Whether in a scenic garden, a street, or a public park, you’re bound to find fountains spouting jets of water into the air during the spring and summer months. Though you may often see them as fancy water jets for people to look at and throw pennies in, they originally used for providing water from springs, reservoirs, mountain rivers, and aqueducts to cities, towns, and villages before the days of indoor plumbing. And until the late 19th century, most fountains were operated by gravity and needed a source of water from higher ground. But many also used siphoning to make water spout, too. Though we often think fountains were invented in Ancient Rome along with the aqueduct, both technologies actually come from the Greeks. Ancient Greek fountains were mainly made from stone or marble with water flowing through bronze pipes and emerging from the mouth of a sculpted mask representing a lion’s head or an animal’s muzzle. The most famous fountain in Ancient Greece was the Enneacrounos in Athens’ Agora which had 9 large spouts. But even that isn’t as impressive as the fountains of ancient Rome that contained decorations of bronze or stone masks of animals or heroes. Medieval Islamic as well as European Renaissance and Baroque fountains are often held as artistic masterpieces. Nevertheless, since we now have indoor plumbing, most fountains are now seen as decoration. Well, save for the occasional drinking fountain. Now since they tend to be popular in gardens, you can find many of them sold at any home improvement or garden store. And they come in all different, shapes, sizes, and forms. So for your reading pleasure, I bring you a treasure trove of water fountains to delight in.
- You can always make water spout through pipes.
Sure this mostly consist of pipe from the gutter drain. But it certainly works.
2. Even a miniature garden can use its own fountain.
Not sure if a mini garden fountain is quite right. Yet, I can see why someone would want one.
3. A small indoor fountain can bring some watery joy.
Helps if it has a colorful seahorse, coral, and golden shells. Then again, I kind of consider fountains more of an outdoor thing.
4. Sometimes a hollow stone column, a basin, and a metal spout is all you need.
Well, it doesn’t look like much. But it certainly goes with the garden scenery.
5. A watering can makes a wonderful fountain spout.
Well, that’s pretty inventive. Doesn’t hurt to put plants in it either.
6. What do you mean water can spring up from rocks?
This is a more naturalistic fountain for gardens. And yes, you barely notice it except for the water spouting at the top.
7. Even a small ceramic fountain is no less impressive.
Yes, it’s a rather small structure. But its deep blue color will certainly make an impression.
8. With copper pipes and water jets, you can make the water flow anywhere.
This one is shaped in a wheel with holes in the pipes. So the water can trickle down exactly where it’s supposed to.
9. You can go as high as you want with buckets and a watering can.
Yes, you’ll find quite a few DIY varieties on here like this one. Yet, this fountain has a certain kind of charm.
10. In this fountain, it takes a long time for the water to flow down.
This one appears to be made of copper from what I can tell. And are those things shaped like leaves?
11. Though most fountains are made of stone and marble, a tree stump one is always close to nature.
This one is even made with tiers still containing the bark. Great for any rustic garden.
12. Even a simple design can do the trick.
This one just consists of a stone bowl and a small jet. It’s not fancy but it will do.
13. With this fountain, you’ll find water flowing down all the steps.
This one is best suited for a wall as you can see. But it will surely go well with wooden fencing.
14. A mosaic fountain should always boast magnificent tiling.
After all, who doesn’t go for colorful decorations now and then? Love the brilliant blue.
15. A stone basin can sometimes be a lasting feature.
Here’s another mosaic fountain with blue tiling. Yet, this one also has lovely white edging and a stone basin tricking water down once it’s full.
16. A bowl and pitcher can be just as nice.
Even helps if both are intricately decorated. As long as you have the pitcher pouring into the bowl.
17. The larger the water receptacle the better.
This one uses a large stone jar that’s against a stone wall. Perfect for a garden, though I wouldn’t drink the water in it.
18. Sometimes an old bathtub can make the perfect fountain pond.
Well, that’s pretty ingenious. Just put the jet in with a bunch of rocks and you’re done.
19. With a box fountain, you sometimes need to cut corners.
Because if you don’t, where could the water flow like this? Well, it can overflow but that would make a mess.
20. When you have a pump, expect water to flow from buckets.
This one uses 3 buckets and a faucet. Certainly an interesting fountain to see.
21. A long thick log of bamboo is great for making a water wall.
A water wall is a certain type of fountain that has water flowing from the top down like a waterfall. Pretty simple explanation, really.
22. Speaking of water walls, check this one out of a Japanese arch.
This one is made from wood in the Japanese arch style. But it still has water trickling down from it.
