Fountain design for garden
17 Outdoor Fountain Ideas - How To Make a Garden Fountain for Your Backyard
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Add a soothing water structure to your backyard without breaking the bank.
By Madison Alcedo and Jenae Sitzes
At Charlotte's House/A Piece of Rainbow
Want to add a unique element to your backyard? Try a one-of-a-kind DIY water fountain! Water fountains have been a common feature in gardens of varying sizes since ancient times. The earliest account on record was a carved stone basin that dates back to around 2000 B.C. Most of the early versions of fountains were gravity based and relied on the natural flow of water from sources like rivers, lakes, and sometimes manmade aqueducts with basins to collect the water. At the time, modern plumbing and running water from faucets were not in existence.
Water was simply collected with buckets for a variety of essential purposes. People used these vessels out of necessity for drinking water, bathing, washing garments, and even faith-based ceremonies. However, ancients Romans started the trend of using fountains for decorative purposes in well-known places like Rome—the city of fountains. These days ornamental water fountains are commonly found in many locations like small home gardens and large public spaces.
You probably won't have room in your budget or backyard for fountain like the famous Italian Fontana di Trevi Fountain but we have plenty of pretty and budget-friendly DIY options for you to explore! From a charming fountain made from flower pots to a water wall that rivals store-bought renditions, these easy and unique projects will reinvigorate your garden like nothing else. Plus, check out more of our best backyard decorating ideas that will be sure to wow your guests during summer soirées.
Rustic and Refined
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Mixed Metal Water Fountain
Turn your fountain into a major outdoor focal point with the help of a few galvanized materials and greenery. Don't forget the matching watering can for the finishing touch.
Get the tutorial at Rustic and Refined.
The Interior Frugalista
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Plant Pot Water Fountain
Clocking in only 15 minutes of prep time, this DIY flower pot fountain project is too good to pass up for your own backyard.
Get the tutorial at The Interior Frugalista.
A Piece of Rainbow
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Galvanized Bucket Solar Fountain
This DIY is one of our favorite uses for a leftover galvanized tub, especially given its easy transportation factor.
Get the tutorial at A Piece of Rainbow.
At Charlotte's House
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Bubbling Water Fountain
Have an old globe lying around? You're all set with the perfect base for this tasteful round water feature that incorporates a solar water pump kit and concrete/mortar Quikrete mix.
Get the tutorial at At Charlotte's House.
Courtesy of Addicted 2 DIY
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Tiered Flower Pot Fountain
Using some pots from Lowe's, a budget water pump, and some rocks from around her yard, blogger Katie created this simple, relaxing water fountain for her garden that birds can't get enough of.
Get the tutorial at Addicted 2 DIY.
Courtesy of Today's Creative Life
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Tiny Egg Fountain
This miniature fountain makes a perfect addition to a small deck and takes just 15 minutes to make with a small water pump.
Get the tutorial at Today's Creative Life.
RELATED: The Best Outdoor Fire Pits for Your Backyard
Courtesy of Interior Frugalista
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Patio Water Wall
This massive fountain won't come together quickly, but it's well worth the time and effort.
Blogger Marie moved her water wall onto her deck so company could enjoy the relaxing sound of water while they chatted.
Get the tutorial at Interior Frugalista.
Courtesy of J. Paris Designs
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Blue Planters Waterfall
Let your fountain add a pop of color to your garden! This royal blue waterfall was crafted with three giant planter pots and a mini pond pump.
Get the tutorial at J. Paris Designs.
RELATED: Dreamy Ways to Use Outdoor String Lights in Your Backyard
Courtesy of Instructables
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Disappearing Water Fountain
If you love the gushing sound of a fountain but are less crazy about having an open pool of water in your yard (especially if you have children), this decorative rock fountain may be for you. Requiring easy-to-find materials, this fountain will cost you less than $200.
Get the tutorial at Instructables.
Courtesy of Instructables
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Three-Tier Fountain
This fountain looks fancy, but you can make it yourself using cheap items from a thrift shop. Depending on what found items you use, your fountain will have its own unique look.
