A guide to buying an outdoor wall fountain

The sight and sounds of water make it a welcome addition to any landscape. Along with being a sensory delight, water fountains also regulate the micro-climate by humidification. Wall fountains can provide these benefits without consuming the space required for floor fountains and with minimal interference to other activities. Read this guide to buying an outdoor wall fountain for information on alternatives, features, materials and selection.

Features

Location The selected location should allow the fountain to be viewed favourably from the garden and even indoors. Power supply is required for pump operation and lighting. A solar powered fountain may be considered as it can help in energy savings. Size Garden wall fountains can be stand-alone entity or integrated with other landscape elements like flower beds and creepers. The size of the fountain should be based on this location. It is important that the size is suitable for the space so that it becomes a visual focus, without overwhelming the space. Styles Wall water fountains basically consist of a basin, waterspout and a decorative background. These are available in various styles. Traditional designs like lion-head fountains are inspired by classical styles and common in stone fountains. Contemporary artwork is also available and is a great choice for minimalist gardens or corporate settings. Wall water features can be personalised by using mosaic tile patterns or art bricks. Water effects The water effects can also be selected for noise and visuals. You may choose the water noise to suit the garden. A gushing noise may be better appreciated in a noisy garden where a trickle would go unnoticed. Similarly, the water can create sprays or bubbles. Some pumps have settings to control water flow and modulate its appearance and noise.

Materials

Material choice determines appearance, durability and price of fountains. Materials like rocks, pebbles and clay tiles create a very rustic and pleasant look suited for the outdoors. Marble has a beautiful appearance but it is not recommended in freezing cold temperatures. Metals like brass, bronze and copper show an interesting visual gradation as they weather. There is enough variety in synthetic materials like acrylic and fibreglass. These can simulate other materials and can be moulded into different shapes.

Safety and maintenance

Check wall strength for compatibility with loading of wall-mounted fountains and ensure secure fixing to avoid accidents. Pedestal basins with back plates are also available and can be installed against a wall. As in any outdoor installation, water features for the garden should have low maintenance requirements. Ensure that there is sufficient clearance to allow occasional cleaning access. Enjoy the delights of having a fountain by buying one that is suited to your garden space and style.