Installation Of Outdoor Fountains - The Ground Below

Installation of an outdoor fountain is quite simple. The fountains available in our catalog are all self contained which means that you will not require a special plumbing or electrical source. Most fountains on the market today are constructed in this manner so that operation is simple. You do however need to prepare the area where you plan to place the fountain before you begin the assembly process.

First you need to decide where you wish to place the fountain. Popular areas for outdoor fountains are entrances to homes or businesses, just outside of a picture window or patio door or within a garden where you may enjoy the soothing sound of the water flow. You will want the fountain to be placed where it will look beautiful as well as be functional. The area will need to be close enough to an electrical outlet so that you will be able to plug the pump into the outlet for operation. You will also need a water source close enough for a garden hose to reach the fountain.

Second you will need to prepare the ground below where you will be placing the fountain. Whether the fountain you purchase is large or small the ground upon which the fountain sits must be level and solid. The ground beneath the fountain does not require a concrete pad but it is recommended for large heavy fountains. Concrete pads are definitely recommended for large fountains in areas that freeze to avoid ground heave. To avoid ground heave you will need to place the pad so that it will extend below the frost line. We do offer several precast concrete pads to place under your fountain or outdoor furniture that may be ordered with the fountain. The ground where the pad is placed should not be newly excavated or should be given time to settle. It is imperative that the ground be level as the pump will not move the water properly if the fountain is tilted in any manner.

If the look of concrete below the fountain does not compliment your landscape plan you may cover the pad with natural stone, landscape mulch or paving brick. The precast concrete pads available in our catalog may be colored to fit the color scheme of your garden. After the fountain is set up properly it will offer many years of enjoyment with little maintenance.

Please visit the links below to view the precast concrete fountain pads as well as our fountain catalog and information.

Precast Concrete Fountain Pad

Outdoor Fountain Catalog

Spring and Fall Water Fountain Cleaning and Water Treatment (Full Article)

Fountain Maintenance and Cleaning

Landscaping Ideas For The Easter Holiday

The Easter season has arrived so it is time to start thinking about how to decorate your lawn or garden to celebrate the beginning of spring and the season of religious rebirth. Easter is celebrated for different reasons in different parts of the world depending on individual spiritual beliefs.

Easter was named after Eastre who was a pagan saxon goddess. Eastre was the Anglo- Saxon goddess of fertility, dawn and spring. The first day of spring or at the vernal equinox a celebration would be held each year in the honor of Eastre. The first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox was a sacred day for Eastre as well and was given her name. The full moon represented the fertile season. New life is the wonderful gift of the spring season as a result of the warm sun and rainwater that comes with the season. Eastre's symbols were the rabbit or hare and the egg which represent fertility and new life. Anyone who has had the experience of caring for a rabbit will know that they selected the perfect symbol. The Easter rabbit and Easter egg are a tradition for this reason.

The Eastre holiday continued to be celebrated through the years and over time became a holiday celebrated by Christians. The spelling of the name was changed to Easter. The Christian celebration of Easter represents rebirth through the Resurrection of Christ. Many Christians prefer to decorate their homes or gardens during the Easter holiday with Sacred Heart of Jesus Statues or Madonna statues.

Whether you prefer to decorate with the a bunny statue or religious statue it is time to prepare for the Easter holiday. We offer many classic bunny statues that may be included in your garden and can remain there throughout the summer landscape season. We also offer many decorative bunny statues that have a more of a whimsical appeal. Many gardeners like to celebrate the season of rebirth in the spring and include baby sheep or lamb statues as well as baby pig statues in their gardens or flower beds. We offer quite a large selection of animal statues so you could really be imaginative with your spring garden theme. Please click on the links below to view some of our most popular bunny and lamb statues for the Easter holiday.
Bunny - Rabbit Statue - Boy
Bunny - Rabbit Lawn Ornament - Girl
Bunny - Rabbit Statue - Traditional
Easter Bunny Statue -
Lamb or Sheep Statue -
Easter Basket Statue -
Animal Statues -

We also offer a variety of religious statues and lawn ornaments. Madonna and Sacred Heart of Jesus statues are available in a detailed realistic finish or in a solid finish to compliment your garden theme. Please click on the link under the product description in our online catalog to view the available finishes for each statue. Click on the following links to view some of our most popular religious statues for the Easter holiday.
Sacred Heart of Jesus Religious Statue -
Sacred Heart of Jesus Religious Lawn Ornament -
Madonna Statue -
Blessed Mother Mary Statue -
Religious Statues -

Beagle Top Breed at Westminster Dog Show

February 12, 2008

Uno the Beagle won best of breed at the Westminster dog show today. Uno is the first Beagle to win the best in breed at the Westminster show since 1939. The USA Network is offering full opening night coverage at 8 PM tonight. You can also view the Westminster 2008 Dog Show on CNBC.

We are receiving many calls for information on dog statues that resemble the top competitors in the Westminster dog show. We offer concrete and resin dog statues that closely resemble many breeds such as the Beagle, Poodle, Schnauzer, Labrador, Boxer as well as one of the newest breeds to the show the Mastiff.

Many dog lovers like to feature their favorite breed in their garden or landscape plans. Concrete animal statues hold up better in areas where temperatures are below freezing much of the winter months. Resin statues may be used in any climate however they do have a tendency to crack easier if they are in temperatures that are below freezing for long periods of time. It is always a pleasure to catch a glimpse of your best friend in your garden. Dog statues are detailed in finish to appear as lifelike as possible.

