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All your garden pond needs now to make it perfect
is a garden fountain. Nearly every pond keeper
receives this profound advice from one or
other of his friends, and many a promising
pond has been spoiled by taking the advice.
The fountain is for the purely formal
pond and is out of place in the informal,
rugged type; moreover, there is more than
the actual fountain to consider, such as the
disposal of the surplus water.
The fountain part, itself, consists of a non-corrosive metal tube at the distal end of which
are drilled one or more holes according to the
number of sprays required. Tubes can be
purchased in a variety of designs, some being
tri-radiate with a central spray. In this type
the hole in the central piece is very small
and those at the ends of the radiating arms are
larger; so, with the same pressure of water,
there is a tall spray in the centre and drooping
sprays around it. The main pipe should be
cemented into the pond during its construction
and the pipe connecting it with the outside
world is joined to it with an angle joint.
The pipes from the water supply, if they are
to be completely hidden, must be laid in a
shallow trench. Otherwise a hose pipe can
be attached to the pipe at the pond side.
The fountain jet itself can be disguised by rockery
or by one of the statues specially made for
fountains. Some of these fountains can be formed to resemble artificial waterfalls.
The next item is that of disposing of the
surplus water, a matter for no little consideration. If the fountain is required to play for
only an hour or so during the day there will
be little, if any, surplus water; the fountain
will replenish the water lost by evaporation.
On the other hand, if a constant jet is required,
an overflow pipe will be necessary. This may
connect with the main drainage system, or
be fitted so that it can receive a hose pipe. In
the latter instance the overflow can be used
to water the garden. If a bog garden is part
of the estate then the overflow can be utilized
for that. The principal value of a fountain, apart
from its beauty, is that it serves to oxygenate
the water.
The waterfall calls for a certain amount
of assistance from the garden; a slope is,
obviously, essential and for a garden with a
decided bank, a waterfall is ideal. The slope
need be only a few inches, quite a pleasing
effect can be obtained from a waterfall falling
only six inches.
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