HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME!

HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME

Nothing beats the heat like water, especially when it’s in your own backyard – or front yard or balcony or even indoors.

Our Creative Living home began life as an auto body shop. The cinder block building has two garage doors and a beautiful but blisteringly hot barrel roof made of wood. While we’re lucky to have a rumbling old evaporative cooler to push air, the temperature hovers around 94 degrees inside during the summer months, but our indoor fountains are always gurgling, shushing and pouring water. The sight, sound and ambience give the impression that we’re cool as cucumbers in the store!

From traditional tiered fountains reminiscent of Italy to contemporary pieces fabricated from metal, one thing is consistent and that is water flow. It can trickle like a mountain stream, creating a zen-like atmosphere or it can fall in big sheets like a waterfall, producing a lovely sound that can muffle the neighbor’s condenser or traffic nearby. Be cautious about placement of your fountain – if placed close to conversational areas, it can be difficult to talk above splashing water.

Not only do water features provide a visual focus for your outdoor space, their psychological and mental health benefits are well-documented. Negative ions emanate from running water, reducing stress and anxiety and increasing serotonin levels, relaxation and sometimes even a nice, long nap.  

 

Butterflies, birds and domesticated pets all love running water. Be cautious of using chemicals to clean or treat the fountain if you have frequent non-human visitors like the bobcat below.