The Fountain Conversion – Bringing Your Water Feature to Life

FONT – FONTANA – FUENTE – FONTÄN – آبنما –噴泉 – FOUNTAIN

It is said that elephants are good luck because wherever you find them you find water and food.  Water fountains have become a necessity of life in our gardens: the sound, the reflection, the energy of water in our environment. The Chinese art or practice of feng shui is to create harmonious surroundings and water is an essential element. Natural surroundings balanced between wind, water, light and energy come together to create an environment of peace and serenity.

This time of year, lying in bed on a balmy night, listening to the timpani of a running fountain is a luxury. When you wake and look out the window into the garden, what catches your eye? Is it the fresh bloom on the rose bush or the luxuriousness of a newly cut lawn or the sparkling water of your fountain? The perfect answer would be:  all three.

What is the main element to look for in your fountain?  Is it “visual”?

Think of your favorite fountain when you were a child. Suzi’s was the fountain at Griffith Park on Los Feliz Boulevard. Mine was the fountain at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard in Beverly Hills. At night, it was alive with colored lights. Built in 1931 and known as the Beverly Hills Electric Fountain.

Another element is “sound”. From the roar of a natural waterfall to the zen-esque rhythm of a Japanese bamboo deer-scare fountain, as it fills, spills and then the hollow knock as it hits its rock.  From quiet to loud, hearing water move and splash, tumble and fall onto itself creates mood, energy and a powerful balm for the soul.

The third element is “form”, possibly the most subjective when choosing your fountain.

All fountains work the same: water circulates, rises and falls from its source and back. The physical form and structure of the fountain resists, shapes and redirects the water’s flow. There are tiered fountains that many describe as a wedding cake. There are wall fountains, structures with spouts directing the water to flow into a vessel or intermediate bowls and finally spilling into a pond or container to recirculate up and down again.

A vessel is defined as a hollow or concave utensil, as a cup, bowl, pitcher, or vase, used for holding liquids. At Eye of the Day we can convert almost any pot, container, urn, or vase in our inventory into a fountain. Fountain conversions have become a signature service and our reputation for making bespoke fountains for the projects of our clients and designers has led us to shipping them throughout the United States.

A fountain conversion can be performed on most any pot, allowing for hundreds if not thousands of choices. If you want a unique fountain for your space and don’t want one that looks like the one your neighbor has, think about choosing your own shape, color, design and then have us convert it into a fountain.

Our Gladding McBean 88-33 is a simple pot; a sleek, high fired and colorful urn perfect for a fountain conversion.  We create a water-tight seal at the bottom and attach a copper riser to carry the water to the top and create a head.

The “head” is the water that bubbles above the waterline at the top of the pot and creates the reflection, motion and sound when its falls back upon itself. As the vessel fills to the brim, it will spill over the pot and fall back to the basin and be recirculated back to the top forever and ever (as long as you keep the basin full).

The basin, which we refer to most often as the “pond” can sit above grade or below. It is very popular to hide the basin below grade and then cover it with rocks or pebbles or tumbled glass, giving the appearance of an eternal spring, its source hidden and mysterious as if it emanates from the earth.

The pump is housed in this pond or basin and its electric cord either comes out underneath the basin/pond or over its side where it can be obscured with stones or other ground cover. Always remember to keep a couple of inches of the basin above grade so that when it rains, dirt and debris can’t wash into it and compromise the pump.

Your container must be prepared to hold water and have water run over all surfaces continuously for a long period of time.  There are many quality products on the market to seal and waterproof your fountain. You can use any larger container to act as your basin, it doesn’t have to be concrete or something special. I once had a client who took a heavy-duty trash can and cut it down to 12 inches and buried it in the ground.

In addition to the vessel to be made into your fountain and the basin for it to sit in, you will need a “pump house”.  This is exactly what it sounds like: a house for your pump. In addition to hiding the pump from view, the pump house has another purpose, to act as a pedestal for your fountain vessel to sit on and it must be strong and stable enough to carry the fountain’s weight.

Converting pottery to fountains is easy and everything to complete the job can be purchased from your local hardware store. The one thing you might want to spend time searching for is that perfect vessel.

Another type of fountain conversion has the water returning inside of the vessel. This eliminates the need for a basin/pond and the pump house, eliminating the cost of these two additional items and the same container will fit into an even smaller space.

There is very little splash if the water is kept at a lower level within the container.  Also, the sound will resonate at different pitches depending on how full you keep the vessel. Just think of a wine glass being tapped with a knife.

Other ideas for Fountain Conversions:

• Rectangular troughs
• Low Bowls
• Turning a wall into a fountain
• Old Stones 

   

 

Materials Needed:

1. Vessel of your choice
2. Basin/Pond to fit underneath and wide enough diameter to catch as much splash as possible.
3. PVC or copper tubing for riser.
4. Pump house large and sturdy enough to enclose your pump and carry the weight of your vessel filled with water.
5. Water pump strong enough to pump water to top of your pot

Let your imagination be your guide and create a unique fountain for your space from almost any water worthy vessel.  Please come see our incredible selection of pots and containers as well as old European stone troughs, millstones and other garden art here at Eye of the Day.

