Water can add a different element to the ambiance of your backyard garden. And no, we’re not talking about pools, sprinklers or even puddles; we’re talking about fountains and ponds. Never thought about putting one in, did you? Your opinion has probably been that they’re either too old fashioned, too fussy or too outré. Not to mention too much work. Maybe in the past they’d be guilty of all of the above, but they can also be lots of fun. And you’re no longer limited to teary eyed angel fountains or wishing well ponds; there are hundreds of design options available. And as far as powering your fountain or pond, what could be easier (and freer) than solar energy.

Fountains are more than just a place for the sparrows to take a shower or a receptacle for the coins of the neighborhood children (but really, if you position this thing right you could make a small fortune in a good summer!). The soft trickling sound or the sight of cascading water is inherently relaxing, and instills a sense of peace in the observer or listener. Sounds corny, right? But really, oh so true.

And ponds just seem to be de rigueur for hot tired tootsies at the end of a hot summer day. (So long as your pond is stocked with koi or gold fish, and not piranha.) Ponds don’t have to house(?) fish at all; stock it with pretty water-based flora and fauna and you’ve got a mini rain forest in your backyard.

Solar powered fountains and ponds, and even a combination fountain/pond, are readily available in a wide range of styles and prices at garden centers and DIY stores. There aren’t a lot of components, and you don’t need an engineering degree to put the components together. All you need is the desire. Got it now?