Get the tutorial at Instructables.
BirdzOfAFeather
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Charming Water Feature
As seen on Hometalk, this spring-inspired water feature will add tons of curb appeal to your home.
Get the tutorial at Birdz of a Feather.
Hometalk
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Tea Pot Fountain
Add a piece of DIY decor to your garden or backyard with this fountain made from an iron tea pot and an old whiskey barrel.
Get the tutorial at Hometalk.
RELATED: New Ways to Landscape Your Yard
Tatertots & Jello
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Recirculating Ceramic Pot Fountain
The sound of babbling water from this recirculating fountain fashioned from a submersible pump will instantly create a more relaxing atmosphere in your outdoor space.
Get the tutorial at Tatertots & Jello.
Courtesy of Central Texas Gardener
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Circular Water Wall
Turn a recycled table top into a beautiful water wall for your garden.
Get the tutorial at Central Texas Gardener.
Courtesy of Instructables.com
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Rock Fountain
This DIY with a submersible pump might take you a couple of days to finish, but the finished product—look at those stacked stones!—will be worth the effort.
Get the tutorial at Instructables.
Sophisticated Junkie
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Watering Can Fountain
This cool-looking fountain made from recycled watering cans and a wash bin is the perfect addition to a country garden.
Get the tutorial at Sophisticated Junkie.
Courtesy of SAF Affect
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Bamboo Fountain
15 Best Pergola Ideas for the Backyard
Madison Alcedo Assistant Editor Madison Alcedo was the Assistant Editor at WomansDay.
com and Redbookmag.com.
10 decorative garden fountains |
(Image credit: Haddonstone/David Harber/XXXX)
Nothing will evoke calm and tranquillity in a backyard quite like these garden fountain ideas. Whether you have a small courtyard or an expansive plot, adding a garden fountain into your space will instantly add height, interest and atmosphere to your backyard's design.
When you start researching water feature ideas, you'll quickly realize that it's not as straightforward as picking a design you like – though that is a key component – you also need to factor in its size, placement and power source.
'You should also consider the style of your home and garden. If you have a
traditional home, you may want to choose a traditional-style fountain. If
your home is more modern, you may want to choose a contemporary-style
fountain,' says Lindsey Hyland, founder of UrbanOrganic Yield .
Garden fountain ideas
Adding garden fountain ideas to your scheme can totally transform your backyard.
An influencing factor in deciding which garden fountain to choose – other than whether to match it with garden pond ideas – is the local climate. 'If you live in a cold climate, you'll have to have a special heater for your fountain during the winter, so it doesn't crack. If you don't want to do this, choose a ceramic fountain. Ceramic fountains are more expensive than metal or stone, but they are long-lasting and can be used year-round without damage,' explains Lindsey Hyland.
Below, we're showcasing our favorite garden fountain ideas.
(Image credit: David Harber )
When designing patio ideas consider using garden fountain ideas as a centerpoint. Positioned in the heart of the space, with plants and garden path ideas radiating outwards, the fountain instantly draws the eye.
'Always consider the environment surrounding your water feature and the impact that this may have on your chosen design and on the overall space. Decorative items can harmonise with their immediate surroundings in tone, texture and form or they create a striking contrast,' says David Harber.
In this garden, the shape of the circular fountain is echoed throughout the paths and planting schemes to create a harmonise garden design. Opt for a cascading fountain, which will reflect the light and provide a soothing soundtrack to your space.
(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny)
If you have a fountain with a large basin, consider incorporating elements of a pond design to create a botanical oasis. Planting water plants in your fountain's basin will not only help your garden fountain to harmonize with the plants in the surrounding borders but it is also a great way to incorporate wildlife garden ideas into your plot.
3. Add garden fountain ideas to a classic cottage garden
(Image credit: Jody Steward)
When choosing a garden fountain for cottage garden ideas, consider purchasing an antique or salvaged fountain. Opting for a salvaged piece brings a heritage and patina to your garden design that will instantly channel rustic, cottage style.
