A Rustic Garden Blog

The university I attended took great pride in its outdoor appearance. There was a large force of landscapers who toiled daily planting and maintaining flower beds, raking leaves, and mowing the lawn. Even the campus botanists got in on the action, keeping track of native trees and recommending expansions in specific plantings.

In addition to the flora, the university had quite a number of water fountains. The most popular outdoor water fountains were a long, stepped fountain that ran along the middle of the mall. It was a popular spot for shenanigans. At least once a semester someone would put bubble bath solution into the fountain and people would run through and play in the bubbles.

I have been feeding my fish a little more lately so they are getting excited when I walk by. I have 3 fish ponds that just completes my out door experience. This time of year I have so much work to do but taking the time to relax is vital and my time in my flower gardens and watching my fish help me do just that.

This picture of my fish pond at my business, A Rustic Garden. The lilies are in bloom and about to cover the waters surface. Outdoor water fountains are another way to create a soothing space to relax in.

Nobody wants to give their mom the same tired gift that she seems to receive far too often. Let’s face it; gifts like scented candles, gardening supplies, and jewelry are far too cliché for such a special person. Instead, consider purchasing one of these unique gifts that mom is sure to appreciate for a lifetime to come:

- Custom-Made Quilt: Mom is sure to appreciate this timeless gift, and even if she has other quilts, she won’t have one quite like this! Make sure to give the quilter some inspiration or even materials to make it extra special, such as silk ribbon.

- Foreign Cookbook: Several cookbooks that come from Europe or even other countries with partial English speaking populations have instructions in both a native language and English. Most mom’s love to cook, and a foreign cookbook just might inspire her desire. However, if your mom doesn’t like to cook, definitely avoid this gift!

- Garden Fountain: No garden is complete without a couple of outdoor fountains, and a stonework fountain is a great option instead of the traditional plants, flowers, or seeds.  You might also consider an indoor fountain for the wall.

For many that would mean Basketball. Yes I like basketball but I am not “Mad” about it. Still March Madness does define my state being this time of year.

I can not imagine residing in the part of the world that does not have 4 seasons but really winter could be a tad bit shorter for most everyone that I know. When March rolls around it seems to be just a tease. The weather is what everyone is talking about and yes they are “Mad”. Flower gardens are hinting that they might think about growing. The grass is turning to green but only those fertilized areas from the neighbors pets are starting to grow. $$ are still being spent because the furnace is still running. 

Thank goodness April is almost here so I can plant my annual flowers and install my new  outdoor water fountains. April Showers? I might just stay Mad.

For many years  I have had 3 fish ponds in my flower gardens so keeping them going through the winter sometimes is a challenge.

This year I just did not take care of the fish ponds like I should have. I normally unhook the cast iron water fountains to have the water pumps blasting water against the side of the pond to keep open water for the fish to have oxygen.

I have this large spitting frog that recycles a stream of water into my fish pond. Since I did not unhook it my water splattering in the freezing weather it made a huge mound of ice that looked like a volcano.  The stream of moving water kept a hole in the center open and did not freeze.  Probably not the best thing but it sure made an interesting ice sculpture on my pond using a garden fountian.

The garden is a place to escape the toils of day to day urban life and get back to nature.  Garden gifts can enhance a person’s everyday life and allow them to escape to a more serene and natural setting. When choosing an addition to someone’s garden, there are several options to consider. Garden fountains add both visual and aural appeal, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Statuettes add the presence of life such as animals or fanciful creatures.

For a less expensive gift, in the spring and summer annual flowers add color to any garden and are affordable in bulk.  Perennials are a bit more expensive but can add more lasting beauty and provide a memory for the garden owner.

You can make anything an outdoor fountain. Cast iron garden urn planters can be transformed easily by closing the drainage hole to fit the size of the tubing that is attached to your pump. The hose recycles the water from the bottom reservoir up into the bowl of the urn . It will fill up then overflow the edge and drop down to the reservoir.

Outdoor fountains bring a peaceful sound to your patio and gardens. They can be large or small, just pick a design that makes you feel good. After all that is the main objective.

Making a fountain recycle water is easy and you can find inexpensive items to make the reservoir that holds the water. I went to my Dollor Store today and found a kiddy pool that was just $7. It is painted with blue fish but that can be camouflaged with some 6 ml. black plastic. Place stones or landscaping bricks around the out side edge.

For a more permanent long lasting reservoir use fish pond liners found at your Lowe’s or Home Depot.  Place cement blocks in a circle that are large enough to catch the overflowing water from the largest bowl. Be generous with the size of the reservoir. Imagine a strong wind blowing the falling water. You do not want the water to blow away or you will have add water more often. Your pump needs to be submersed at all times. Attach a hose that you can find at any hardware store to the pump then run it up through the fountain. I fill the space around the hose so the water does not fall back down the hose. Bathroom caulk with work for small holes but when you have a large hole you can find [again at the dollar store] a round rubber drain stopper in the household cleaning supply section.  Caulk it down and then make a hole just the size of the hose.

A cast iron fountain with the sound of running water is a wonderful way to enjoy your outdoor living space.

Whether it’s a fountain, pond, or birdbath, water adds an entire new element to an outdoor garden.  Having a water source in the garden will draw a multitude of different creatures, and can also enhance the owner’s own perception of the space.  With a garden fountain, the sound of running water will serve as a source of soothing and calming.  Garden ponds take a bit of maintenance, but can also be fantastic additions.  With a pond it’s possible to have water plants, as well as animals like koi, frogs, and even turtles.  Growing water plants and taking care of water creatures can be a delight, and add a whole new aesthetic to the garden.  Birdbaths will encourage birds to come to the garden, just remember to place them in a secluded location with cover nearby, or the birds might be too shy to bathe! 

Water is one of the essential components of life, and having water in the garden gives the outdoor space a whole new dynamic.  You’ll love lounging in the garden and listening to or watching the water and all the creatures it’s sure to attract.