Few elements in any garden manage to elicit the same reaction as a well-placed water feature. It conjures calm and can tie together an entire landscape.
Go on, close your eyes and imagine the trickling sound of water while you feel a soft breeze and catch a whiff of butterfly bush…
It’s nice, ain’t it?
In the wide world of water features, few can stand their ground when faced with the might of the iconic fountain. They act as structural features in the garden and offer a variety of angles of interest.
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Fountains are also easier to maintain than many other water features, and are relatively painless to install.
Today, we’ll share some basic information on installing your own garden fountain, and introduce our reviews of some of the best options available from a variety of sources.
Tabletop Models
The fountains listed here are of a size and weight that is fitting for use on tables, plinths, and other raised objects.
Keep the weight in mind, and where you’re thinking they’ll go. Don’t place an 80-pound piece of stone on a glass tabletop! Most of these fountains require no special plumbing.
1. Zen Plinth
Ideal in locations inviting a bit of whimsy, the Zen Plinth Fountain weighs in at over a hundred pounds, so it requires a solid foundation.
This is a great addition for areas where you want to garner some attention, and maybe get a few chuckles.
- Dimensions and Weight:23 x 13.25 x 25 inches, 112 pounds.
- Materials:Cast stone concrete.
- Cold Weather Care:Drain and cover for the winter, bring pump indoors.
- Place of Manufacture:USA.
- Warranty:Manufacturer provides a limited three-year warranty for damages occurring during normal product usage.
- Other Notes:No plumbing required, three-prong cord.
The Zin Concrete Plinth is available in nine different colors.
2. Cara Classica
Echoing the designs of the Mediterranean Classical period, the Cara Classica offers a refined touch to any setting.
Garden Terrace Concrete Cara Classica Fountain
It’s certain to draw attention with its unique design, and it is compact enough to fit in almost any area of the garden.
- Dimensions and Weight:19 x 11 x 9 inches, 62 pounds.
- Materials:Cast stone ceramic.
- Cold Weather Care:Drain and cover for the winter, bring pump indoors.
- Place of Manufacture:USA.
- Warranty:Manufacturer provides a limited 3-year warranty for damages occurring during normal product usage.
- Other Notes:Uses a three-prong outlet, no plumbing necessary.
This stylish little model is available in nine different colors.
3. Monk
A vision straight from ancient Buddhist temples in Asia, the Monk offers a simple, dignified design at an affordable price.
This model fits well in rock gardens, or as a centerpiece on tables and pedestals.
- Dimensions and Weight:Large model is 19 x 40 inches, 15 pounds. Smaller size is 15 x 21 inches, 8 pounds.
- Materials: High tensile fiberglass.
- Cold Weather Care: Bring indoors for the winter.
- Place of Manufacture: Not listed.
- Warranty: Manufacturer provides a limited three-year warranty for damages occurring during normal product usage
- Other Notes: No plumbing required, three-prong power cord.
4. World Menagerie Flower Blossoms
A particular type of fountain for a particular type of garden, the Flower Blossoms Garden Fountain from World Menagerie is exactly you may have been looking for, even if you didn’t know it.
Zarate Copper/Fiberglass Flower Blossoms Garden Water Fountain, available from Walmart
Because sometimes exploding beds of flowers aren’t quite enough, this fountain presents some attractively designed ornamentation in attractive copper that accentuates what is standing in your garden, or adds what may be missing.
It has a simple assembly and offers plenty of value in its design.
- Dimensions and Weight: 28 x 12.5 x 12.5 inches, 6.7 pounds.
- Materials: Fiberglass, resin, and metal.
- Cold Weather Care: Drain and cover for the winter, bring pump indoors.
- Place of Manufacture: China.
- Warranty: Manufacturer provides a limited one-year warranty for damages occurring during normal product usage.
- Other Notes: Uses a three-prong outlet, no plumbing necessary.
5. Mini Element with Birds
I’m a sucker for anything with birds on it, and the Mini Element with Birds offers just that.
Campania International FT-252-AS Mini Element with Birds Fountain, Alpine Stone Finish
A warm and natural-looking design provides avian friends on permanent vacation in your yard, even after the feeder’s been empty for a few days. With any luck, other wild feathered friends will visit this fountain anyway.
