Garden Machinery
Garden Leisure
- Greenhouse Heaters
- Loungers
- Midgeaters
- Gas Barbecues
- Charcoal Barbecues
- Masonry Barbecues
- Furniture Sets
- Benches
- Greenhouses
- Water and Light
- Garden Sheds
- Gazebos
- Firepits
- Wildlife Boxes
- Rock and Stone
- Weather Vanes
- Rabbit Hutches
- Urns & Planters
- Sundials
- Birdbaths
- Garden Swings
- Climbing Frames
- Croquet Sets
- Wildlife Cameras
- Bird Feed
Water feature – wall fountains
Some of the most effective water features are small wall mounted fountains that give scope and interest to tiny gardens, or even to balconies and terraces, because they offer the refreshing effects of water in a very reduced space.
They consist of two parts, spout and basin. The spout, which is often a face (called a mask) is usually composed of stone, terracotta, bronze, glass or stainless steel – the cheapest ones are made of polymer resin, a form of hard plastic. Gargoyles on churches acted as water spouts and many of the modern replicas copy their somewhat ugly features – if you have children, or are visited by them, remember that a gargoyle you find interesting may be rather disturbing to a very small person!
Basins range from small wall mounted semi-circles to free standing dishes. They may be old fashioned porcelain sinks, stone tubs, cisterns, oak barrels, terracotta troughs filled with stones, anything that serves to act as a receptacle, and through which the water circulation system can trap the falling water and return it to the spout, is suitable.
Because the volume of water is so small, splashing must be reduced to a minimum or you pump will soon run dry! This means you need to try and site your water feature away from strong winds which will dissipate the fall of water before it reaches the basin, or screen it with trellis or tall plants to break the wind up and stop it pushing the water out of its fall. You may also want to raise your basin, if it is free standing, by putting it on a plinth or a support of bricks, to shorten the distance the water falls.