We will bring your vision to life!

Exaco Trading Co., a division started in 2001, specializes in the distribution of unique and high quality imported lawn and garden products, focusing mainly on high-quality European greenhouses, composters and other “green” products. Our products include the finest greenhouses from Germany and Belgium to high-quality outdoor composters, kitchen compost pails, rain barrels, sandboxes, and planters.

The RIGA is truly a greenhouse by the European definition of a greenhouse – designed to be used to grow fresh vegetables, herbs and flowers in the middle of winter. While other so called “greenhouses” using less than 8 mm twin-wall polycarbonate, are considered to be season extenders, to be used when only a slight night frost might be expected during the spring or fall season. At best they can only be used to house established plants during the winter season.

The RIGA Extra Large – 16 mm polycarbonate – is the largest commercial quality hobby-kit type greenhouse now available in the country Designed, engineered, and manufactured in Germany by Hoklartherm, a leading manufacturer of commercial and hobby greenhouses, sunrooms, pavillions, pool covers, home additions, and commercial building, with 28 years of experience.
The Royal Victorian Antique Orangerie Greenhouse is one of the premier greenhouses in the Helios line of greenhouses from Janssens of Belgium. This company has been making high-end glass greenhouses for over 30 years. Since the introduction of the Victorian model, in 1999, Janssens have become a leading supplier of this style of greenhouse in Europe. Exaco are proud to now be the USA distributor of this very fine greenhouse.

The classic Antique Orangerie Greenhouse not only provides a first-class quality greenhouse environment, it also adds significant old fashion English style and beauty to your backyard.

 

Exaco Trading, based in Austin, Texas, is the exclusive distributor of the Janssens line in North America and sells these fine greenhouses through the online sites of national retailers. For more information, contact Exaco Trading at 512-407-8500.

Fountain Conversion: A Michalis in the Garden 

We have been fortunate to have Rebecca Sweet write for The Yardstick in the past and knowing that she has a sustained love for Mediterranean gardens and is busy with clients seeking her expertise and experience, we are pleased that she took the time to answer some questions about her garden design featuring Eye of the Day’s Greek pot, the Michalis, as a fountain conversion.  Rebecca is the author of several esteemed books on gardening and her work has been featured in Sunset Magazine, Horticulture and a variety of other national publications.  Her design firm, Harmony in the Garden, is in Los Altos California.

 

Q: Tell us a little about yourself as a designer and Harmony in the Garden.

I’m a California native, and though I’ve lived in both the southern and central parts of the state, I’ve spent most of my life in the Bay Area. Over the years I’ve seen this area’s sleepy suburbs transform into the bustling, densely populated, high-energy area that it is today. The people who call this place home come from all over the country, as well as the world, and have brought with them their unique perspectives on gardening. Having had my landscape design company, Harmony in the Garden, for over 15 years now, it’s been an incredible gift to be a part of these changes and to help so many people from different walks of life create their versions of paradise.

Q: What was your client’s goal for this garden?

As passionate gardeners themselves, the clients wanted to transform this part of their garden from a water-guzzling, and unsightly half-dead lawn into something that would require much less maintenance and water. This area is situated close to their home and can be viewed from several large windows, so it needed to look good year-round.

Q: What was your initial vision for the landscape and did that change over time?

My vision and theirs complemented one another perfectly, as we are all succulent fans. So, to reduce water consumption, as well as indulge in our love of succulents, we removed the lawn, replacing it with a low-water succulent and cactus garden. To help tie this new space in with their existing, and more traditional style of garden, we also incorporated   several flowering shrubs and perennials that were colorful, yet also drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.

Because the area is fairly large, we knew we needed to break up the space into smaller, more manageable planting areas. Wide decomposed granite pathways were the solution, gently meandering through the space, helping to bring down the scale of the oversized garden.

Q: Any unique issues or challenges for this project during the design or installation?

Initially, the homeowner wanted this garden to thrive without supplemental water but quickly realized that just wasn’t going to happen. This area is in full sun so even the cactus were suffering through the blistering summer heat-waves. Luckily, we had a feeling this might happen and had previously installed a framework of irrigation under the ground ‘just in case.’ We ended up irrigating the garden, on a very reduced schedule.

Q: What would you describe as your garden design aesthetic and how do you work with your client’s own vision for the landscape?

My own aesthetic is one that appears full and lush, yet is quite drought-tolerant. My passion for plants has allowed me to create drought tolerant gardens that don’t ‘look’ drought  tolerant, and is what I’m probably best known for creating.

Since so many of my clients come from around the world, their vision for their garden (and the    plants they’re used to seeing) can be challenging to translate with California’s lack of water. Luckily, living in a mild-winter climate such as ours, we have access to an expansive selection of drought-tolerant plants from which to choose.  I love interpreting their vision into a garden overflowing with plants that will thrive here.

Q: For garden décor, why the Michalis Greek pot for the fountain conversion?

