With a little cleaver planning, you may be closer than you think. Well, there’s really no substitute for the excitement one might get from jetting off to Bali or trekking an alpine wilderness area. But, your own backyard may prove to be a rejuvenator of its own. Whether you are tanning on a beach, whitewater rafting, or day hiking, it’s the sounds found in nature that contribute to our peace and tranquility. Recreating these sounds in your own backyard can bring the same effects close to home. A backyard pond is an excellent way to bring the sound of flowing water at your fingertips. OK, I know what you’re asking. Is there a shovel involved?
Here’s how to recreate the sound of water flowing without time spent on the end of a shovel. Purchase a large vase or flower pot. Make sure it has a diameter of between 18 to 24 inches wide. If the bottom of your pot has a drain hole, you will need to plug it. Cork works great as a stopper. Next, buy a small water pump and a fountain attachment. Assemble the fountain to the pump and submerge it into your pot of water. Finally, adjust the fountain height in relationship to the surface of the water. The higher the outflow is above the surface, the more sound it creates. Observe your fountain’s water level for several hours before leaving it unattended. Some minor adjustments may be needed. Placing your fountain in front of some existing plants or bushes is a great idea.
My first water fountain provided many hours of enjoyment. I located it on a small patio just outside a sliding glass door. I could enjoy the sound of cricking water both inside and out.
A few years later, I expanded this hobby and grabbed a shovel. I now have a 750 gallon Koi pond. I’ll go into more details on that backyard getaway in a later post. For now, I’ll attach a photo.