‘The quality of manufacturing of earlier eras surpasses what is available now at comparable prices,’ says Edward Neish, founder of Jardinique Garden Antiques . ‘Furthermore the weathering and patina developed over time is where much of the value lies. No matter how much you cover items in muck or yogurt, the genuine results of time spent out in nature are always the best.'
4. Bring atmosphere with a self-contained fountain
(Image credit: Haddonstone)
You don't have to have an expansive garden to be able to incorporate garden fountain ideas. In fact, there are plenty of compact designs that will add a touch of tranquility to a wide variety of small garden ideas.
For petite spaces, self-circulating fountains are a great choice. 'These self-contained fountains are particularly appealing to individuals who are looking for a straightforward fountain to install in their garden,' says Paige Anderson, landscape architect at Nitido Design . 'These fountains are entirely self-contained and do not require the use of a pond or pool to function effectively.
This type of fountain has its own pump, and is not difficult to install. All you have to do is locate the perfect place for your fountain in the yard.'
At only 32in wide, this Romanesque fountain by Haddonstone includes everything it requires to operate in the single unit – simply plug in, fill and you're good to go. Inspired by Western Roman and Byzantine architecture, this classic design would create an elegant focal point as part of a range of different patio ideas.
5. Create a Mediterranean-inspired display with urn garden fountain ideas
(Image credit: MC Design)
If you're looking for garden fountain ideas to incorporate into your Mediterranean garden design or rock garden ideas, consider urn fountains. In this beautiful patio designed by MC Design , three beautifully glazed urns produce a bubbling display that makes for a stunning focal point in your garden.
'As well as the alluring appearance of a water feature, the soothing sounds that come with it add an element of calm to a garden.
A water feature can create a tranquil space to pause and reflect,' says David Harber.
Abiding by the enduring rule of three, the variable heights and colors create an eye-catching centerpiece that would work just as well as part of courtyard garden ideas as they would in larger garden designs.
6. Add a fountain into you walled garden
(Image credit: Haddonstone)
Walled gardens are a stalwart of traditional garden design, providing shelter from wind and frost and creating the perfect climate in which a wide range of plants, trees and vegetables can thrive. Yet, as well as the practical benefits, walled gardens are also highly beautiful spaces. Separate from the rest of the world, they are a private, secluded sanctuary to be enjoyed.
Garden fountains are one of the most atmospheric garden wall ideas, and incorporating a wall hanging design will instantly elevate the space, chanelling more traditional garden designs while also providing a beautiful soundtrack.
If adding a wall hanging fountain, you need to factor in weight. For stronger walls, a brick, terracotta or stone design will add heritage flair, but, if weight it a concern, then opt for stone-effect or ceramic-effect garden fountain ideas which will make for a lighter, yet classic, addition to your garden design.
7. Figure out whether to keep your fountain on constantly or intermittently
(Image credit: Marianne Majerus)
One of the questions that comes alongside garden fountain ideas, is whether you should leave your water fountain on all the time?
There are reasons for and against doing this. 'Firstly, leaving your water feature on all the time can be expensive as most pumps run on electricity. Secondly, there is a risk of the pump burning out from being in constant use, or if there is a sudden loss of water – sometimes this can be caused by storms where the water gets blown over the side of the pool surrounds or fountain,' explains Will Haxby, ornamental sales director at Haddonstone, 'However, keeping the pump running 24 hours a day prevents the pump becoming calcified and this can in turn mean that it lasts longer.
'
8. Use garden fountain ideas to increase your home's curb appeal
(Image credit: MC Design)
Garden fountain ideas don't just need to be limited to your back yard. Incorporating a garden fountain into your front yard landscaping ideas can instantly elevate your home's curb appeal. The design that you opt for will depend on the look and size of your space, for example in a cottage-style garden a small, bubbling fountain will add a focal point into your front garden, however, in a grander front yard, like this space designed by MC Design, opt for elegant vase-style garden fountain ideas that will add height and reflect the sophisticated look of the space.