When designing this garden, we knew we wanted a focal point to bisect the center of the pathways. To keep in scale with the large garden and home, we needed a large focal point.  The Michalis Greek pot an ideal choice for a fountain conversion and blends beautifully with their historic Mediterranean home. By converting the pot into to a fountain, we added the gentle sound of trickling water, entertainment from the multitude of birds that adore taking baths there, and the illusion of ‘coolness’ from the water itself. We couldn’t have chosen a more perfect focal point for this garden.

 

Q: What was your favorite part of this project?

My favorite part of this project was to see the joy on my clients’ faces as they saw their garden’s breathtaking transformation. I continue to visit them and their garden every few months and seeing the succulents grow and fill in, creating an ever-changing tapestry has given my clients so much happiness through the years – all while significantly reducing their water bill!

 

See Rebecca’s other work on our blog:

Rebecca Sweet On Shades of Gray in the Garden
Stylish and Sustainable Garden Design

Garden Recipes: Green Peach Salad

 

Sometimes there are so many peaches on your tree, you’re eating and drinking the beautiful fruit, but you’ve got to have something for lunch that is not quite so sweet.  Have this:

Green Peach Salad (for 4 to 6)
2 ½ lb. unripe peaches, peeled and sliced like you’re going to make a pie
Scant ¼ c sugar *
½ t salt
½ t freshly ground black pepper
2 T excellent, flavorful olive oil
2 T fresh mint chiffonade
A handful of arugula for each plate

Toss the peaches with the sugar and salt and let them sit for ten minutes. Add olive oil, mint and pepper and refrigerate for 30+ minutes.  Put a handful of arugula on each plate and then the peach salad. You can also add small or medium shrimp, some garlic mayonnaise and sliced scallions. That’s good too.

*Scant means “just barely.”

 

Photo Credit: Peach Salad, Creative Commons, Peach salad by viamarisol, is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. 

 

Garden Cocktails: Peach Bellini

It isn’t surprising news—peaches are in season until September. In the last throes of the summer, we’ll be looking back on these lush days and lush stone fruits a little wistfully. Peaches for every meal would be perfect…breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and cocktails. The trees grow best in full sun in a location where cold air or frost will not settle. Sounds like they grow well in California…Get yourself a tree!  But first, have a drink.

How many Bellinis have you had? Ever make it with fresh peaches?  Invite a friend and celebrate the summer with this easy garden cocktail.

Fresh Peach Bellini (for the two of you)

2 ripe but not squishy white peaches, seed removed, diced (they smell so good)
1 T freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ t honey
1 bottle Prosecco

Put the first three ingredients in a food processor or blender and puree. Press the mixture through a sieve.  Put 2 tablespoons of the puree into each champagne coupe and fill with cold Prosecco. Drink. Repeat.

Be full of praise for peaches, Prosecco and summer.

 

Photo Credit:

White Peaches, Creative Commons, White Peaches by Dave Parker, is licensed under CC by 2.0

Top 5 Fountain Conversions

Fountain conversions have become a signature service of Eye of the Day. Spring and Summer is the time to order this popular water feature. From classic shapes to more contemporary forms, fountain conversions are an elegant addition to any garden design. Depending on the style and aesthetic of the garden, the conversion process starts with choosing a container. Almost any vessel at Eye of the Day can be converted, but there are definite favorites at the store. We rank the top five fountain conversions that homeowners and designers love.

5. French Terracotta Fountain Conversions

While not as common a choice for a fountain conversion, French Anduze pots and biots are an elegant option for a water feature. We recommend sealing for this type of terracotta, especially to protect the glaze,

4. Concrete Fountain Conversions

Our American made concrete pots are the ideal containers for both contemporary and traditional styles. These water features can be made up of different concrete garden décor pieces from birdbaths and urns, to ponds and containers.

 

This custom feature uses a concrete birdbath set into a pond based on an English garden the clients loved while visiting England.

 

This design used two American made concrete pots for the conversion. A custom insert was used for the flat spout.

 

3. Greek Terracotta Fountain Conversions

Here in California, Mediterranean style gardens are popular throughout the state. With sunshine filled days, proximity to the ocean, and lush plant life, our similar climates are the ideal foundation for a Mediterranean garden. Our Greek line of terracotta pottery is a popular option for containers and fountain conversions.

The Michalis pot fountain conversion was a popular design for Bay Area designer, Rebecca Sweet. Its classic shape was perfect for the Mediterranean garden design of her Palo Alto clients.

2. Italian Terracotta Fountain Conversions

Eye of the Day specializes in Italian terracotta pottery. Naturally, many clients and designers choose an Italian terra cotta pot as the vessel for their fountain conversion. We carry classic, ornate, and contemporary styles.

1. Gladding McBean Oil Jar Fountain Conversions

This is the most popular fountain conversion we do—and with good reason. The classic oil jar shape is a favorite among customers and as a water feature, it becomes a striking focal point in the home or garden. Available in a variety of colorful glazed finishes from Gladding McBean, both traditional and modern designs can incorporate this oil jar fountain conversion. The GMB88-33 is the most popular, but the GMB45 with the narrow neck is a lovely option as well.

Get inspired with the pottery and containers from Eye of the Day for your next garden design project. Contact us today to learn more about fountain conversions.