The good folks at Campania International are today’s guest bloggers. Check out this take on trends and design tips for incorporating fountains in the landscape.

Ponce de Leon spent his life searching for the “fountain of youth.” Fortunately for us, homeowners only have to search a local garden center to find a special fountain to transform a backyard into a private oasis.

Today when we relax in our gardens, the soothing sounds of flowing water from a fountain can calm our soul. We, too, are drawn to the spiritual qualities as the gentle sounds of flowing water wash stress from our busy days, restoring and relaxing us.

This universal appeal is making fountains more popular with homeowners, especially as the effort to create personal outdoor spaces continues. Retailers are fueling this demand by offering a wider range of fountain designs, which run the gamut from traditional to more modern Zen-inspired pieces.

“Our fountain category continues to grow,” says designer Peter C. Cilio, creative director of Campania International. “Customers want cast-stone fountains, glazed, terra cotta and even light-weight – all types of fountains to bring the sight and sound of water into the garden in an easy low-maintenance way.”

“Water in the garden is an essential element,” agrees John Carloftis, a renowned garden designer. “Adding a fountain to your garden, even a small fountain is a great investment.”

Here are some simple guidelines from the experts that will help you guide customers toward the perfect fountain:

What’s your style?

The most important consideration to keep in mind when choosing the right fountain is the overall style of the home and garden.

“People who love a beautiful garden are becoming more experienced and comfortable with their own styles and tastes outside,” says Cilio. “Whether you have an urban, contemporary or country garden, the fountain should be compatible with your personal style and the aesthetics of your house and garden.” 

With fountains ranging from traditional European designs to more modern Zen-inspired pieces, today’s selection of fountains appeal to the broadest of palates.

Carloftis reminds us to keep proportion in mind. “It is everything in the garden. Choose a fountain that will fit and feel good,” he says.  “And if you go big, be sure to keep it simple.”

For a burst of bold color in the garden, new contemporary glazed fountains are the perfect solution. These fountains are available in a wide range of colors from vibrant reds and blues to earthy browns and greens. Glazed jar and sphere fountains from Campania can be paired with a round or square lightweight basin for below- or above-ground use.

Consider your space

Whether on a patio or in the landscape, a free-standing fountain can be a mesmerizing focal point.

The size of the fountain selected will depend on the size of your garden space.

"You could have a 4-by-6-foot pocket garden and put a small beautiful fountain at the end, and you've really made an incredible statement,” says Carloftis.

Although fountains can take center stage in the landscape, you might also consider nestling a fountain in a secluded corner of the garden. Tucked away among the plantings, the fountain will not distract from the overall composition. Discovering such pieces, as one strolls in the garden, brings a delightful element of surprise and magic.

What’s your desired outcome? Dramatic or Zen?

If creating a highly dramatic effect is your customer’s desire, the classic choice is a larger two- or three-tiered fountain as a focal point for the landscape. If the customer wants something Zen, look for a more soothing effect in water gently cascading over a cast-stone ball. Discover the allure of dancing water from a fountain lit at night, while entertaining on the patio or deck. Look for freestanding wall fountains, which include lighting components for dramatic night-time illumination.

Low or high maintenance?

Keeping fountains clean and free of debris to prevent algae growth and clogging is something to consider when purchasing a fountain. Smaller fountains don’t require as much maintenance as larger fountains. And remember to protect fountains in winter with a water-resistant fountain cover to prolong the life of the water feature.

Whether simple or ornate, you can help customers create their own private oasis by introducing a “fountain of youth” into the landscape or garden.