths, Grecian maidens pouring jars of water into pools, frogs in meditative poses, children washing their hands, farm kids getting water from old-fashioned pumps.

Besides style, the most important consideration is sound. In most cases, fountains in which the water drops from a height into a bowl are louder than those where the water bubbles up.

Which are most popular?

"It's like clothing. Everyone has a different idea of what they want," says Boutilier.

Humphrey agrees. "Everyone wants something different."

At Spencer's, the so-called "bubblers" are very popular. They are named that because they bubble without a waterfall effect.

But some fountain lovers ignore all those concrete or metal forms and choose an entirely natural look. At Don's, customers can pick out a boulder from its stockpile and have it drilled to turn it into a fountain. They can be quite costly, depending on size.

Fountains aren't often special ordered, because manufacturers are typically out of state and the cost of shipping can be much more than the price of the fountain itself. Most garden shops order fountains by the truckload and have a variety of styles on hand.

At Don's, they refer to some fountains by the number of people it takes to move them: a two-man fountain, a four-man fountain. Most larger fountains can be broken down into pieces to make moving easier. Others are small enough to easily be lifted by customers and placed in the back seat of a car.

Most garden shops will deliver the fountain to a residence. It usually costs about 20 percent of the purchase price of the fountain, or more depending on the size.

Once at home, the most important consideration is to make sure the site where it will stand is completely level so that it operates correctly. If it's on a deck, make sure the underpinnings are strong enough to hold it.

"You don't want it to be tippy," Boutilier cautions.

Also, a fountain needs to be near electricity and the plug must be grounded. Since a fountain has to be filled with water fairly often, being close to a faucet and hose is handy. It's also handy when the fountain needs to be cleaned out, too.

Once it is in place, relax.

Robinson has a bubble fountain on her front porch, where she sit almost every night to listen to the soft sound of water and watch the bats fly by.

"It's all very soothing," she says.

FOUNTAIN CARE TIPS

- With Colorado's freezing winters, fountains should be drained and covered with a fountain cover so water doesn't leak into the concrete or expand and crack it. Fountains can be heated, but it's fairly expensive. Some experts suggest spraying with a clear waterproof paint product once a year to seal the concrete.

- Fountains that get a lot of sun are more prone to algae growth. Special natural products are available to put in the water, but if you have wildlife and pets, make sure it isn't harmful to them. Do not use chemicals.

- Clean the fountain and pump fairly often, in some cases every day or two if its a small model. Vinegar or special washes work to get rid of mineral deposits. Large models can be cleaned less often.

- Pumps can often be adjusted so there is no splashing outside the fountain. Floats can be used on the larger fountains to keep the water level.

- Be sure to check the water level every couple of days because summer heat can evaporate it quickly. The water level should always be above the pump line.

- Keep the fountain running so water doesn't stagnate or accumulate debris as easily.

Don Humphrey, Don's Garden Shop

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