Posts tagged "outdoor fountains"

Water Fountains Are Good Therapy

Since the times of ancient Rome, water fountains have been used to symbolize wealth and prosperity. For thousands of years, the Chinese users of feng shui have noted both the spiritual and health benefits of having water flow in and around the home or workspace. Water fountains have become the central meeting places in towns and cities alike and are some of the most memorable landmarks.

Even science has pointed out that the sound of running water stimulates calming thoughts and a sense of well being. Additionally, indoor water fountains reduce dry air by increasing humidity. Outdoor water fountains are the focal points for famous cities and quite a number of ornate gardens. Both indoor and outdoor water fountains combine attractive outward appearances and very real health benefits.

Naturally, one of the first questions you may have is how water fountains are therapeutic. It is a good question worthy of investigation. You might want to consider some of the benefits mentioned below if you’ve been thinking about installing water fountains in or around your home.

Indoor water fountains actually function as a natural air purifier and humidifier. A fountain can purify the air because it is a source of flowing water. As the water flows through the fountain it generates negative ions that escape out into the air. Once the negative ions touch dust particles and smoke they bond with the elements, causing them to drop to the ground.

As scientists have spent time investigating negative ions, they have uncovered effects on the brain chemistry that generate a sense of peace and increase alertness. These are effects of water fountains that were already understood by those who practiced feng shui. Millennia before science noted the effects, feng shui users were receiving the natural healing effects of running water.

Studies have shown that the sound of running water can relax a person. When you have indoor water fountains flowing inside your home, you will immediately notice a difference in the way you feel. Since the sound has its own proven effect, it is understandable that there are a number of CDs and tapes available that feature the sound of running water or other calming noises.

One of the notable benefits of outdoor fountains, like those for gardens, is that it provide water for animals like birds. This isn’t to marginalize their obvious aesthetic values. Pleasantly designed water fountains can be stunning focal point to your home garden. When you have outdoor water fountains, you will also have a source for negative ions that can make a real difference in how you feel after a stay in the garden.

Once you have really looked at the evidence, there is reason to believe that water fountains can be great source for therapeutic and health benefits. Water fountains also add beauty to your home design or garden. Since water fountains can be an asset, you may want to consider getting one yourself to decorate the home or garden. Water fountains can produce real changes in one’s health and well-being.

Posted by gardening - August 1, 2009 at 7:03 am

Categories: Gardening   Tags: , , , ,

A Step-by-Step Guide To Constructing Outdoor Fountains

Learning how to create a outdoor fountain is not very difficult. These outdoor fountains can actually be made using items from around your home, depending on how decorative you like them. Chances are you would rather buy the materials to create a larger and more decorative design. Outdoor fountains are the perfect way to beautify your garden. If you want to know more, then keep reading.

There are some materials that are required before you can begin your outdoor fountains project. They include the retaining pool, water pump, tubing, waterproof electric connectors, silicone sealant, as well as any extra decorative features you wish to add.

It’s important that you take the time to find the proper place for your outdoor fountains, before you start digging. Before the hole for the retaining pool is dug, you should contact your local utility company to have them check for underground power cables. This service is totally free so take advantage of it before you have pay for any wires you accidentally cut.

When cleared by the company, you can start digging. The hole you make for the retaining pool for outdoor fountains must be made a little larger and deeper than the actual pool.

At this point, you should prepare your pool by making an incision to run the power cable for a water pump. The wire should be ran inside until it reaches the center of the pool. It is very important that you use waterproof cable to ensure safe operation. When the cable is in place, take the silicone sealant to plug the hole.

At this stage, you are ready to put the retaining pool into the hole. Outdoor fountains must be precisely positioned so be sure the retaining pool is a snug fit. Any gaps surrounding the pool should be filled with dirt. Now you know you’re accomplishing something with the outdoor fountains.

Next, comes the installation of the water pump. When you finally have the pump placed in the center of the retaining pool, you are ready to wire it with waterproof connectors. How you disguise your pump may make a difference on the style of the outdoor fountains since different materials like stones or rocks may be used. The wires for the pump must be buried to protect it from the elements.

The main goal you have when you first fill outdoor fountains with water is finding any possible leaks. If the water level does not change, you can start the pump. Of course, you will need to watch the pump to see if it works properly. How you install the water pump can affect the performance of outdoor fountains.

Now that you know how to build your own outdoor fountains, you can step back to enjoy the pleasant sounds filling your garden. If outdoor fountains are properly cared for, they can last a lifetime, providing plenty enjoyment the whole time. They also add style and value to your home or property.

Posted by gardening - July 31, 2009 at 4:05 am

Categories: Gardening   Tags: , , ,

How To Make A Bamboo Fountain Yourself

You should consider using a bamboo fountain to liven up your garden. This unique fountain hails from Japan where it was devised by rice farmers as a way to frighten deer away from the rice paddies. Therefore, it isn’t strange to know that they have been called “deer chasers”.

Additionally, monks would use the bamboo fountain as a method for measuring the length of their mediations. With more people conscious of the environment, the bamboo fountain is getting more attention since it is made of environmentally friendly material. Still, the bamboo fountain possesses a simple beauty and charm that attracts people. Another perk is that the bamboo fountain is flexible enough to use indoors as well as outside.

Making a bamboo fountain does not involve more than a few basic items. You must have bamboo, tubing, a pump, a base, rod, screws, and container. For outdoor bamboo fountains, you should use higher quality bamboo that can withstand various weather conditions. Apart from practical issues, if you intend the bamboo fountain for inside use, you might consider polishing the bamboo to make it more appealing and longer lasting. You will also need a screwdriver, wood saw, and a drill to make your bamboo fountain.

Once you’re ready to build, you should begin by cutting the bamboo sticks to the right length. You should have three big bamboo sticks. Two sticks will secure the moving part of the fountain while another will be connected to the nozzle. The part that moves is responsible for collecting water and emptying it once the weight of the collected water rises. All three bamboo pieces will need to have holes cut through the centers. You need holes in these pieces because a rod will be inserted in them to make the fountain operate with pivot action.

Your pipe will be ran through the middle of the bamboo stick to the pump. The top of the pipe ends in a bamboo nozzle. The materials for your bamboo fountain, once put together, will be added to a base. Your bamboo fountain is properly constructed when water coming out of the nozzle falls inside the part of the fountain in motion.

Should you rather skip the building process for your bamboo fountain, you can always buy a speciality kit at a home design store that carries fountains.

If you do get a bamboo fountain, you might like to know how to maintain one. Maintenance focuses on two areas. The first area is water pump care. The pump must be kept underwater when in operation. Don’t forget to clean the pump regularly. The second aspect of bamboo fountain care is scheduled water replacement. If your bamboo fountain is on all the time, you won’t have to change it as often but it is still good to keep on a schedule to avoid smell, stagnant water.

Posted by gardening - June 19, 2009 at 7:35 pm

Categories: Landscaping   Tags: , , , , , ,