A Simple Fountain Garden Design

A Simple Fountain Design with a few plants and outdoor features. This is a very basic design. I developed this design for you to get some ideas of incorporating a couple of different themes into one landscape area. Three trees create a back drop for this garden bed.

The garden consists of a formal appearance as well as a few distinct colors. Of course green is the base color with the trees and leaves from the plants. Purple and teal tones are the accent colors. The accessories around the garden also creates a feeling of man made and nature.

To get some other color ideas, take a look at the section on Theme colored gardens - and get some other color ideas around a fountain. Below is the design with a key to explain about each plant and outdoor feature. Also included are a couple of photos for you to see the actual plant. I am not an artist. My goal is for you to see the different shape and color of each individual plant specimen and feature.

1. Fountain - This is the focal point of the garden. You can purchase any size and still create the same look and feel. This particular fountain has three tiers and is black. It is heavy and usually installed by a professional.
   
   Prices vary in different geographic locations. There are many companies on line that also specializes in water features. Check out the photo of the right and see if this fountain is an option for you.
2. Decorative Rocks - You can place the rocks along the border of the walkway as well as around the water feature. The border can be done in two three or four layers in length. I like having just one row as not to overpower the bed with rocks.
3. Walkway - The walkway can be made up of any materials. Little decorative pebbles or small decorative stones creates that formal appearance. Grass, mulch or pine straw some other options.


















4. Arborvitae - Two Arborvitaes are in the background. The Emerald Green is a favorite of many people. The Emerald Green Arborvitae is considered a small evergreen tree. It grows ten to twenty feet tall and three to five feet wide.
   
   This is a superb specimen for privacy, and a great substitute for a Leyland or Bald Cypress. Consider a Spruce or Douglas Fir. It can take full sun but also partial shade. Grows well in zones three through seven. The Emerald Green can be planted in a straight row or can be staggered in an odd number. Plant anywhere from five to seven feet apart.
5. Maple - The Maple is deciduous large tree providing wonderful shade. They can grow thirty to forty feet high and ten to twenty feet wide. There are thousands of varieties available and will grow in most zones. Green leaves appear in the spring and in fall the leaves take over the beauty of spring and summer flowers.
   
   Maple leaves turn bright red, orange and yellow colors and make some of the most spectacular scenes at this time of year. Keep in mind the colors of this particular garden. Choose the right color for the fall to blend in with the purple and teal. Cleveland Pear or Purple Plum are good substitutes if the Maple is not right for you.
6. Bird feeders - If you have looked at other designs I have done, I love to create bird feeders in any garden. A couple of different type of feeders works well. Different figurines or ornaments will do fine if you are not into the fine feathered friends.





7. Bird Bath - Bird baths are great not far from your water feature. Birds love the sound of the trickling of water. The bird bath will also defer the birds from playing around in the fountain.
8. Bench - two benches are placed on either side of the main focal point. Black iron benches add a rich tone to the garden.


9. Planters - Think about putting two planters on each side of the benches. Black cement pots will look striking by the bench.
10. Blue Star Juniper - evergreen dwarf shrub that is wonderful in a decorative planter. Grows well in zones five through nine. Likes full sun but can take shade better then other forms of junipers. Will grow around one foot high and can sprawl out one to to three feet.The Color is green with teal tones on the needle shaped leaves.














11. Liriope - evergreen grass like plant. Grows well in zones six through ten. Clumps of Liriope are often seen bordering many different style beds. Grows twelve to eighteen inches tall. Comes in a solid color or variegated tone.
    
    I like the variegated Liriope in this garden with the purple flowers. Liriope can be divided. Blackish - blue berries appear in the winter time. Substitute evergreen shrubs such as a Boxwood or a Holly. By doing this, you will be creating a hedge form and a true formal garden.

If you live in a tropical or sub tropical location, here are some great plant options for you to do in this style garden. Browse through the Outside In Garden Store, as there are many different plants specimens. Check out the outdoor features, seeds, bulbs, and pruning tools. Our store is designed to help you with all your garden and landscape needs.



12. Loropetalum - Chinese Pizazz - Evergreen shrub with purple and green leaves year around. Pink/red flowers will bloom in spring and summer. The Ruby Loropetalum is a dwarf and will grow 3 to 4 feet high and 3 wide.
    
    The larger versions will grow 8 to 10 feet high and 4 to 5 feet wide. The Loropetalum does well in full sun and and grows good in zones five through eight. There are six of them in this design. I put three on each side of the walkway.

This is a very basic and simple fountain design. The decorative stones above add fit right into the theme color of this landscape area. Think about using your favorite trees and shrubs. An option for the planters are annual or perennial flowers. Take a look in the gallery of plants section of this Web site to get some ideas for your climatic zone. The fountain will be your biggest investment for the project. Any size water feature will still give you the atmosphere of enjoyment and relaxation. This style garden also creates an outdoor area that you and your family can treasure for years to come.