The garden fountain, a delightful addition to outdoor living, has been in existence for hundreds of years. History reveals that the Egyptians were the earliest people to have garden fountains. Diagrams on Egyptian tombs indicate that garden fountains were used within the courtyards of the wealthiest residences. In ancient times, the garden fountain resembled a fishpond surrounded by rows of fruit-bearing trees. Eventually, the Persians chose to enclose the gardens and fountains, creating their own oasis in the midst of the hot, dry desert.

Evidence of more garden fountains, inspired by the Persian influence, was found in the cloistered gardens of the Swiss Abbey of St. Gall in the 9th and 10th centuries. During the Italian Renaissance period, villas and castles, such as the Medici and LaPietra, were landscaped with gardens and fountains, in keeping with Roman tradition. During the 16th century, extensive gardens and fountains were used in villas such as the Villa Madama and the Villa d’Este in Tivoli. In later years, in the 17th century, the garden fountain took shape in more elaborate forms of statuary, such as was seen in the Villa Aldobrandini and the Villa Giovio, with the addition of spouting or falling water.

Garden fountains are available in many shapes and styles, including shallow basins, two-tier, three-tier, and barrel style. There are modern styles, featuring cylindrical shapes and rotating spheres, old world or European classic figures, and spiritual forms reflecting the meditative spirit of Buddha and Catholic saints. Attractive garden fountains are often created in unique designs, such as cherubs, busts, birds, animals, fish, and flowers, as well as from other aspects of nature. Prices can vary from less than $100.00 to over $1,000.00. Cast stone, bronze, marble, fiberglass, ceramic, wood, and bamboo are some of the more common materials used in garden fountains. A wide selection of patinas are available for adding finishing color to the surfaces of the fountains, including copper bronze, blue-gray slate, terra cotta, vibrant green, antique brown, and moss green.

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