9. Play with shape and texture in your garden fountain ideas
(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)
With so many different garden fountain ideas to choose from it can be a challenge to figure out which design is the right fit for your backyard ideas.
'When choosing the perfect fountain for a garden, the first thing to look at are the prominent shapes in the outdoor space.
If there are a lot of straight lines in the surrounding areas I tend to choose rounded fountains to soften hard lines and add a bit of contrast,’ recommends Los Angeles based interior designer, Megan Dufresne, principal designer at MC Design. ‘Likewise, in areas with mainly rounded features, I’ll tend to use a more angular fountain design.’
10. Add wildlife friendly garden fountain ideas
(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)
A fountain is a great way to add more sustainable garden ideas to your plot. However, when looking for garden fountain ideas with the intention of them being beneficial to wildlife, there are several additional considerations that you need to factor into your research.
Opting for a low-level garden fountain makes the pool of water accessible for any animals that might need it. If your pond has a large basin, consider adding plants both in the basin and around its edge. 'With water comes the opportunity to introduce an interesting array of marginal plants, too, and increase the biodiversity on offer for visiting wildlife,' explains garden expert Leigh Clapp.
Furthermore, you must be cautious about adding chemicals into your fountain, only opting for those that are wildlife friendly and when installing your fountains pump, be sure it has an integrated 'wildlife protection system' to prevent any animals being inadvertently injured by the pump.
Where's the best place to put a garden fountain?
When thinking about placement of a garden fountain, David Harber, founder and designer at David Harber , advises asking yourself these key questions in order to find the optimum location in your garden:
'Should it blend in or stand out on its own accord? Do you want it to dominate the space, or create a narrative within its surrounding environment? Try looking at your garden from different angles, too. Will it be enjoyed when viewed at an altered perspective?
'Often one finds that when you analyse a space from a different stance, you’ll appreciate something new and different, each and every time.'
What to put in a fountain to keep the water clear?
Put an algaecide in a fountain to keep the water clear.
A wildlife friendly algaecide, such as Fountec, will treat the algae and keep the water clear. However, this should never be added to a pond as it is not safe for fish or plants. If you are looking for a more sustainable, wildlife-friendly way to keep the water clear, opt for barley extract or barley balls in the basin, which will keep the water clean and will not harm wildlife or damage the inner-workings of your fountain.
'Regularly and thoroughly cleaning your water feature or fountain to prevent algae build-up. For best results, clean monthly, especially during the summer or if your water feature is situated in full sun,' says Will Haxby of Haddonstone. 'Algae growth develops in water features when naturally occurring nutrients, caused by plant and fish waste, are exposed to light.'
Do garden water features need electricity?
Yes, all garden water features do need electricity, however this does not necessarily need to come from the mains. There are lots of different garden fountain ideas that are solar powered.
Opting for a solar powered design means that you are free to position your garden fountain where-ever you like, rather than having your garden design being dictated by the electrical outlets. Solar powered fountains only operate while the sun is shining, so if you want your fountain to continually make a pretty display, whether that's through the winter or to create a restful backdrop to al fresco dining, you might want to consider an electrical-outlet powered fountain.
If you decide to opt for a wired fountain then 'it’s worth considering some minor excavation work to hide unsightly cabling. We recommend seeking the professional help of a qualified electrician,' advises Will Haxby of Haddonstone.
Having graduated with a first class degree in English Literature four years ago, Holly started her career as a features writer and sub-editor at Period Living magazine, Homes & Gardens' sister title. Working on Period Living brought with it insight into the complexities of owning and caring for period homes, from interior decorating through to choosing the right windows and the challenges of extending.
This has led to a passion for traditional interiors, particularly the country-look. Writing for the Homes & Gardens website as a content editor, alongside regular features for Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors magazines, has enabled her to broaden her writing to incorporate her interests in gardening, wildlife and nature.