Please click on the links below to view some of our favorite dog statues. Tune into the above stations to follow the delightful Westminster show.

Beagle Statue -
Poodle Statue -
Labrador Statue -
Hound Statue -
Schnauzer Statue -
Dog Statues -

New Line Of Resin Memorial Statues, Benches and Garden Stones

We receive numerous calls from family members searching for the perfect statue, bench or garden stone to place in a garden, cemetery or at a grave site to remember a special friend or family member. A favorite statue to place on a grave is a guardian angel or madonna statue. A religious statue of this sort serves as a guardian of the grave and often offers comfort to the family. Please keep in mind that in a public cemetery depending on the traffic and climate it is probably best to choose a concrete or cast stone statue as it will be heavier in weight in case it is accidentally bumped. Please click on the following links to view some of our most popular religious statues used for this particular purpose.
Angel -
Madonna or Blessed Mother -
Religious Statues -

We also just introduced a new line of memorial statues, benches and garden stones constructed of resin. Many of the statues in the new line are inscribed with prayer or inspirational statements. This particular line is designed to capture the perfect words to honor the person that you wish to remember. This particluar line of statues are simply lovely in person. They are constructed of a resin stone mix and may be used in an outdoor garden, cemetery or an indoor setting. Please click on the following link to view our resin memorial statues.

Memorial Statues, Garden Stones and Benches -

We also receive numerous calls for statues and grave markers for family pets. We offer concrete and a new line of resin grave stones and markers for cat and dog owners. It brings great comfort to see a memorial stone in your garden which will evoke fond memories of a best friend that has passed. Please click on the following links to view some of our most popular memorial statues and grave stones for cats and dogs. Pet Memorial Statues and Grave Stones -
Cat Memorial Statue -
Dog Memorial Statue -

Gazing Balls Make the Perfect Garden Gem For the Gardener In Your Life

Only seven days left until Valentines day and just around the corner in May is Mothers day. Time to decide what would make the perfect gift for the beloved gardener in your family. Each year gazing balls are one our most popular choices as they provide a lasting memory each time the recipient catches a glimpse of their beautiful garden.

Gazing balls are available in stainless steel as well as glass. Stainless steel balls are the most durable globe available as they do not break or tarnish. Stainless balls are available in various colors and sizes. The most popular colors in stainless steel globes are Ruby Red, Blue, Magenta Pink, Silver and Purple. The steel balls have a reflective, mirror like finish. You will notice that they will reflect the sun, trees and clouds when placed in your garden which makes them even more enchanting. Stainless gazing balls are completely round and constructed of 16 gauge steel.

Glass gazing balls are a favorite of the traditional gardener as they were the first type of garden globe available. The most popular colors in globes constructed of glass are Red, Iris (purple), Rainbow Green and Rainbow Blue. The glass balls are not as reflective as the stainless balls however they do have some reflective qualities. Many of the glass balls have translucent qualities which means the color will vary a bit depending on the light source at different times during the day. Glass globes do have a neck on each ball with a rubber stopper on the end. Glass balls are made to fit into stands constructed especially for glass gazing balls. The neck will fit inside of a hole in the stand that is made to hold a specific size ball. If you are not sure if the glass ball that you are purchasing will work with a specific stand feel free to contact us at 800-458-0445 and we would be happy to help you find the correct ball. Stainless balls will fit on most stands as they do not have a neck. If you would like to secure a stainless ball to the stand just simply apply a small amount of household putty to the rim of the stand.

Many wedding and party planners order steel gazing globes as decoration or table center pieces. Gazing balls work well as party decor because they come in bright colors that will compliment the party decor. The balls pick up light from candles or the room and add a bit sparkle to your setting. When the event is complete the balls may be used as lovely parting gift. Gazing balls used for this purpose simply make the setting of your party very charming!

Maintenance on gazing balls is quite simple as you simply need to clean them occasionally with any household window cleaner and a soft dry cloth.

Please visit our gazing globe catalog to view the many options available.
Gazing Balls -

How To Choose The Perfect Gazing Ball

Spring and Fall Water Fountain Cleaning and Water Treatment

Seasonal cleaning and monthly maintenance is important to keep your fountain beautiful and functioning properly. Over time algae growth will occur due to the water and light combination associated with outdoor or indoor fountain use. You will also experience some mineral deposit buildup due to minerals found in the water. Algae growth and mineral buildup will occur in all fountains including concrete, cast stone, resin, brass or copper.

We do recommend that you use a water clarifier to help slow the growth of algae and keep mineral deposit build up to a minimum between cleaning and maintenance. You may purchase water clarifier by clicking on the following link. Follow directions on the bottle for proper use.
Fountain Water Clarifer - Click Here to View Product

Every spring and fall you may wish to seal your concrete fountain with a sealer to help preserve the finish. The finish will age over time however sealer will add a protective layer to delay the process. Fountains age at different rates depending the climate and sun exposure of the area where the fountain is located. To purchase sealer simply click on the following link. Follow the directions on the sealer can for proper use. Fountain
Fountain Sealer - Click Here to View Product

Visit us today for the perfect lawn ornament or fountain for your home or commercial business.

Lawn Ornaments and Fountains - Fountains

Please click on the links below to view more articles regarding fountains.

How To Choose a Fountain

Fountain Maintenance and Cleaning

Resin Fountain and Statue Maintenance

Spring and Fall Water Fountain Cleaning and Water Treatment (Full Article)