Is there a better way to instantly elevate the ambiance of your outdoor space than by adding a water fountain? We don’t think so! Beyond their aesthetic appeal, water fountains bring a wide range of benefits to your South Florida garden, from cooling the air to providing a soothing retreat for the senses. Our handy garden fountain guide has all the how’s and why’s of incorporating water features into your landscape to help you fill your space with even more Zen vibes.
Why Should I Add a Water Fountain to My South Florida Landscape?
There are plenty of reasons why a water fountain is the must-have garden addition of the summer. Here are just a few of them:
1. Embrace the Tropical Vibe
Fort Lauderdale’s climate is a tropical paradise, making it an ideal environment for lush greenery and exotic blooms. Incorporating water fountains into your garden can amplify this tropical vibe, creating an environment reminiscent of a hidden rainforest retreat. The gentle sound of a fountain’s flowing water, combined with some gorgeous foliage, will instantly transport you to a secret paradise hidden right in your own backyard.
2. Beat the Heat
We all know how hot it gets in South Florida, especially during the summer months! Luckily, adding a few water fountains to your landscape can help cool the surrounding air through what’s known as evaporative cooling. As water evaporates from your fountain’s surface, it absorbs heat from the surrounding air, lowering its temperature. This natural cooling effect is a lifesaver during the scorching Fort Lauderdale summers and transforms your backyard into a refreshing outdoor sanctuary.
3. Tranquility
The soothing sounds of water gently trickling and cascading from a fountain can have meditative effects, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Whether you’re unwinding with a book or practicing yoga in your garden, the melodic sounds of a water fountain can guide your peaceful experience in exceptional ways!
4. Encourage Biodiversity
Water fountains are not just for human enjoyment – they can also attract a diverse range of native wildlife! Important pollinators like hummingbirds and other birds, butterflies, and bees are drawn to the presence of water, making a water fountain a beneficial landscape addition for both your garden and your local ecosystem.
How to Incorporate Water Fountains in Your Florida Landscape
In order to properly enjoy all the benefits a water fountain has to offer, you need to make sure it fits seamlessly within your landscape’s design. Here are a few tips to help guide you:
1. Choose the Right Fountain
Selecting the right water fountain is crucial for ensuring it fits in your landscape, both functionally and aesthetically, so consider your desired size, style, materials, and purpose to guide you in the right direction. For instance, a larger tiered or cascading fountain is great for adding some grand style to your backyard space, while a smaller bowl-style fountain might be better if you’re only looking for a touch of understated elegance and down-to-earth practicality. You should also opt for materials like stone or ceramic that can withstand Florida’s climate and blend seamlessly with its lush surroundings. If you want to attract smaller wildlife like birds and insects, remember to add a fountain with some shallow bathing and drinking options as well.
2. Find the Perfect Location
Ultimately, the best place for your new water fountain is anywhere it can be properly appreciated. We recommend installing it within view of your seating area or reading nook so you and your guests can thoroughly enjoy its relaxing sights and sounds. Consider also placing your water fountain near a shaded area, such as under a tree or next to a pergola, to create a cozy retreat from the sun and keep it cooler for any local wildlife who might use it.
3. Incorporate Native Flora
Enhance the beauty of your water fountain by surrounding it with some of South Florida’s local flora. Native plants are naturally adapted to our local climate and require less maintenance, making them a sustainable and visually appealing choice. Tropical plants like palm trees, hibiscus, and bougainvillea provide stunning backdrops for water features and create a harmonious blend of elements that adds a bit of magic to your garden!
4. Add Lighting for Ambiance
Extend the enchantment of your water fountain into the evening hours by incorporating strategic lighting. Subtle underwater or surrounding lights cast a magical soft glow, while the way the light dances and jumps on the water’s surface creates an ethereal ambiance that turns your fountain into a mesmerizing focal point after sunset.
Incorporating a water fountain into your garden is a decision that combines aesthetic allure with practical advantages. We hope our garden fountain guide inspires you to experiment with water features in your own Fort Lauderdale landscape and to come to the garden center to shop our amazing selection. Water you waiting for! 💦