The
sound of water flowing has always been so soothing to me and I have
discovered it is a requirement for my well being.
In our previous home
we had a pool that had a fountain in it, a bubbler, and a small fountain
on my front porch. I could see and hear all of the fountains if my
windows were open, and it gave me such peace of mind.
In
the planning of our new home I knew that having a fountain/fountains in
our backyard would be one of the main features in our backyard.
Since I
am working with Debra Phillips in the planning of our backyard landscape I know I am in good hands when it comes to the final outcome of our yard.
I
love sourcing, and I have looked, and looked for fountains. I have
several pinned, and I seem to go for the more simple designs, no surprise
there. I do like simple lines without a lot of frills.
CHANGE IN PLANS
Originally I had a trough style fountain in mind, but Debra brought up the point of having to have a masonry type wall built to house the spigot.
She
is keeping my budget in mind, now that is what I call a good landscape
designer. The other detail she brought to my attention is the style of
my home, and what will look best with its architecture.
This is my first time ever working with a designer on one of my own projects, and I can see how Debra
is keeping me on the straight and narrow if I waver with the budget or
the overall design.
She does it ever so gently always followed with an
alternative, and good advice. She is a joy to work with!!
Since
there will be two fountains, one on our side patio, and one in the back
they need to pair nicely together as far as the styling goes.
The side
patio will have a wall fountain since space is limited and the backyard
will have a larger fountain that can be somewhat of a focal point.
Throughout
this post I will show you some fountains and tell you what I like about
each of them, then you will understand why it is hard for me to make
this decision, and why I am so pleased to have Debra as my guide and garden designer.
This
would be used as the focal point in the back yard.
I like it’s simple
lines, it is not too massive for my cottage style home. I think it looks like
a happy fountain that would make a wonderful sound.
I also like the
bowl around the bottom. I can see myself planting a ring of pretty
flowers and plants around the base.
This
looks very classic to me with it’s simple lines. I love the way it is
sitting on a rectangle base, and then the fountain itself is round in
shape.
I could see a circle of boxwood around this beauty with impatiens planted inside the ring of boxwood.
As much as I love this one I am wondering if it’s scale is too large for our small yard. This is where having Debra on board is so helpful, she will know exactly what scale I need in our yard.
Simple lines with a bit of interest in the curves of the bowl, and it has spigots.!
For some reason I have a thing for spigots, who knew?
One
of the things I love about sourcing and design, is I discover new
things about my taste, and style all the time, and I am always on the
learning curve.
I
can see boxwood and simple flowers around this as well. I bet this
makes a wonderful sound. This one seems to be just about the right size
in my minds eye.
This
is somewhat typical for a tiered fountain, however what makes it a bit
different, and what I like about it, is it’s lack of ornamentation,
clean simple lines, and instead of a finial it has an urn with several
holes for the water to come out of, which I think would make a lovely
sound.
This is the perfect size for our yard as well. Again, boxwood and flowers in a ring around this fountain.
SIDE PATIO AREA
Since
we have a side patio I will also be using a wall fountain there. I have
to keep in mind the amount of space, the style of my home, and the
style of the main fountain out back. Each fountain needs to marry well
to the other.
Behind this fountain will be a vining espalier as a backdrop.
I
would like to have a small planter where I can plant ferns and shade
loving plants for a cool atmosphere on the side patio which will be in
the shade most of the day.
Espalier vine will be the backdrop.
via
Simple
lines with a nice curved bowl for the water to drop into and look
another spigot! I am getting my spigot one way or another, LOL.
This is a
nice size, and can make a statement without becoming too in your face.
Just a pleasant sound, and simple look to soothe away the hours.
This is a bit more of a statement, but still has the simple clean lines that I love, and of course a spigot.
It
is about 36 in. tall and a bit deeper than the last one. I would
probably do somewhat the same planting around this fountain, but for
some reason I see some begonias around this fountain. Hmmm? I wonder
where that came from? I will have to see what Debra says.
Once we choose the main fountain, then I will be pairing it with the side patio wall fountain.
HOUSE UPDATE:
I
have lots to think about and to do. We will be moving in to our new
home the end of October. We are scheduled to receive the keys on the
13th, my birthday!! Pretty nice birthday gift I would say.
This
week they have put down the gravel and started the framework for the
concrete outside. Soon we will have a driveway and a walkway, plus the
side patio!!
Yesterday
we went to see what progress had taken place and we noticed all the
windows are taped and papered.
They are getting ready to paint the trim.
The exterior paint will be coming soon! That is the one thing I can
hardly wait to see!! Stay tuned for more updates and plans!!
6 comments:
Kathysue, you are working with the best of best, Debra knows her business and your landscape design will be amazing!
Plus what a great Birthday Present!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Featuring India Hicks!
yippee! you are off to the races now, kathysue. so excited for you to move in and begin that coastal cottage chapter. peace to you during the transition.
I am holding on to every word on your landscape plan....we have a large back yard and have always wanted a central fountain surrounded by a great design of boxwood...a classic design....your pending choices look great and I love the idea of the espalier as a back drop with a great fountain....I always am amazed at the espaliers at the Biltmore House....so exciting that the time is near!
Now that's a birthday present, Kathysue. Like you, I love the calming sound of water and Debra will be amazing at helping with that - I am such a fan of her work - a true talent…can't wait to see it all come to life!!
hello dear friend
deep inside your instincts are correct. both fountains that you featured first are perfect. let's start with the back fountain. when a fountain is such a focal point having the girth on the bottom vs the top makes it more one with the garden on a human scale plus being more prominent.
the side garden fountain design is perfect but question how big it actually is as it appears to be on a shelf. aside from that it has it all; style, spigot, a nice drop for sound and the bowl is not too deep.
your designer instincts extend to the outdoors beautifully!
thank you for such kind words kathysue......i am blushing :-)
debra
Kathysue... Love hearing about all the progress that you are making on your home. What a fabulous birthday gift. Love looking at all the beautiful fountains. I'm sure your landscaping will be breathtaking!
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