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Boring backyards, lackluster gardens and uninviting porches can be instantly updated and revived with a water fountain. Flowing water rejuvenates outdoor spaces like nothing else can - it instantly adds relaxing water sounds and a beautiful new look to your yard or garden. Incorporating the element of water into your outdoor space is easy with a floating fountain, re-circulating garden fountain or bamboo water spout.

Floating fountains can be placed in a pre-existing pond or pool, or you can get a half-barrel or other container to put them in. Simply fill the container up with water, connect the pump to the fountain, and place the pump in the water. The fountain will float at the surface, creating a spray of water that is contained within the basin. A great example of a beautiful, easy-to-install floating fountain is the Lily Floating Solar Fountain, which can be found at KineticFountains.com.

Re-circulating garden fountains contain everything you need to set up a beautiful water feature in your yard, garden, patio, deck, or even a balcony. The basin is built right into the fountain, and the pump circulates the water from the basin, up to the spout and back down. These kinds of garden fountains can be found in nearly any color, style or size you can imagine. You can choose anything from a small solar powered fountain to a huge, impressive waterfall fountain.

Bamboo water spouts bring the serenity and minimalist aesthetic of Japanese design to any outdoor space, large or small. Like floating fountains, bamboo water spouts can be placed in a pond, half barrel or large bowl. You simply set them up on the edge of the container and place the pump in the water, and they will begin pouring water back into the container with a trickling, musical sound. Expertly crafted using the world's finest bamboo materials, these fountains are resistant to cracking and very durable.

Once you have chosen the perfect fountain for your garden, place it in an open, highly visible spot so its full effect can be enjoyed by all who enter. You can draw further attention to your fountain and accent its beauty by planting flowers, ornamental grasses or other small plants around it. Be sure to have some seating nearby, because you'll want to kick back and relax, enjoying its soothing sounds. Finally, take care of your new water feature by keeping it clear of debris, changing the water regularly and using algaecides meant for use in decorative fountains.

About the Author

Stephanie Gottschalk writes the blogs 'Picnic Fun - Tips and Recipes' and 'The Joy of Water Fountains' for Specialty Living Inc., an Asheville, North Carolina-based company that aims to share their love of people, nature and life through high quality water fountains and picnic baskets.