- Dimensions and Weight: 6 x 11.5 x 10.25, 23 pounds.
- Materials: Cast stone ceramic.
- Cold Weather Care: Drain and cover for the winter, bring pump indoors. Alternatively bring entire fountain indoors for the winter.
- Place of Manufacture: USA.
- Warranty: Manufacturer provides a limited three-year warranty for damages occurring during normal product usage.
- Other Notes: Uses a three-prong outlet, no plumbing necessary.
Available in 12 different colors and finishes.
6. Alpine Rock Waterfall with LED Light
This popular fountain comes with a bit of a hefty price tag, but you’ll love the natural look of a stacked rock waterfall that it provides, and the option to turn on the included LED lights to illuminate it at night.
Those gray stones are actually made of durable fiberglass, with other parts made of resin, but visitors to your garden won’t know – and this helps with the issue of weight as well.
It won’t crack or fade in the sun or hot weather, and it weighs just over 47 pounds.
The pump and lights are included, and the lights come with a three-year warranty. The water flow rate is adjustable, and you’ll love the soothing sounds of running water that it creates.
- Dimensions and Weight: Only includes the pump, water spout, and a tube to connect the two.
- Materials: Imitation bamboo.
- Cold Weather Care: Bring indoors during winter.
- Other Notes: Bowl is sold separately. Height of the water spout will dictate the volume of the splashing water.
7. Thinking Gnome
If I were a fountain, I’d be this contemplative gnome.
Resin/Fiberglass Thinking Gnome Fountain
Certainly an acquired taste, this pondering garden friend would look garish and out of place in some backyards, but fits in seamlessly in others.
- Dimensions and Weight: 17.9 x 13.6 x 20.9 inches, 11.4 pounds.
- Materials: Polyresin with fiberglass.
- Cold Weather Care: Bring indoors for winter.
- Warranty: Manufacturer provides a limited three-year warranty for damages occurring during normal product usage.
- Other Notes: Three-prong cord for power.
8. Fire Fountain
If you’re looking for a serious standout, you’ve found it – the Fire Fountain offers a dramatic union of fire and water.
It runs on simple paraffin fuel, and is guaranteed to be the hot spot of your carefully designed landscape.
- Dimensions and Weight: Large 32 x 16 inches, 33 pounds; Small 24 x 12 inches, 20 pounds.
- Materials: Glass fiber reinforced concrete.
- Cold Weather Care: Bring indoors for winter.
- Warranty: Manufacturer provides a limited three-year warranty for damages occurring during normal product usage.
- Other Notes: Pump included.
It is available in two sizes: large and small.
Both sizes are available on Amazon.
Wall Fountains
You guessed it, these guys are intended to be placed on a wall. They’re an ideal choice if space is limited but you still want a water feature in your yard.
The only factors to be aware of are installation and winter care. Mounting a wall fountain can be difficult, and protecting it from winter damage will be an annual task.
9. Top Pick for Wall Mounting: The Echo
Probably my favorite design, The Echo is an excellent choice for when you want to flank a garden entrance, or if you have a refined and no-frills style.
Campania International FT-119-NA Echo Fountain, Natural Finish
Incredibly, it requires no plumbing; the Echo recirculates water in the unit itself. For the eco-conscious or those who reside in drought-prone locations, this is a great pick.
- Dimensions and Weight: 64 x 14 x 16 inches, 340 pounds.
- Materials: Cast stone ceramic.
- Cold Weather Care: Drain and cover during the winter, bring pump indoors.
- Place of Manufacture: USA.
- Warranty: Manufacturer provides a limited three-year warranty for damages occurring during normal product usage.
- Other Notes: Uses a three-prong outlet, no plumbing necessary.
Available in 12 different colors.
10. Lion Face
Alright, I know I’ve got a soft spot for cats, but this is a classic design that fits in almost any situation.
If you’re on the fence about how well a wall fountain will fit in your garden, this is the one to start with. It’s affordably priced, is a self-contained unit, and has that big ol’ fuzzball of a lion featured prominently. What’s not to love?
- Dimensions and Weight: 31 x 20.5 x 10.5 inches, 21 pounds.
- Materials: Cast resin.
- Cold Weather Care: Drain and cover during the winter at minimum, ideally bring fountain inside. Alternatively, mount the fountain indoors.
