Natural stone is one of the most popular ways to decorate any backyard or garden along with fountains, so of course stone fountains are a very popular choice. The types of stone fountains out there are just about as limitless as your imagination, and they are made using all sorts of different stones. In addition these stone fountains can serve a number of purposes, along with being a great decorative item.
Types of stone fountains
The materials used for stone fountains are as varied as the types of stones for any garden or backyard decoration including travertine, granite, limestone, sandstone and more. In addition many of these fountains are actually molded from ceramic, or are made from concrete molds. The differences between these options are many. Obviously natural stone, especially from a solid piece, is more expensive, more durable, and many argue more beautiful. This is not to say that less expensive options cannot also be very attractive. Other materials are far more common due both to price and availability. Another difference is how durable the fountain is. Most quality stone fountains are able to stand up to all kinds of increment weather and even the occasional topple and other backyard accident, however those made of real stone of course are considerably more durable, lasting for years and practically indestructible.
Next is the design of the fountain. The fountain assumes moving water, which means there is a pump in place. Sometimes this is a free standing fountain, other times it must be hooked up to some power source. The actual design can vary however, the most popular is a style resembling a bird bath, but the options are endless. You’ll find stone fountains in the shape of statues, like peeing seraph or little angels with water coming forth from their mouth. Animal shapes are also common for this type of fountain. Sometimes these will be in the shape of a woman pouring a jug of water or some other creative scene. Some stone fountains take on more the look of a waterfall, with the water flowing over a stone surface creating a soothing gurgling, bubbling sound, or a flowing stream with a similar but more calming effect.
Why should I get a stone fountain?
Of course whether to put in a stone fountain is primarily a matter of taste. Most find them to be very relaxing and the perfect addition to their backyard or garden. They often double as a convenient bird bath for those who enjoy watching fowl and they can act as a center piece to a garden area.
How much should stone fountains cost?
Many are surprised by just how inexpensive some stone fountains can be. Smaller ceramic models are often available for around a hundred dollars, or even less. Large fountains made of real stone may cost much more, and many times these will need to be professionally installed. One common feature is that all stone fountains can add beauty and value to your home.
Be sure to take a look at our Long Island Stone Fountains.
Learn About Quality Retaining Walls for Your Long Island Backyard
Have you thought about putting a retaining wall in your backyard? Or perhaps adding a decorative touch to areas of your yard where ground levels vary? A retaining wall is an excellent addition to nearly any yard, and there are a number of benefits to putting a retaining wall up.
Why do I need a retaining wall?
A retaining wall is a wall put in place in order to “hold” areas where ground levels vary. There are actually many different uses for a wall like this, and in most instances this type of wall is not a decorative item but one which is necessary in areas like highways located on the side of hills or mountains and for residential areas in the shadow of large hills were landslides may be a danger.
Decorative retaining walls are actually built similar to this; however they are not necessarily put in place in order to divert a “landslide” in your backyard, but more as a great decoration in your yard.
Types of retaining walls
The visual style of the wall aside, there are four main types of retaining walls, each engineered and installed in such a way as to ensure it hold the land at a higher level in place. While not a huge danger in the back yard, the act of cutting away part of earth, or building a mound in order to install a retaining wall, can lead to minor slides even in a backyard. Nothing as dangerous as those on freeways, but enough to potentially harm a garden area for instance. This is why it is important that the wall is built the right way.
1. Gravity Wall – This is a wall sunk lower than bottom ground level, shaped flat facing the higher mound of earth and at an angle for extra strength going toward the lower end.
2. Piling Wall – This wall is also sunk lower in the earth, in this case even lower than a gravity wall. This type of wall is flat on both sides and must be made of a very solid material that can stand up to the weight of earth on the higher side without the benefit of an angle leaning in the opposite direction. This model uses the natural pressure the ground exerts in opposing directions to stay in place.
3. Cantilever Wall – This is shaped much like a gravity wall with a flat side and an angled side to counter the larger area of ground. Here though a section of the buried end juts out vertically beneath the earth, causing the ground to put pressure both forward toward the lower section and downward, canceling the forces out.
4. Anchored Wall – This is a simple flat wall buried to a determined depth beneath the lower level, but with an “anchor” toward the top which is dug in from toward the top of the wall, at a downward angle canceling force much the same way as a cantilever wall, but at a higher point, meaning the wall actually does not need to be as thick.
The type of wall that is right for you all depends on your personal preference and the layout of your yard. Make sure you always higher a professional contractor for your Long Island retaining walls.
