| A water-fountain garden will go anywhere in the | | | | Garden |
| yard, on the patio, on a balcony, or a porch and even | | | | Figure all costs in advance. Small gardens are |
| indoors. But certain water features are better suited | | | | inexpensive, but large gardens can cost thousands of |
| than others to certain sights (and to certain | | | | dollars. You don't want to find yourself in the position |
| gardeners, for that matter). | | | | of the would-be water gardener who dug a large |
| What is Feasible for Installing a Water-Fountain | | | | hole one spring weekend only to fill it in again |
| Garden? | | | | because the liner was too expensive and didn't fit in |
| This should be your first question, and to find out | | | | the budget. |
| which water-fountain garden best suits you, your | | | | You may need to contract a large project (or parts |
| resources, and your space, you'll need to educate | | | | of it) to a professional. Pouring concrete, installing |
| yourself. Be a "know it all" before you start, and you | | | | electric lines, bricklaying, and excavation can be |
| will be well prepared to begin your water garden. | | | | extensive (and expensive) and are jobs best left to |
| Check out prices and calculate what your budget can | | | | the pros. Most water fountains can be bought in |
| tolerate. Call garden suppliers that handle water | | | | easy to install kits. |
| fountains and ask questions about their products. | | | | Assess your time and strength. A tub garden will |
| Also, visit local water fountains. Talk with the owners | | | | take an hour or two to put together, but a large |
| or those who care for them. Visit local clubs-many | | | | water fountain garden may take weeks to dig and |
| communities have organizations that sponsor tours. If | | | | build. It will also require a good back and strong arms |
| you're well informed, you'll make better plans, find | | | | and legs. An 18-inch-deep, 6-foot by 4-foot hole may |
| installation easier, and prevent frustrations down the | | | | not sound like a big job, but it would probably take a |
| road. | | | | middle-aged man of average strength a half day to |
| Size and Site for Planning a Water Fountain Garden | | | | dig. For large projects, you can rent a backhoe. |
| First, check out your site. A large water-fountain | | | | Maintenance of Your Water-Fountain Garden |
| garden with a spectacular waterfall will overwhelm a | | | | Remember to calculate maintenance time, too. A tub |
| small lot. It also might overwork your budget, your | | | | garden with a water lily takes just a few minutes a |
| time, and your back. A small garden pool, on the | | | | week. So does a freestanding or a wall water |
| other hand, could get lost in an expansive landscape. | | | | fountain garden. Add plants and fish and you add |
| If you're planning anything more involved than a | | | | more time. A garden just a few feet across with a |
| pre-made fountain or container water-fountain | | | | few plants and fish will need your attention for an |
| garden, you'll also need to check with city or county | | | | hour or less each week. Larger gardens can demand |
| offices to find out if there are any ordinances that | | | | two or three hours a week. For more wall fountain |
| apply to the installation of water-fountain gardens. | | | | ideas check out |
| Get more ideas on water fountains by visiting | | | | SHOULD you HIRE IT OUT? A SKILLS RANKING. |
| Be Calculating When Planning Your Water Fountain | | | | |