- Warranty: Manufacturer provides a limited three-year warranty for damages occurring during normal product usage.
- Other Notes: Attaches easily to a wall stud with a screw.
11. Winding Vine
An attractive and uniquely shaped wall model, the Winding Vine features a cool system of four mini waterfalls.
It is made of fiberglass, so it’s lightweight and easy to set up. This model goes well in any area where it can blend into a wall of vines.
- Dimensions and Weight: 30 x 18 x 10 inches, 20 pounds, holds 5-10 pounds water.
- Materials: Fiberglass.
- Cold Weather Care: Drain and cover during the winter at minimum, ideally bring fountain inside.
- Warranty: Manufacturer provides a limited three-year warranty for damages occurring during normal product usage.
Floor Fountains
When the idea of a water feature is first imagined, what pops into your head is probably of a floor fountain.
There is tremendous variety available in this category, from flowing birdbaths to massive structures that require an entire team of people to install.
12. Our Top Pick: The Longmeadow
This tall and upright birdbath style is called the Longmeadow.
Capable of blending nicely into any area of the yard or garden, the Longmeadow doubles as an attractant for birds to bathe. Who doesn’t want finches and sparrows visiting more often?
- Dimensions and Weight: 24 x 36 inches, 217 pounds.
- Materials: Concrete.
- Cold Weather Care: Drain and cover during the winter, bring pump indoors.
- Place of Manufacture: USA.
- Warranty: Manufacturer provides a limited three-year warranty for damages occurring during normal product usage.
- Other Notes: Uses a three-prong outlet, no plumbing necessary.
Check current prices on Wayfair.
13. The Anfora
The Anfora is a funky-looking urn-shaped fountain. It takes up a bit more room than some of the others we’ve talked about thus far, but it’s a bold and handsome fountain worthy of the space requirements.
- Dimensions and Weight: 29 x 51 x 34 inches, a whopping 586 pounds!
- Materials: Cast stone ceramic.
- Cold Weather Care: Drain and cover during the winter, bring pump indoors.
- Place of Manufacture: USA.
- Warranty: Manufacturer provides a limited three-year warranty for damages occurring during normal product usage.
- Other Notes: Uses a three-prong outlet, no plumbing necessary.
14. The Portwenn
A two-tiered birdbath, the Portwenn is a strong design with hard edges and a square pillar as a base.
This is a great choice for when you want to turn heads with a sharp design that’s married with the peaceful sound of falling water.
- Dimensions and Weight: 39.5 x 26.5 x 26.5 inches, 290 pounds.
- Materials: Cast stone ceramic.
- Cold Weather Care: Drain and cover during the winter, bring pump indoors.
- Place of Manufacture: USA.
- Warranty: Manufacturer provides a limited three-year warranty for damages occurring during normal product usage.
- Other Notes: Uses a three-prong outlet, no plumbing necessary.
Available in 12 different finishes.
15. Alpine Fiberglass Jar
Certainly a funky design if I’ve ever seen one, I’d call this the “onion fountain” on account of it having a jar inside of a jar. Don’t worry, I gave up my comedy aspirations the moment I wrote that stinker…
Alpine DIG100XS-GN 32″ Water Jar Fountain with LED Light, Blue
Constructed of fiberglass, it has a realistic stone quality and is available in several different colors.
There are LED lights at the top of the piece to provide an added touch of ambiance, and it is powered by electrical cord.
- Dimensions and Weight: 32 x 15 x 15 inches, 40 pounds plus up to six gallons of water.
- Cold Weather Care: Drain and cover during winter.
- Place of Manufacture: China.
- Warranty: One-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
- Other Notes: All necessary parts for operation are included, easy to set-up and install.
16. The Triad
The Triad looks like something out of the movie Logan’s Run. It’s a standout piece with a unique and bold design.
Ultra modern, it would fit perfectly in a well-manicured garden.
- Dimensions and Weight: 36 x 20.25 x 35.5 inches, 420 pounds.
- Materials: Cast stone ceramic.
- Cold Weather Care: Drain and cover during the winter, bring pump indoors.
- Place of Manufacture: USA.
- Warranty: Manufacturer provides a limited three-year warranty for damages occurring during normal product usage.
- Other Notes: Uses a three-prong outlet, no plumbing necessary.
Check current prices on Wayfair.