Should I Get a Pondless Waterfall for My Long Island Home?
How is a pondless waterfall possible? One of the many cool things about a pondless waterfall is that it does not need a standing or flowing body of water in order to work. It’s not a miracle, but the clever use of a pump and an underground reservoir. There actually is a pond, but it is hidden underground where you don’t have to worry about the hassle of keeping a body of water clean, and you do not need a lot of extra room for a pond or other body of water taking up most of your lawn.
Pondless Waterfalls in Action
The process for a pondless waterfall, while it may look miraculous in some instances, is really very simple. A hole is created wherever the waterfall is to be placed, and this is lined with gravel and concrete in order to hold water so that it does not escape underground. This has the added benefit of ensuring the water evaporates at a much slower rate meaning even in desert areas you’ll rarely need to add water. This underground reservoir also allows for overflow, so you don’t need to worry about heavy rains in any way affecting your waterfall. Next the reservoir is covered with a solid material that will withstand weight, but which has crevices that will allow water but not gravel and other materials to get through. Next this is covered with some material, stones or gravel in most instances. A pump is inserted in the reservoir and the waterfall or trickling stream is built around where the pump is located. This pump recycles water constantly, flowing up through the pump, down the waterfall, soaking back through the stone or gravel and back into the reservoir. The size of the reservoir needed only depends on the how large you want your waterfall.
Different kinds of pondless waterfalls available
One option for a pondless waterfall is to do it yourself. There are a number of kits available at home improvement stores and other retailers. This will require a bit of work on the buyer’s part and your options are going to be limited to what is available at the store you go to. In addition most of these models are a bit smaller.
More common and offering larger and more versatile options are pondless waterfalls installed by a contractor or home improvement experts. Here your options are nearly limitless. You can choose come up with your very own style, choose from options similar to those in the contractors portfolio or come up with some combination from what you see and your or a designers ideas.
Advantages of getting a pondless waterfall
1. First this is a very inexpensive decoration long term. Because the standing water is underground there is no upkeep or work involved, and the only real long term expense is running the pump, and water pumps are very cheap in most cases.
2. A pondless waterfall can fit just about anywhere you would like. This is great if you have a smaller yard, or you just don’t want a pond taking up a lot of space in your lawn.
Get the Great Long Island Garden or Backyard Ornaments You’ve Always Wanted
There are all kinds of garden ornaments, from those used strictly for show like statues, gnomes, etc, to those that serve a purpose like potting plants, fountains (for the birds) bird feeders, and much more. There are a ton of ornaments available in many different styles and the sort of ornaments you want really only depend on personal taste and the style of your lawn, garden, backyard or what have you.
Common types of backyard, garden or lawn ornaments
There are a lot of them, and you can even make up your own, but here are some of the more common backyard ornaments:
• Bird baths
• Bird feeders
• Garden gnome
• Lawn jockey
• Human statues – ranging from David replicas, beautiful women and more
• Other statues – animals, mythical creatures, etc.
• Yard globe – It’s a globe, sometimes depicting the earth other times reflective, usually around 16”
• Whirligig – an odd statue, usually animal, with at leas one whirling or moving part
• Lighthouses
Why do I need backyard ornaments?
The simple answer is that you really don’t. Ornaments however can add a real sense of style and class to your home, and individualize you living space. You can create a design that is relaxing, exciting, and unique or whatever you like. Generally ornaments will not add value to a home, unless they are permanent pieces and very classy and appealing for a large audience. However, the value of good ornaments should not be overlooked, especially if you enjoy your backyard or garden and want it to look your best.
How much do great garden ornaments usually cost?
Prices vary according to the type of ornament you choose, the materials it is made of, size, shape, etc. You can even decorate your garden or backyard for free with recycled materials. Most however are not so blessed in the crafts as to design their own backyard ornament, and that is fine. There are many local antique shops, ornament shops and home improvement stores that can provide all types of outdoor ornaments at nearly any budget.
Can I find help choosing outdoor or backyard ornaments?
Yep. Home improvement contractors and professional designers have an amazing eye for style, and can even incorporate their strong sense of style when it comes to your backyard, with your own personal preferences. They can suggest excellent and stylish items while still allowing you to maintain a sense of self in the design of your backyard. In fact many designers and contractors will recommend specific decorations in the installation or design of other aspects of your yard or garden.
Check out our great selection of Long Island Garden Ornaments.