Gardens come in all shapes and sizes, whether of the vegetable or flower variety, but your garden doesn't have to be just plants.
Simple decorations can add a lot of pizzazz to any sized space, and there's no better outdoor decoration than a water fountain.
Not only are your options limitless, but there's a fountain for any setting and situation.
Gardens with a path or labyrinth: You have two great options here: place a water fountain along the path or feature a fountain at the path's end.
Larger garden pathways that form a Y or V shape are perfect spots for a fountain at the point of the V or the spot where the three prongs of the Y meet.
Standalone bubblers, bird baths and tiered fountains are small but can make a big impact when paired with the surrounding plants and flowers.
If your garden path leads to an open space, a larger fountain can be a wonderful destination.
Think tiers, spiral steps or water walls for destination fountains.
Short garden paths can be accompanied by streams that move lazily along with a fountain or waterfall at the end.
Garden walls: A simple garden wall can provide so many water fountain opportunities.
Sturdy walls will support wall-mounted fountains made of heavier materials.
Again, tiered or free-falling fountains with a basin look great against a wall.
But if you have flowers or ivy climbing the wall, a cascading fountain will keep with the snaking design.
For a simpler look on less sturdy walls (like a wooden fence), a free falling fountain into a simple clay bowl or pot will provide a nice sound without taking away from the surrounding vegetation.
Gardens with additional water features: If you already have a man-made pond, koi pond or in-ground pool, a water fountain can make for an exciting addition.
Bubblers and fountains that rocket water skyward draw attention and praise to any body of standing water.
Other options include installing a stream that cuts across a patio, gazebo or garden.
They can be installed in almost any type of material, and streams look great cascading down brick or stone steps.
Once your fountain is in place, decide whether to add flowers, plants or other decorations to frame the fountain or help it stand out.
Wind chimes, glass orbs and colored stones can draw attention to the fountain without interfering or overpowering it.
You should choose a fountain material that matches existing plants and flowers for a more natural look.
Bamboo and wood look fantastic with broad leaves, while stone, cast iron, clay and terra cotta complement vibrant colored flowers.
Keep these decorating tips in mind while you shop for an outdoor water fountain to complete your landscaping.