Garden Fountains
Menlo Park
Garden Nest Residential Landscape
Photo By: Jude Parkinson-Morgan
Home Inspiration: A mid-sized garden fountain in a contemporary backyard gravel style
Contemporary Garden Grove
CaliScape Landscape Services
This homeowner was looking for a sophisticated yet functional outdoor space. We sought to keep the space organic but also clean and contemporary. The faux concrete containers give the space edge while the succulents and drought tolerant foliage add a natural feel. The homeowners also wanted to make sure their outdoor design incorporated drought-resistant features.
We forwent grass for a cleaner natural stone patio throughout the entire yard making it a perfect space to host outdoor dinner parties in the summer!
Ni-water Composition
Outdoor Craftsmen
Fresh Design Idea: Sunny Lot and Medium Size Mediterranean Backyard Garden with Stone Paving and Good Lighting - Great Interior Photo
Exterior projects (Mediterranean Style) )
Ancient Surfaces
Product: Authentic Limestone for Exterior Living Spaces. Ancient Surfaces Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: [email protected] Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com The design of external living spaces is known as the 'Al Fresco' design style as it is called in Italian. 'Al Fresco' translates into 'the open' or 'the cool/fresh exterior'. Customizing a fully functional outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, BBQ, fireplace or Jacuzzi pool spa all out of old reclaimed Mediterranean stone pieces is no easy task and shouldn't be created out of the lowest common denominator of building materials such as concrete, Indian slates or Turkish travertine. The one thing you can bet the farmhouse on is that when the entire process unravels and when your outdoor living space materializes from the architects rendering to real life, you will be guaranteed a true Mediterranean living experience if your choice of construction material was as authentic and possible to the Southern Mediterranean regions. We believe that the coziness of your surroundings brought about by the creative usage of our antique stone elements will only amplify that authenticity. whether you are enjoying a relaxing time soaking the sun inside one of our Jacuzzi spa stone fountains or sharing unforgettable memories with family and friends while baking your own pizzas in one of our outdoor BBQ pizza ovens, our stone designs will always evoke in most a feeling of euphoria and exultation that one only gets while being on vacation is some exotic European island surrounded with the pristine beauty of indigenous nature and ancient architecture...
Sunnybrook Mediterranean
SHM Architects
Photography: Nathan Schroder
Home Inspiration: Mediterranean Backyard Garden Fountain
The Lemon Tree Trust Garden9 90 Garden003
Tom Massey0 Landscape0 Design0 Landscape TREE TRUST GARDEN A garden inspired by the resilience, determination and ingenuity of refugees living in Domiz camp in Northern Iraq, was unveiled at the 2018 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The Lemon Tree Trust garden, designed with the input of refugees, highlighted the unexpected beauty hidden in the camp. The garden was designed to be used as a space to begin to organize the chaos inherent in forced migration, while also providing a sense of normality, wellbeing, peace and civilization to broken lives. Beautiful yet drought tolerant planting educated visitors about the type of plants refugees grow in the camp. Ingenious vertical planting, inspired by refugees’ use of everyday objects, and including input from refugees themselves, provided ideas for planting in limited spaces. Trees laden with fruit, including figs, lemons and pomegranates, provided scent and crops to harvest. Brutal, harsh materials, such as concrete and steel, widely available in the camps, were elevated with techniques such as polishing, casting and crafting into patterns and intricate Islamic inspired designs. Colorful and textural planting softened the hard materials. Cooling and calming water flowed throughout the space, collected in channels and pools, recycled and pumped back through the brimming central Islamic inspired fountain, representing the importance of gray water reuse and the many makeshift refugees fountains have built in their own gardens in Domiz camp.
Tom Massey progressed to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, with a 10x13m Main Avenue garden, after two successful show gardens at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. The garden was built by award winning contractor Landscape Associates and was awarded an RHS Silver-Gilt medal. The Lemon Tree Trust supports the development of urban agriculture and greening innovation for refugees and displaced people, promoting food production, well-being and community: lemontreetrust.org Photographs by Britt Willoughby Dyer
Asian Garden
Lanaiscapes
Designed by Brian Cordero LanaiScapes.com
Original design example of a mid-sized Oriental side yard summer yard and garden with afternoon shade and paving
Waterfall and garden pond
Matthew Giampietro Garden Design
Waterfall and garden ponds in this backyard features a stone bridge and large koi pond. Backyard Waterfall, water garden, garden design by Matthew Giampietro of Waterfalls Fountains & Gardens Inc.
