Gardening Basics

Courtyard Fountains And Ponds: Customize Your Own

Posted by Herb Daniels

Five thousand years ago, people began creating elaborate palaces and other dwellings using the beauty of courtyard fountains and ponds. Some of these decorative landscape showpieces have been the pride of kings and queens of Asia and Europe, as well as the nobility of such societies.

Nowadays, these gorgeous-looking attractions are not for the upper classes. Although they may be rather expensive to build, courtyard fountains and ponds are now available in ranges that more people can afford. As a result, many people are enhancing their abodes with these appealing additions. Moreover, these enviable centerpieces can greatly add value to one’s home.

Courtyard fountains and ponds can be found in many shapes and sizes. The choices go from the simple to the complex, and a large number of materials are available. Nowadays, cast stone is the material of choice. This derivitive of concrete can form practically any custom shape. Still very popular are courtyard fountains and ponds made out of granite or different kinds of concrete and marble.

Installing Courtyard Fountains and Ponds

It is certainly possible to put in your own courtyard fountains and ponds, but it is highly recommended that you hire a professional for this specialized type of work. However, if you should decide that this is a project you want to tackle on your own, you will discover that kits for smaller fountains and ponds are especially easy to install and are carried at many home improvement stores. When attempting an installation of your own fountain or pond, it is suggested that you follow several recommended steps.

Prior to your installing your own courtyard fountain and pond, contact your local electric utility company. This is vitally important. Unless you will be using solar power, these fountains require electricity; and, their wires must be buried for safety and as well as for aesthetics. Since you may not know exactly what is buried anywhere in that area, it is necessary to call to find out.

Next, you will need to clear out the area to be improved. The installation of a courtyard fountain and pond will be most successful if large rocks, plants and any debris is removed. Since the pond liner that you use may be somewhat fragile, you will help to ensure its integrity by getting these possible hazards out of the way ahead of time. You definitely don’t want anything falling into the hole and damaging the liner.

Such fountains need to be level for them to function properly. Therefore, you will need to level any holes for your courtyard fountain and pond. Sidewall stones should not be positioned until the leveling process is completed. The system will operate its best if the water is level. This ensures that the pump will operate properly. It is a simple operation to level the holes. Just fill up a hole with sand. Then, place a board on the sand and a level on the board. Until the the board is level at all angles, keep tamping down.

Usually, instructions will be included in your courtyard fountain and pond kit. Be sure to read them. By doing so, you will have the attraction you desire - a lovely courtyard fountain and pond.

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