The sound of water is very soothing. No wonder that it’s been used in the rain chains that move water off temple walls and in the fountains in the courtyards of kings. Use a water feature to create a serene home or office environment.
Small Water Fountains
Miniature water fountains are relaxing. In a time of stress, watch the water cascade down smooth stone. In some indoor fountains, the water moves out of the top of a round rock and cascades down the side. Other fountains are designed with spots for candles, a perfect addition to a romantic bathroom. Like outdoor fountains, they come in all sorts of shapes, from animals like frogs to cherubs.
Indoor Wall Fountains
Larger homes, offices, and restaurants use wall fountains as the feature of an entryway. The water falls down a sheer rock slope into a basin below, then it is pumped up to the top again. Wall fountains also come in metals such as copper or in clear materials like glass. For those who are looking for a moving piece of art for a hall or even a living room, an indoor wall fountain is a unique and natural feature piece. Surround it with potted plants or a living wall.
Bubbling Desktop Fountains
Flowing and bubbling water adds life to an indoor environment. In fact, for those who are interested in feng shui, moving water is an important part of adding good energy to a living space. Tiny bubbling brooks or springs come in plain rock shapes or may be shaped to look like a small river environment. Place sturdy indoor plants around these tabletop fountains to create a green and vital space.
Aquatic Plants Add Life to Small Water Features
Many who have owned fish tanks may think of aquatic plants simply as an addition to a tank, a place for fish and other animals to hide. Not so. Aquatic plant tanks can be beautiful of their own accord. When it is placed in an aquarium filled with smooth rocks, a simple, long-stemmed plant like Vallisneria nana makes a striking ornamental plant. Use a combination of large-leafed background plants like Samolus valerandi and smaller, fern-like foreground plants like Didiplis diandra to create an underwater display of foliage. These underwater bouquets add a unique touch to an office desk and they are a low-maintenance home water feature.
The combination of moving water and indoor plants is very restful. Water is also mood music for restaurants and other indoor places of business. Use these water features to create a living space that has echoes of the outdoors, or use them to create a calm office environment.
Tricia Edgar - Tricia Edgar is a gardener, environmental educator, and science writer from the Pacific Northwest.
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