West Fork, AR July 10, 2007 (PRWEB) Press Release

Turn your backyard into a quiet, relaxing oasis to beat this summer's devastating heat.

One way to do this is to install a water garden, waterfall garden, a small pond,a fountain, or even a tabletop fountain.

The magical sound of running, rippling, or tinkling water can do a lot for your psyche and even get your muscles and nerves to relax.

Tabletop

The easiest one is the tabletop fountain. They are electric, and all you need is a table to put it on, and some water. Mine has a little fisherman with a pole sitting on some flat rocks. The water is pumped from the pool below the fisherman and spills down 3 strategically placed flat rocks, making a delightful sound as it does so.

Small Black Plastic Pond

Another idea, which I also have, is a kidney shaped pond, made of heavy plastic. Since my gound is very rocky, I have it sitting on top of the ground, supported at the front end by a big rock. In this pond, which is about 2 feet by 4 feet, I have yellow water iris and tropical water lilies.

The pond is surrounded by plants, which hide the rather ugly black plastic outline of the pond.

I put a very small pump into the bottom of the pool, plus a light, and the water is pumped through a piece of flexible plastic hose into a large piece of bamboo into the pool. What a delightful sound that makes. I got the bamboo off a large tiki torch. I am still using the tiki torch, except now that it is shorter by about 18 inches, I have it in a 2 gallon plastic container from the garden department (a plant came in it), filled with rocks.

Ready Made Waterfalls

From there we go to the manufactured waterfall. The are self-contained units and you do not have to dig a pond. All that is required is a bit of work to conceal them, usually with some rocks or artifical rocks and some plants.

Fish or Koi Pond

A fish pond is the next step up. Or if you have a large property as I do, you might hire a D10 cat to dig out a really big hole if you have a spot with clay soil. The Federal Agency to call for advice is the Forestry Department. They can put you in touch with the right agency. Years ago they sent out an agent to check my property for the best place to put a pond. He was actually a water dowser!

I have regular gold fish in my pond, given to me by my neighbor. Now they are over 1 foot long. I used to have catfish, bluegills and bass.

If you are into Koi, those large beautiful carp, you might want to try them. I have too many cranes, snapping turtles, racoons and other critters to invest in Koi. That is one reason I no longer have catfish, bluegills or bass.

Major Construction

Then there is the full fledged waterfall and pond. This requires a lot of digging, and if it is really big then large boulders have to be brought in by a crane. Or, you can get artificial rocks or can make them yourself.

To have a really secret garden spot, you need to place it out of sight by have tall plants or shrubs blocking the view of your spot, until you come upon it by going around a corner or curve. Imagine the delightful surprise of everyone who comes upon it.

Safety First

Of course, with all electrical and water components, you need to be very mindful of safety regulations. Put in or have an electricial put in some GFCI circuits (Ground Fault Interruption Circuits). Where I live in a rural area, it is not required as yet, but for safety's sake I do have GFCI circuits where ever I have water.

For more Information on water gardens, waterfall garden, a small pond, a fountain, or even a tabletop fountain, please go to Beautiful Backyard Waterfalls Home Page and check things out.