17. Rapidian Bears with Lights
Okay, so I think gnomes are funny, and I also think there are never enough bears. This fountain’s an indoor/outdoor piece that has two lovable, clumsily-climbing bears illuminated by LED lights.
This isn’t a “classy” piece, but those who have a home for it will know it when they see it.
- Dimensions and Weight: 24 ½ x 17 ¼ x 22½ inches, 26 pounds.
- Materials: Weather-resistant resin.
- Cold Weather Care: Bring indoors during winter weather.
- Other Notes: Includes pump.
18. Newport Dove
The Newport Dove is a different kind of birdbath. Its main design feature is a ring of doves circled together, their wings touching in a symbol that brings the song “Get Together” by the Youngbloods to mind… It would fit well in any garden that invites animals and insects into the area.
Newport Concrete Dove Fountain
- Dimensions and Weight: 30 x 40.75 inches, 266 pounds.
- Materials: Cast stone ceramic.
- Cold Weather Care: Drain and cover during the winter, bring pump indoors.
- Place of Manufacture: USA.
- Warranty: Manufacturer provides a limited three-year warranty for damages occurring during normal product usage.
- Other Notes: Uses a three-prong outlet, no plumbing necessary.
Available in 12 different colors.
19. The Cascade
Pulling out a simple and refined design, the Cascade provides a great centerpiece in the garden, and is a particularly good fit in a seating area.
It’s a fountain that at once blends in with the surroundings while remaining a centerpiece.
- Dimensions and Weight: 39.5 x 26 inches, 416 pounds.
- Materials: Cast stone concrete.
- Cold Weather Care: Drain and cover during winter at minimum and bring pump indoors.
- Warranty: Manufacturer provides a limited three-year warranty for damages occurring during normal product usage.
20. Natural Stone Aquarock
When it comes to subtlety, this might be just the thing. Looking like nothing more than a pile of stones, it boasts a discrete and wonderful setup with a hidden basin that catches the water and requires little maintenance.
Natural Stone AquaRock Garden Fountain Kit
It’s got an especially nice feel for any garden that boasts ruins and stonework.
- Dimensions and Weight: 14.5 x 12 x 12 inches, 45 pounds.
- Cold Weather Care: Cover during winter, drain basin.
- Place of Manufacture: USA.
- Warranty: One-year warranty.
- Other Notes: Quick and easy installation, water needs no chemicals to maintain, extra-long extension cord for power, includes pump, five-gallon bucket, and tarp.
21. Nico Jar in Basin
This style of fountain has always struck me as satisfying, and the Nico Jar in Basin is a great example. It’s an attractive blend of ceramic and stone, and it really stands out in a rich, green garden.
- Dimensions and Weight: Jar is 18 x 40.25 inches, bases are 30 x 10 inches.
- Materials: Glazed terra cotta jar and fiberglass base.
- Cold Weather Care: Drain and cover jar for winter, bring pump indoors. Bring entire jar indoors if possible.
- Warranty: Manufacturer provides a limited three-year warranty for damages occurring during normal product usage.
- Other Notes: Base can be installed above or below ground. River rocks not included.
22. LC2
The LC2 is named like a sports car, and its features don’t disappoint. It’s an upright fountain with a large basin on the bottom, and three copper spillers trickle the water downwards.
Concrete LC2 Garden Terrace Fountain
You’ll need a larger space for the significant footprint of this fountain.
- Dimensions and Weight: 38 x 38 x 34.5 inches, 660 pounds.
- Materials: Cast stone ceramic.
- Cold Weather Care: Drain and cover during winter.
- Place of Manufacture: USA.
- Warranty: Manufacturer provides a limited three-year warranty for damages occurring during normal product usage.
- Other Notes: Uses a three-prong outlet, no plumbing necessary.
Available in nine different colors.
23. Parisienne Two-Tier
An example of the big-boy style of fountain, the Parisienne Two-Tier is a massive centerpiece. It stands out as the epitome of fountain design, and also requires extensive installation.
Parisienne Concrete 2 Tier Fountain
But, I mean, this thing is pretty dang cool; if you can afford it and you have the space, it’s an excellent choice for your home!
- Dimensions and Weight: 64 x 83 inches, 2295 pounds.
