Garden Ponds are a great way to enjoy your California backyard

Fountains and Waterfalls All your garden pond needs now to make it perfect is a garden fountain. Nearly every pond keeper receives this profound advice from one or other of his friends, and many a promising pond has been spoiled by taking the advice. The fountain is for the purely formal pond and is out of place in the informal, rugged type; moreover, there is more than the actual fountain to consider, such as the disposal of the surplus water.

The fountain part, itself, consists of a non-corrosive metal tube at the distal end of which are drilled one or more holes according to the number of sprays required. Tubes can be purchased in a variety of designs, some being tri-radiate with a central spray. In this type the hole in the central piece is very small and those at the ends of the radiating arms are larger; so, with the same pressure of water, there is a tall spray in the centre and drooping sprays around it. The main pipe should be cemented into the pond during its construction and the pipe connecting it with the outside world is joined to it with an angle joint. The pipes from the water supply, if they are to be completely hidden, must be laid in a shallow trench. Otherwise a hose pipe can be attached to the pipe at the pond side. The fountain jet itself can be disguised by rockery or by one of the statues specially made for fountains. Some of these fountains can be formed to resemble artificial waterfalls.

The next item is that of disposing of the surplus water, a matter for no little consideration. If the fountain is required to play for only an hour or so during the day there will be little, if any, surplus water; the fountain will replenish the water lost by evaporation. On the other hand, if a constant jet is required, an overflow pipe will be necessary. This may connect with the main drainage system, or be fitted so that it can receive a hose pipe. In the latter instance the overflow can be used to water the garden. If a bog garden is part of the estate then the overflow can be utilized for that. The principal value of a fountain, apart from its beauty, is that it serves to oxygenate the water. The waterfall calls for a certain amount of assistance from the garden; a slope is, obviously, essential and for a garden with a decided bank, a waterfall is ideal. The slope need be only a few inches, quite a pleasing effect can be obtained from a waterfall falling only six inches.