Do Small Yards Need Small Garden fountains?

 

The photograph above shows four small garden fountains which are lit up in four different colors. As you c an see the pool in which they are situated is also rather small and yet the whole scene is disproportionately powerful. Such an arrangement will work in a yard of all sizes but in small yards it can act as a central point of interest where creating such an effect in a confined space can be otherwise problematic.

Creating a garden in small yards is always a problem and key to creating a successful design is understanding scale. Placing a huge water fountain in the center of a small yard will create a powerful effect but will leave little space for anything else. However, placing a large fountain in a corner of a small yard can prove very effective, especially if the background compliments the fountain, as corners are always difficult planting areas in small yards. If you really do want a central water feature in a small space small garden fountains or a single small fountain is the only acceptable option.

A great idea for small yards is to create a design which is rather formal. It is far too easy to overfill small yards with too many plants and ornaments and the constraints of a formal design minimize the risks of this happening. The important thing to remember in this type of design is that you must stick to using simple lines or curves which should always be symmetrical. In a square yard you can separate the garden into four quarters with thin pathways leading to a central feature. One path could lead into the garden with the other three leading to the boundaries of the yard. At the end of each path you can place small items of interest such as small statue or ornament but remember to keep one for a garden bench. Small garden fountains are perfect for use as the central feature as it will be visible from all areas of your garden.

A Top Tip For Small Yards

If you decide to try out the above idea for using small garden fountains in a formal design it is possible to create the impression of a much larger garden by making one of the pathways look as though it leads into another similar garden. The illusion is rather simple but incredibly effective if implemented correctly.

Let us say that directly opposite the entrance pathway, and beyond your fountain, you have your garden seating and at the end of one of the other pathways you have a small statue then at the end of the remaining pathway (which will be to the left or right of you bench) you build a thin pergola or archway. The structure should have only half of the depth than it would ordinarily have for such a space. You should train climbing flowering plants, such as climbing roses, to grow up the sides and over the top. Now you have a pergola or archway leading to a brick wall, wooden fence or other boundary. However if you place a large reflective material, or a large mirrored surface, behind the structure it will reflect the central fountain, the garden beyond and, maybe, even some of the statue. This gives the impression that the formal garden continues on through the pergola or archway.

Obviously this only works if your yard is an enclosed space, having solid or organic tall boundaries. If you want to get a little adventurous it is possible to have two mirrored surfaces opposite each other. If you do this you will need a second person to remain seated at the bench so that they can let you know when you have the mirrors angled to give the desired effect as it can be tricky to create an infinite garden with this technique.

I hope that the above article has got your creative thoughts flowing and you are already thinking up ideas of how to use small garden fountains in your design. If you do have a small yard it is important to keep in mind that small yards do not stop people from having wonderful gardens.

 

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