- Cold Weather Care: At a minimum, insure fountain is dry during the winter and bring pump indoors. Covering the fountain is ideal.
- Place of Manufacture: USA.
- Warranty: Manufacturer provides a limited three-year warranty for damages occurring during normal product usage.
- Other Notes: No plumbing required. Uses a three-prong cord for power. Requires additional pieces of stone coping (this was done intentionally to reduce weight and increase maneuverability).
Helpful Hints: Location and Construction
While some fountains can be powered by a solar panel, many have electricity delivered by a traditional wired supply. This is an important aspect of deciding where you’re going to place your selection.
Also look around and think about what leaf and yard debris might fall into the water and get caught up inside the drains.
Coleman 50-Foot 14/3 Extension Cord
It’s always best to hire a professional electrician for these kinds of jobs; they have the years of practice and firsthand knowledge of safety precautions that the internet can’t readily provide.
Electricity can be deadly, so always err on the side of safety!
If you’re using an extension cord and are not electing to bury conduit, be sure to purchase a reliable and high-quality extension cord.
Coleman makes a great product that I’ve employed for a variety of prolonged outdoor uses, and it’s available on Amazon.
Selecting the Right Option for Your Space
The type that you will select is an important choice, and there are three basic models: tabletop, wall-mounted, or freestanding.
While table fountains are shorter in stature, suited to fit on a table or a stand, wall types may be attached to a permanent wall. Freestanding models are taller and larger, designed to stand on level ground.
All varieties need to be level and secured firmly in place, and they all utilize some type of water pump.
Floor fountains can be large and hold a considerable quantity of water in their basins, so keep the safety of children and pets in mind!
Cleaning Tips
Far from a complicated topic, cleaning your fountain is as simple as using a few drops of dish soap and a soft brush once a week, or at whatever interval you find necessary to keep it clean.
Give the basin a nice wash, rinse it out, and refill.
Cleaning the pump (or filter, if applicable) can be a little more complicated. But these, too, are usually easy jobs once you get the hang of it.
Ensure that you’ve unplugged anything hooked to electricity before cleaning! Each pump will have cleaning instructions that are unique, if it needs cleaning at all.
EasyCare FounTec Algaecide and Clarifier, 8 Ounces
EasyCare FounTec Algaecide and Clarifier is available from Amazon.
Safe for plants, birds, and other wildlife, just a few drops added weekly will keep water clear, and free of algae and mosquitoes. This product is not safe for use near fish and should be kept out of reach of children.
Alternatively, try something like Barley Straw Extract to keep the water clean. You’ll find this readily available on Amazon as well.
Microbe Lift Barley Straw Concentrated Extract, 16 Ounces
Lastly, while it’s true that water features can be gorgeous pieces that tie together the entire yard, they really do require some maintenance and upkeep. I have a friend who has this fountain… well, he had this fountain…
… aaaaand that’s my attempt at a joke.
In all seriousness, like any garden project, this is a commitment. Like having a pool, or even a birdbath, regular upkeep is required to keep it in tip-top shape.
Check power lines, clean it regularly, perform any necessary maintenance, and you’ll be able to show your garden feature off to the neighbors for years to come.
Neglect it, and it’s sure to last only a season or two (which equals money down the leaf-clogged drain).
If possible, it is ideal to bring fountains indoors during winter months. If the piece is very large or heavy, at least cover it for protection from snow, ice, rain, and freezing temperatures.
The Perfect Water Feature
The presence of a fountain in a garden can fill any number of uses. It can be a subtle touch for the more reserved space or a loud-and-proud proclamation to draw the attention and ardor of your guests.
If one thing’s for sure, it’s that a good water feature can complete an outdoor space.
What’s more, a fountain can provide a more permanent addition to a garden than some plants and other features.
If you’re like me, then the initial construction will be a great memory to hold onto whenever you hear that bubbling water.
We’ve got plenty of different types of fountains for you to peruse and choose from; if there’s one you think we’re missing, give us a shout in the comments section below!
And for more ways to transform your outdoor living space, check out these reviews next:
- 11 of the Best Birdbaths: Your Guide to Water Features for Your Feathered Friends
- Made in the Shade: The 7 Best Patio Umbrellas You Can Buy
- Cozy Up and Get the Lowdown on 13 Popular Patio Heaters and Fire Pits
