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.

 

Eye of the Day Installations at the Pasadena Public Library and Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Pasadena Public Library and the Garden Club

On April 23rd and 24th, the Pasadena Public Library was transformed into a botanical paradise. “Reflections – A Centennial Celebration”,  was presented by the Pasadena Garden Club. The purpose of the Garden Club of America flower show staged within the Library was to set standards of artistic and horticultural excellence. Judges from all over the United States offered their evaluation of the individual entries.

Myron Hunt,  one of the club’s founding members, was the architect for the Pasadena Public Library and the architect for the Casita del Arroyo, a community meeting house, with a water demonstration garden and butterfly sanctuary, which has been the major community project for the Pasadena Garden Club since it was conceived, designed and built as a public works project during the Great Depression.

An Eye of the Day favorite landscape architect and member of the Pasadena Garden Club, Sally Farnum of SE Farmun Associates, designed two succulent gardens for the front area of the library and chose two Gladding McBean Oil Jars in a vibrant blue green color to frame the library entry.

We think they should be there permanently!

Eye of the Day and the Buddha at The Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Recently our good friend Virginia Hayes, curator of Lotusland, sent Julie Jordan, Curator of Contemporary Art at The Santa Barbara Museum of Art to Eye of the Day to choose a container for an upcoming exhibit.  Julie chose the pot and Virginia planted it with lotus.  Now visitors entering the Museum’s historic Ludington Court will see the finished product next to which is the focus of the exhibit, a 26′ long and 6′ high inflatable, reclining Buddha.  The sculpture is the work of Lewis de Soto and is entitled Paranirvana (Self-Portrait) and the exhibit will be in place through July 31st.

We are so fortunate to be a part of this great installation!