Is this fountain too small?

Question

Last weekend my husband pulled all the plants out of this area. He wants to replant them and thinks we need a taller fountain. Do you think we need taller fountain and any ideas on plants? It's a shaded area most of the day.

Marilyn Zaruba · Answer

I don't think it is too small, but a lot depends on the height of the plantings you put around it.  I would see if I could change the color though....that looks almost yellow and would look so much better in a gray to match the house.

Rosie · Answer

I am wondering why you are covering up that beautiful brick? you could cutback the greenery to half the wall and the fountain would look a lot better but in all reality I think for the size of the house you should really have a much larger fountain. (just my opinion)

CK · Answer

If you think it's too small, raise it up with something underneath it....like pavers or something, to the height you want it. Disguise the pavers (bricks, whatever) with plants.  However it's not just height you should be considering but overall scale.  That includes width too.    Personally I'd try raising it up first to see how you like it before getting a new one.  And as others have said, you have to envision it with the plants you're planning to put into the area as well.

Sandra. Jackson · Answer

It's not too small as I did the same thing but instead of using wiring and trying to hide it , I used a solar water disc, I took out all the plants , filled it with water and placed the disc in it that way I can move it around and it worked really well, the disc is the sort you can put in a pond, you need to look for different sizes, good luck

Kris Heim · Answer

If you feel it's too small, place it to the side with a chair or two beside it, and use a plant as the centerpiece.

Susan · Answer

It is a bit small for it's surroundings but if you don't want to replace the fountain you can make it appear larger in several ways such as a raised bed surrounded by smaller rocks, etc.

Cindy Hagemann · Answer

I think the size is fine, you might want to paint it to match the house more, add some flagstone, smaller plants and maybe even a bench.

Dar · Answer

I think the size is just right.   If you have enough shade hostas would look nice is that area.   Also, some variegated monkey grass would be a good contrast against the ivy.

Jennifer · Answer

I think a taller fountain and shorter ivy on the wall behind it will bring attention to it.  I would also paint it, the color is just not right.  I'm dealing with the same thing as far as color goes.

Kst11543454 · Answer

It's not too small.  You can make it whatever you want it to be.  Don't just buy a bigger one.  Look into plants and other decor you can add to what you have already.  It's a pretty nice fountain.  Work with it and, I'm sure you will think of a great way to make it awesome!

Phil a · Answer

You can make it a focal point without it dominating the area by surrounding it with some stone benches and some gravel or stones for ground cover, the choice of which would depend on how much drainage the area gets. Rule of thumb: The more moist the ground is, the bigger the stones you should use. You could make it into a 'meditation' area, for relaxing with the calming babble of running water. Phil

Jennie Lee · Answer

I think it's the perfect size; bigger would be too much. It would look nice in white or pale gray. Move the dog statue to it's own little spot. Straighten the fountain; it's leaning a bit. Put taller plants behind it and plants about the size of the fountain on either side of it, and groundcover right around it. A bench on the left, next to the driveway and facing it, would look nice, and be helpful when loading things into your car, or for someone to wait by the car.

Sue Kiene · Answer

I think the actual size is ok but I agree I might like it to be a little taller which could be accomplished by putting something taller under the base. As far as painting it, I do not think I would do that. You are showing it with absolutely nothing around it, no flowers or anything to give us an indication of what it looks like the other part of the year. What colors you like, what height the flowers around it would be and what it actually looks like with them in place.  Please post pictures with other landscaping in place.

153091 · Answer

Lots of  suggestions to think about from Hometalkers! For me... I would   place the fountain on a 'larger' round or square  base, using stepping stone blocks with brown tone peagravel; raising  it up one stepping stone and giving it a little height. This way I can plant low growing flowers for color and they won't hide the lovely base design. The large natural stone and the dog, plus the pea gravel new base would all blend in color very tastefully. Hope when you decide, you post a photo!

Ohio Sandie · Answer

I would paint the outside of it a bright color, since it is in the shade. Colorful flowers will be hard to find. Get several types of hostas to hide the base. I love Phil a's idea of a stone bench by it. Anyhow, enjoy it, fountains are wonderful to have.

Loco Moco · Answer

I think the real problem isn’t the size of the fountain, but the perception of its size in relation to the large rocks in the foreground. You might try moving the 3 larger rocks to the background and move the fountain forward and toward the driveway a little. The rocks currently dominate the space.

The fountain seems to be the correct diameter for the space, although I agree with others that it might be higher. Try stacking wood underneath until you get the proper height, then build a permanent base from cement or pavers. If you want softscape, you could build a raised bed planter to hide the base – round or square would depend upon the design for the rest of the area. If you want hardscape you can make the cement base as large as you want. This would also help to make the fountain the focal point of the area by creating separation from the softscape. If you tint the cement a similar color as the driveway it would tie the two areas together and avoid a large gray cement sidewalk appearance.

You might want to plant a low shrub to lessen the impact of the gray porch flagstone. Or cover it with one of the big rocks. I think that might be what is driving the painting suggestions. The fountain is a beautiful color but gets washed out by the grays – at least on my computer screen. You might want to try blocking the wall with a dark board to see if changes the appearance.

Last, you have to do something with that garden hose. Cover it, contain it, store it elsewhere, or at least get a black one. Nothing will ruin all your hard work more than having maintenance equipment drawing attention away from the landscape. What you have looks fantastic so far! Hope you post finished pictures. Good luck!

Mary boudreaux · Answer

Thanks for all the suggestions. Over the weekend my husband had the fountain removed and an arborist out to look at he tree. The tree is coming out and rocks have been removed and starting with a clean slate. We are thinking of making a water feature out of rocks up against wall and having the water go into a small pond or creek going around circle with a small Japanese maple in the center. Which do you think is best?

Jan piner · Answer

Elevate on  2 pavers  makes a nice difference

Terrie · Answer

It looks small because of the large greenery in background. I would not buy a new one. I would give it height by making a pedestal with painted cinder blocks.

Lynne Forrestal · Answer

Is this still a shady spot most of the day after you made your changes?  a larger water feature sounds nice,  be sure you have tall things to keep in scale with the house which is very tall.

REBECCA · Answer

in this setting the fountain isn't too small, but is too short.  it needs to be elevated by about 25% of it's current height.  this could be done with some sort of pedestal which is about a third larger in circumference than the fountain - and the escutcheon thus formed at the top of the pedestal could be used to display smaller flowering plants (in pots) and add a splash of color to this area.

Mth6306194 · Answer

Mary the fountain is too small for a main piece in the garden. But with  a Japanese garden design it would look awesome. Take a look at Japanese designs for your garden space.  Be sure to post yor pics.

Jan piner · Answer

Hey Mary
That is a Hampton trellis I purchased on Amazon. It is covered with Mandavilla rt now and beautiful.  Your fountain idea sounds perfect. Jan

Cathy · Answer

Try buying some round pavers and stacking them to add a bit more height.  Or a large square one with  round one.  Move it more to the front.  Put taller plants behind it and shorter ones in front and sides.

Is this fountain too small?

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Is this fountain too small?

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