Spring has sprung, and with that comes plenty of work in the garden. If you’ve got your planting under control, consider enhancing your patio with an outdoor fountain.
Outdoor water features add automatic ambiance; that trickling sound is magical. Whether you have a small grassy enclave, a fenced roof deck, or concrete a yard, there’s a garden fountain that fits with your outdoor aesthetic.
Trough Fountain
In this backyard remodel, Walnut Creek, California firm Huettl Landscape Architecture created a grassy plot on the edge of a thicket, beyond the patio of the pool. The concrete retaining wall serves to separate the yard from the wooded area, while transitioning through a grade change. In addition, it’s where five spigots are mounted, which empty into a dark gray trough.
This sleek trough fountain is a perfect blend of modern meets rustic in style. The mix of materials, including the sleek wood slats hovering above the bluestone, reinforce the look. When you can’t accommodate a built-in solution, you could consider the square-shaped Belgium Block Fountain. The Chadwick Contemporary Waterfall Fountain offers a trough-like design; you could even obscure its upper portion with plantings.
Zen Garden
Nadia Elgrably, of Manhattan Beach, California firm Nadia Designs, collaborated with the architect and builder on this four-level, hillside home with views of the Pacific Ocean. Floating stairs connect the indoor and outdoor living and entertaining spaces.
Near the step stone entrance path to the front door, sits this concrete koi pond, complete with lily pads and Buddha statue. Hardy green plantings look not to require too much fuss. Try the Meditating Aged Bronze Buddha Fountain or Temple Pagoda Lighted Fountain in your own garden for an Asian infusion.
Cottage Charm
LA-based landscape designer Naomi Sanders eponymous landscape design firm worked with architect Noel Williams on this project in an urban residential neighborhood. It’s meant to be a respite from city life and draws inspiration from around the globe.
This view is of the inner courtyard, which has a rather charming, almost cottage-like feel, with native plantings. The fountain was purchased, rather than custom designed, and has a slight atmospheric gurgle. For a round fountain in a compact space, try the Magma Natural Rock Fountain, solo, as a pair, or in triplicate, and for a raised rounded shape, try the mushroom-like Birds of a Feather Cast Stone Fountain.
Urban Roof Garden
This contemporary Manhattan roof garden, complete with outdoor shower, was designed by local firm Pulltab Design. The sleek layout incorporates both Japanese elements, like the slatted bench on pebbles, as well as industrial materials, such as the rusted metal perforated gate and basin.
A rough-hewn block of oak with stainless steel basin and spout adds an of-the-moment touch. The Asian Garden Tiered Fountain offers a spouts and spills effect, as does the Tree Trunk and Rocks, albeit in a woodsy design.
Wall of Water
Australian firm Urban Exotic Landscape Architects designed this patio, incorporating what looks to be a Corten steel wall fountain, set against a darker wall with planters. Water washes down its entirety, and it’s uplit for drama. The space uses a full mix of materials, including steel, wood decking, wood fencing, pebbles, blue-hued pavers, and a funky concrete block wall.
If you have a walled patio, go vertical with the Kenroy Home Brook Water Fountain. The textured gray stone slabs looks great surrounded by greenery.
Here are a few more designs to get the inspiration flowing:
1. Magma Natural Rock Fountain 2. Tree Trunk and Rocks 3. Kenroy Home Brook Water Fountain 4. Chadwick Contemporary Waterfall Fountain 5. Meditating Aged Bronze Buddha Fountain 6. Temple Pagoda Lighted Fountain 7. Belgium Block Fountain 8. Birds of a Feather Cast Stone Fountain 9. Asian Garden Tiered Fountain
Image credits: Huettl Design, Nadia Designs, Naomi Sanders, Pulltab Design, Urban Exotic