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Enhancing Landscape Architecture Through Outdoor Fountains

Thursday, April 21st, 2011

The wall fountain is a relatively new addition in fountain design. As its name implies, this water feature is mounted on a wall to function. It takes up very little space and is ideally suited for small areas but also works well with large ones. Wall mounted fountains can be attached in differing ways; some designs especially those made from natural stones make use of mortars with special T-block supports or decorative braces, while some especially those made from synthetic materials come with mounting hardware.

Wall fountain designs are nearly boundless, though most of them share the same feature wherein a jet of water sprinkles to a basin or trough, which in turn adds up to its major appeal. A favorite design pick for wall-mounted water feature is that of the artisan finish that feature hand-carved heads of various characters such as cherubs, lions and mythological creatures of all sorts. Wall shell or bow fountains are also among the most favorite pieces due to the succession of basins they hold where water constantly cascade, allowing it to produce a stream-like sound that is pleasing to the ear. They work well for classic looking landscapes and gardens, and are also suitable for personal outdoor spaces in urban areas as they control the amount of noise coming from roadways.

If you outdoor space is wide and plants would not suffice the design plan you intend to incorporate, floor fountains would be the most ideal water features to use. In fact, they are regarded as the most formal and advisable means to integrate water to your outdoor space. When placed in the right settings, these free standing fixtures turn into majestic centerpieces for landscapes. Along with creating a visual impact, these fountains also evoke a comforting sensation through the splashing sound that the water produces.

Various floor fountains achieve different effects and purposes though they mainly function as decorative centerpieces. Similar to wall-mounted fountains, floor jets also have wide array of designs, and each of them could complement all sorts of landscapes. Ornamental statuary fountains are among the favorites of many designers and homeowners alike due to their comprehensive statue designs, which is why they are the most preferable choice for wide gardens and large commercial outdoor spaces. Birdbaths are also good choices because they are highly functional; aside from serving as decorative features they are also good resting place for birds that often visit gardens.

If space is really tight on your outdoor space; say you only have a balcony that could only hold a comfortable lounge set, it is still possible to integrate the element of water on your design by using a tabletop water fountain. Just like its large counterparts, this small water feature is also capable of making your balcony the most ideal location in your home to hold conversations. There are wide varieties of design to choose from that would permit you to maintain your balcony’s design continuity. Some are designed to look like flower vases completer with intricate floral designs, while others are constructed from natural rocks, giving them their natural touch.

The Benefits of Landscape Designs

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

Landscape architecture is the art, planning, design, management, preservation and rehabilitation of the land and the design of human-made constructs. The scope of the profession includes architectural design, site planning, housing estate development, environmental restoration, town or urban planning, urban design, parks and recreation planning, regional planning, and historic preservation. A practitioner in the field of landscape architecture is called a landscape architect.

A landscape provides a very functional role in that it can increase the usability of your property. A carefully planned and landscaped yard can double or triple the square footage of living space through the creation of outdoor rooms. By creating different areas for cooking, dining, recreation, and relaxation, you have more living options than if you relied on the inside of your house alone.

Landscaping can add value to your home and surrounding property. People will pay more for a home that looks nice and well maintained on the outside, as well as in, and home property values reflect that. The more your home is worth, the more equity it will have. We all strive to add value to our assets and this is an easy, enjoyable way to do a favor for yourself, your home, and your neighbors.

Don’t forget about those trees; they can add quite a lot to your landscape. If placed properly, trees can help you save up to 25% on heating and cooling costs by keeping your climate system running more efficiently. They also provide shelter from wind, rain, and the hot summer sun. Along with these benefits, planting a nice tree will look marvelous as well.

And now we come to the most well-known benefit of landscaping- if planned out well, landscaping will increase the aesthetic quality of your property. A nice assortment of trees and shrubs help your home to blend into the surrounding environment, and thus it becomes more visually pleasing. With the addition of annuals and perennials, color and visual contrast is added to the landscape. With a quality landscape that is well-maintained, you will feel good to know it has been shown that an attractive property will reflect positively on its owner.

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