Landscape
TLS Outdoors
Pictured: Medium sized front yard garden fountain with midday shade and gravel
Marrying Elegant Design & Sustainability
Julie Moir Messervy Design Studio 9 “JMM03” ” of Corten steel follows the peastone and steel steps down a steep slope to pour into a round basin, emptying into a channel that meanders through the narrow back garden at ground level, ending finally in a boulder fountain. Devised to minimize root disturbance for the tall existing pines on the property, the continuous Corten steel structure is supported by concrete tubes rather than a foundation that would have required extensive excavation. Architect: Wolf Architects, Inc. General Contractor: GF Rhode Construction, Inc. Landscape Contractor: Robert Hanss, Inc. Steel Fabrication: Wovensteel and Richard Duca Water Systems: Pond Creations by Sean Photo by Susan Teare.
A Split Level Garden
Kate Gould Gardens
Copyright of Nicola Stocken
Original Design Example: Large Lot and Marine Style Backyard Garden with Stone Paving
Landscape Garden Fountains - 50 Photos, Design - ideas - catalog of articles on the site
That piece of nature that you call your garden, the fountain can turn into a magical place where you will enjoy life and restore your strength.
Modern fountains are so diverse in the visual sense that such a design can literally fit into any landscape. Different sizes, shapes, from different materials, having different functional features, decor - it is difficult not to choose something for a particular occasion.
Fountain and garden - the unity of style
Your garden can have a classic fountain with sculptures and relief decor, or an avant-garde fountain, the design of which will use metal and glass, an impressive Swiss fountain, the jets of which will rise to great heights or a fountain a tornado in which water falls from above, a fountain with fog, a spring fountain, a fountain whose water flows over glass threads or a glass panel, etc. Ideas for the garden in terms of arranging these wonderful water structures are inexhaustible.
The fountain can be installed in an existing reservoir or a specially constructed bowl.
On sale there are ready-made designs with small tanks that are simply installed on the surface. They are good because they can be installed on hard-surfaced sites, terraces, patios, and winter gardens.
Fountain equipment
Fountain equipment is not complicated. For a small fountain, a set of a small power pump and hoses with nozzles is enough. If you are thinking about a more complicated design, you should purchase an extended kit, thanks to which you can get both automatic regulation of water flows (their speed and direction) and dynamic lighting (including color). As well as such useful features as water purification with special filters, remote control and much more.
Garden Fountains - water song
Thinking on the structure of such a structure as a fountain, it is important to take into account the natural “sound accompaniment”.
The sounds of water can be very different: cheerful, bright, soft, quiet, loud, seething, etc. The nature of the sounds is influenced by the height and shape of the jets: high-rising, thin, ringing sounds will be born, wide, voluminous streams - deep ones.
Usually there are 2-3 of them in a fountain set, which allows you to expand not only the visual, but also the sound range of the design, and include a certain “water song” at will.
The speed of water also affects the sound effect, and almost all modern fountain equipment makes it possible to regulate it.
Moreover, when the jets rise, fall and break, the structure of water molecules changes, and negatively charged ions rush into the air, which scientists have given the name "health vitamins".
They are the antipodes of the positive ions that negatively affect the health and well-being of the usual air for us, filled with dust and densely permeated with the radiation of modern technology. For your information: negative ions predominate in the air on the seashore and in the mountains. When a person inhales them, they penetrate the bloodstream and stimulate biochemical processes that lead to the restoration of many body structures. It would be unwise to refuse the fountain - your own small source of living water.
Fountain color therapy
The light accompaniment of the movement of water jets not only dispels the darkness, but also has an emotional impact. Static lighting is good, when the water seems to be filled with light, but dynamic lighting, in which the light also becomes alive and comes into play with moving water, gives an indescribable experience.
