How to Landscape With a Faux Stone Water Fountain

A faux stone water fountain can make a big impact in your garden.

Faux stone waterfalls and fountains are made to look like natural waterfalls. The artificial stone is lighter and easier to install in your garden. Unlike a natural rock waterfall, the faux stone waterfall comes in a complete kit. You will not have to hook up the hoses and pumps on your own. The waterfall comes to you in one piece and will only need to be plugged into a standard outlet. A faux stone fountain can be installed directly from the box.

Things You'll Need

• Outdoor electrical outlet
• Stepping stone
• Shovel
• Annual or perennial flowers
• Ceramic garden ornaments (optional)

Instructions

1. Place the water fountain near an electrical outlet. If you use an extension cord, it should not extend across any walkways.

2. Bury the stepping stone, using a shovel. The fountain must sit level to work properly. Dig the flat stepping stone into the earth. Make sure the stone does not rock back and forth. If it does, add soil under and around the stone to hold it in place.

3. Place the water fountain on the stepping stone. Plug the faux waterfall into the electrical outlet.

4. Decorate the surrounding area. Using your favorite annuals and/or perennials gives the space surrounding the water fountain some color. The neutral color of rock will look good with any color of flowers. Check the plant's care tag to find the mature height of the flower. Place flowers that will grow taller than the fountain behind it.

5. Add some ceramic figures. Ceramic garden ornaments look natural next to a garden. Place shorter figures on the fountain itself. This will create the illusion of elves or animals playing in the water. Place larger figures in the flower bed or at the fountain base.

6. Turn on the fountain. Step back and look at the landscaped area with the fountain running. Try looking at it in both the daylight and in the evening if your fountain has a light feature. Add more flowers if the area looks too bare. If it looks crowded, remove some figures or flowers from the area.

Tips & Warnings

• Some faux stone water fountains run on solar power. This is an excellent option if you do not want to install an electrical outlet in your yard.

• If you plan to run an electrical line directly from your fountain to your electrical breaker box, run the line through a conduit.

• An electrician can run an outdoor outlet if you do not have any available.

• If you live in a cold climate, never leave your fountain outside in the winter. The cold temperatures and snow can crack your water fountain.

References

• Water Fountains and Garden Decor: Garden Decor and Your Garden Paradise
• Home Tips; Outdoor Water Feature Considerations
• Service Magic: Go with the Flow: Outdoor Water Fountain
• Outdoor Garden Water Fountain: Solar Garden Fountains--Pros and Cons