Make Your Own Fountains & Ponds

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Make Your Own Fountains & Ponds - By: Herb Daniels, Posted on: 2008-03-16

About 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 from Asia to Europe, as well as the nobility of those societies. Today, these fine-looking attractions are not just owned by and reserved for the upper classes. Although they still can be somewhat expensive to build, courtyard fountains and ponds are now in price ranges that more people can afford; and, many people are taking advantage of the opportunity to enhance their homes with these appealing additions. Accordingly, these enviable centerpieces can add greatly to the value of a home.

Courtyard fountains and ponds are available in a limitless array of sizes and shapes. The variety of choices range from the simple to the very elaborate and complex, and a wide selection of materials is offered. A substance referred to as cast stone is very often the preferred material of choice. This is a special kind of concrete that can be shaped into almost any form requested. However, many courtyard fountains and ponds are being made out of granite, other types of concrete and also marble, which continues to be very popular.

Putting In Courtyard Fountains and Ponds

Although it is certainly possible to put in your own courtyard fountains and ponds, it is highly suggested that a professional be hired for this specialized type of work. If you do decide that this is a project you want to tackle on your own, you will find that kits for smaller fountains and ponds, which are especially easy to install, are carried at most do-it-yourself home improvement stores. Should you attempt an installation of your own fountain and/or pond, it is advisable to follow several recommended steps.

If you are planning to install your own courtyard fountain and pond, an essential first step is for you to contact your local electric utility company. It cannot be stressed enough just how important this is. Unless you will be using a fountain running on solar power, fountains require electricity; and, their wires will need to be buried for safety and for aesthetics. Also, since you may not know what is buried in that area already, it is imperative to protect yourself by calling 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 are removed. Since the new pond liner 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.

Many fountains will not work well or at all if they are not level. Therefore, Step Three concerns leveling the holes for your courtyard fountain and pond. Remember that the system will run its best if the water is level, which in turn means that the pump will operate properly. The actual leveling of the holes is a simple operation. You just fill up the hole with sand. Then, you place a board on the sand with a level on the board. Keep tamping down until the board is level from all angles. Also, your sidewall rocks should not be inserted until the leveling process is completed to your satisfaction.

Lastly, you will need to read and follow the directions that came with your courtyard fountain and pond kit. By being attentive and meticulous, you will ultimately achieve the spectacle you desire: a lovely courtyard fountain and pond of your very own.

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Herb Daniels is an amateur gardener and writer living on the Florida East Coast. Herb has posted an article, Make Your Own Fountains & Ponds that you may find interesting. You can pickup some landscape fountain tips and product information from Herb's Landscape Fountains site.