The Captivating Power of Water Features
A couple of weeks ago, I was chatting with my friend Emily, and she brought up one of her “maybe dorky but actually awesome” ideas that I hadn’t really considered before – the outdoor water fountain. Honestly, I’ve had a love-hate relationship with at-home water features in the past. We had a plugin one in the entry of our house growing up, and it sounded like someone who had consumed 10 Big Gulps and was finally relieving themselves 24/7. Sorry for the visual, but it was not the soothing experience I had hoped for.
However, after hearing Emily’s convincing argument for the calming power of a water feature (she has a couple of fountains and a man-made stream at her mountain house), and then coming to my dad’s place with a new and improved version of the fountain from my youth, I was completely on board. Water is truly healing, and the sound of it is undeniably soothing. I don’t have the studies handy, but it just is.
In a time when anxiety is collectively at an all-time high, and we’re spending (or should be spending) a lot of time at home, we need to bring the sounds of nature in. Unless, of course, you’re one of the lucky few living next to a beach, river, or another body of water – in that case, I’ll try my best to keep the jealousy at bay. But for those of us not blessed with easy access to nature’s music, I’ve pulled together some of my favorite garden fountains so you too can bring a little water ASMR into your life. Trust me, you won’t be sorry.
The Soothing Soundtrack of Outdoor Water Features
Before we dive into all the shoppable fountain options, I wanted to touch on the magic of man-made streams. As I mentioned, Emily has one in her backyard at the mountain house, and the entire family loves it. It was already there when they bought the property, and I can see why they were so drawn to it. The gentle gurgling and splashing of the water is simply mesmerizing.
According to landscape designer Trevor Smith, there’s an art to creating a truly captivating water feature. It’s not just about the visual – the sound is equally, if not more, important. He explains that there are different types of waterfalls, each with their own distinct melodies:
Sheet Falls
These are the most common and dramatic type of constructed falls, creating a soothing “SHHHHH” sound as the water cascades over the edge. The pitch of the falls can be adjusted by altering the depth of the pool below or the grotto behind.
Cascade Falls
Also known as “boulder falls,” these occur when water rolls and spills over the face of large or multiple boulders, producing a “WOSHHHHH” sound with some unexpected burps and gurgles as the water interacts with the rocks.
Boulder Tumbles
This is the most natural-looking waterfall, creating low notes, gurgles, trickles, and burps as the water is squeezed and sloshed between stones. These “GURGLE BLOOP TRICKLE” sounds are the heartbeat of a truly authentic water feature.
Smith advises carefully orchestrating these different “voices” to create a harmonious aquatic chorus that immerses visitors in the soothing symphony of nature. It’s a delicate balance, but oh, so worth it.
Bringing the Tranquility Home
Now that you understand the magic behind well-designed water features, let’s explore some gorgeous options to transform your outdoor space into a private oasis. Whether you have acres of land or a cozy city patio, there’s a fountain here to suit your style and space.
Tabletop Fountains
These compact marvels are perfect for those without dedicated outdoor areas. From the simple elegance of the Geo Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete Oval to the whimsical charm of the Amelie Bird, these fountains bring the soothing sounds of nature right to your fingertips.
Wall Fountains
For those with limited yard space, wall fountains are a fantastic solution. The Tribus and Colonna offer classic European style, while the Fountain in Zellige adds a stunning vintage flair.
Pedestal Fountains
These timeless beauties are the epitome of elegance. The Aurelia and Borghese are my personal favorites, with their classic lines and soothing sounds.
Statement Fountains
If you have the space and budget, these showstopping fountains are sure to impress. The Beauvais is the spitting image of the one in Emily’s front yard – a true centerpiece that sets the tone for the entire outdoor space.
No matter which style you choose, the key is finding a fountain that not only fits your aesthetic but also creates a truly immersive auditory experience. After all, what’s the point of a water feature if it doesn’t transport you to a serene, natural oasis?
Overcoming the Challenges of Water Features
Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the potential challenges of incorporating a water feature into your landscape. My family actually had a big, beautiful wall-mounted fountain in our garden when we first moved in, and it was an absolute nightmare.
For the first few weeks, we loved it – the soothing sounds, the visual appeal, the way it transformed our outdoor space. But then we discovered it needed a cocktail of chemicals to keep it from becoming an algae-infested mosquito breeding ground. Our dog thought it was her own personal water trough, and our kids had a blast throwing leaves, sticks, and gravel into it.
After dealing with all that maintenance for a couple of summers, we just couldn’t do it anymore. The fountain has been empty for two years now, and we’re still debating what to do with it. We’re afraid to take it off the wall because it’s concrete and heavy, and we don’t know the condition of the wall behind it. Plus, we’d have to disconnect the electrical and figure out how to get rid of the darn thing.
So, if you’re considering a water feature, just be aware that it may require more work than you bargained for. Especially if you have young kids or pets – those fountains can become magnets for messes and mayhem. But if you have the time, energy, and budget to maintain it properly, the benefits can be truly transformative.
Harmonizing with Nature’s Symphony
Ultimately, the decision to incorporate a water feature into your landscape comes down to your personal preferences and lifestyle. If you’re someone who cherishes the soothing sounds of nature and has the means to care for a fountain or stream, I highly recommend exploring your options.
A1 Landscape Construction, a premier landscape design and construction company in Temecula, California, has the expertise to help you create a custom water feature that seamlessly blends with your outdoor space. From the initial planning to the final installation, they’ll ensure your new fountain or stream becomes the centerpiece of your private oasis, transporting you to a serene, natural world every time you step outside.
So, what are you waiting for? Let the sounds of nature soothe your soul and transform your backyard into a true sanctuary. Trust me, it’s worth the effort.
