Yard fountains are a joy for eyes and ears

By Roxanne Washington. Roxanne Washington is a reporter for The Plain Dealer of Cleveland. She can be contacted at rwashington@plaind.com

Along with perennial flowers, a fountain is a pretty and practical garden investment that you pay for once, and enjoy for many summers to come.

"If you have not considered an outdoor fountain for your garden, you are missing out on an extremely versatile and aesthetically pleasing addition."

That's the opinion of Tom Harmon, and it's understandable because Harmon owns the Web site www.fountaincrafters.com, which offers many garden fountains, from traditional to contemporary. Fountains can make a big impact in a yard, but can also be discreet, Harmon says. The right fountain can be an instant pick-me-up to drab corners in your yard, walkways, decks and patios.

So say Jim and Judy Bontempo of Ohio City, Ohio. The Bontempos enjoy fountains so much, they have two in their yard.

Ten years ago, the couple bought a large, four-tier fountain and placed it in their front garden, visible from the street. A few years ago, they acquired a goddesslike statue fountain for a secluded garden in back of their home.

"When we're at home, the fountains are soothing to look at and to hear," says Judy Bontempo. "It makes a statement in your yard, and they make you feel alive."

That statement depends on individual taste and budget, of course, but the size and design of the home and garden matter, too.

"We tell people to bring photos of their landscape when they come here to shop," says Ed Perko of City of Fountains in Chesterland, Ohio. "Some people don't know what to expect when they come here, and photos let us help them."

Peter Cilio is creative director at Campania International, makers of fountains and other garden ornaments. Cilio says a fountain that's too small for its space will get lost. A fountain that's too large can overwhelm the balance of a landscape.

Tiered and pedestal fountains are by far the most popular, but styles and sizes vary from traditional European to Zen-inspired, small tabletops to modern wall models.

Sounds vary from gurgling to a steady stream to splashing, says Perko. Some fountains are strictly visual, with no sound at all, and that's important to consider, Perko adds.

Glazed fountains in reds, blues, greens and earth tones add a burst of color to the setting. If you spend a lot of time outdoors in the evening, consider a fountain with lighting.

As for material, most fountains are made from fiberglass, wood, copper, porcelain or concrete, says Harmon. Concrete or ceramic are considered the best.

"Concrete or any of the stones will last a lot longer because they are sturdier," Harmon says. "Fiberglass is cheaper, but it can fade over time or even break if it's hit hard enough by a rock. So even though it's cheaper, you also have to look at it from a durability standpoint."

Consider where the fountain will be placed. Be sure the ground is completely solid and level to keep water flow even.

Keep the fountain water clean so that algae can't accumulate. A cap of bleach once a month works. Nurseries, garden centers and stores like Lowe's and Home Depot sell outdoor-fountain cleaner.

Also, if your fountain has a filter, check it every now and then for debris accumulation. If the water isn't flowing right, there's probably blockage in the filter.

When summer ends, fountains need to be prepared for the winter.

"We recommend to people that they either dismantle their fountain or cover it for the winter," says Perko. "Make sure all of the water is out of the fountain and out of the pump before you cover them or put them away for the winter. Otherwise the water might freeze and cause them to crack. These things need to be done if you want to keep your fountain in good shape over the years."