Formal Fountains for Small Gardens: Symmetry is Key

I’m not a particularly neat and tidy person, but I can definitely see the beauty in a formal water feature. Like formal garden design itself, a formal fountain is symmetrical, balanced and sophisticated.

Even the placement of a formal water feature fits the symmetry of the overall garden design. In a formal garden, whatever is planted and placed on the left side is exactly the same on the right side.

In the center of all that symmetry, you’ll find the water feature, doubling as a key focal point in the garden. When the formal fountain isn’t in the center of an outdoor space, it can be found at the end of a sight line or in the middle of wall.

A sculptural element often sits within the fountain itself. And while the practice is pretty common, I prefer to stay away from the little boy peeing. Puleaasssee!

Finally, the formal water feature doesn’t have to be large or complicated – it can be a simple pot with recirculating water. As long as you remember these three basics when adding a formal fountain to your garden, you’ll achieve success!:

• Symmetry
• Central focus
• Balance

Ahhh, makes me almost want to organize my own space… Almost!

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This article was written by Jessy Berg, professional landscape designer & co-founder of Habitat Design. Habitat Design provides full-service online landscape design planning for small and mid-sized gardens, & an online store of unique garden & home furnishings — all at an affordable price. Jessy believes that beautiful gardens should be accessible & affordable for everyone. Check out Habitat Design >

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