23. Sometimes a large stone water jar is all you need.
This fountain has a stone jar tipped to have water spilling over the rocks. Fairly simple concept to apply.
24. Got some old tubas? Make a fountain out of them.
Hey, if the old Sousaphones don’t work, you might as well. Since you can surely have water flowing in them.
25. For a simple but modernist concept, try a fountain of raised metal bowls.
Sure it might not look like much without the water. But it spouts where it should and creates a couple waterfalls, too.
26. Since fountains are water fixtures, I’d say a dolphin motif seems appropriate.
I guess this one is made for indoors or a courtyard. But since everyone likes dolphins, I’ll put it on this post.
27. With 3 large stone jars, who knows what fountain you’d have.
These jars are of all different shapes, sizes, and colors, too. Great to have in any garden.
28. If you want the water to flow somewhere, a trough of brick should do the trick.
Yes, that’s a fountain. And yes, it takes a lot of room. But it’s not too fancy and has a stone basin at the end.
29. Sometimes 3 rock fountains can be better than one.
This one consists of rocks of different shapes and sizes. Wonderful centerpiece for any rock garden.
30. No fountain can be nearly as impressive as one with 3 bronze horses.
And it has water spouting from all their mouths. Yes, they look majestic, but I’m not sure about the spouting part. Well, to each his own.
31. Sometimes a water fountain can leave room for flowers.
This one even has a place for water to fall in a rocky stream. Nevertheless, you can’t help but love it.
32. This fountain head is nothing short of angelic.
This is an impressive bronze fountain that’s probably seen in a park. Yet, it’s nowhere near the ones you’d see in Italy or France.
33. A rocky waterfall always gives a naturalistic charm.
Yes, it almost seems like water is flowing from the ruins. And yet, it’s perfect for a scenic garden that’s most likely near a mansion.
34. A mosaic fountain should always be tiled to impress.
This one even has a white border and a lion’s head. Love the floral design.
35. There’s nothing better than a fountain attached to an urn for flowers.
This might be from some French chateau. Yet, it certainly goes well with the landscape.
36. A wooden bucket and pump fountain is never complete without a washboard.
Well, it certainly has a rustic feel to it. Yet, you don’t need to prime the pump to get any water in this one.
37. A modern black fountain has a certain kind of elegance.
Though I wouldn’t say it goes with a wall of flowers. But you have to like having its spouts together.
38. You can’t have too many teapots with this fountain.
Seems to me this is for an Alice in Wonderland garden. Still, at least it’s original and clever.
39. This stone arch fountain almost resembles ancient ruins.
Though I’m not sure if an arch would have a stone bridge within it. Yet, I understand it works with the waterfall.
40. With enough metal teapots, you can fill a whole cup.
This one even has string holding the pots up. Not sure how that works. But I like it.
41. A square flat fountain can always please.
Well, it’s great among rocks. Love the water coming out of it. So pretty.
42. For a more Southwest feel, this fountain of ceramic pottery is just for you.
Well, large ceramic pottery, anyway. Still, the stand is totally supposed to resemble adobe.
43. A stone enclosed waterfall is always a wondrous sight of beauty.
Almost thought it was from Maymont at first. But then I realized the Maymont one had lions on it. Still, love it.
44. A large fountain should always have a bowl overflowing.
Guess this is supposed to be for a courtyard. Love the blue and purple tiles.
45. How about a fountain with a large wagon wheel?
Not sure if the wheel turns. But I guarantee there’s water coming out of it.
46. Who knows what you can come up with when you have a bunch of empty bottles?
Though only 3 of these spout water. The rest have their bottoms facing.
47. This stone fountain has 4 metal spouts coming from it.
Well, it may be rather plain to some. But I do like how it has a basin to go with the pavement.
48. A metal garden bicycle can fit all kinds of pots.
Well, this is an interesting concept. This one has a pottery pitcher pouring into multiple pots. And a flower pot in the front, too.
49. No fountain is as whimsical is a ferris wheel of buckets.
I know some people might think it strange. But it’s from Pinterest. Of course, you’d probably not see that at a garden store.
50. Glass bowls make great fountain tiers.
Well, whatever works I guess. Though I do love the artistry on this one. So pretty.
51. A blue mosaic fountain almost appears heavenly.
It even has water coming out of the sun which is kind of weird. But it’s nevertheless impressive.
52. Put a wheelbarrow near a pump and watch the water flow.
Helps if the wheelbarrow is quite rusty. And the receptacle is a rock edged pond.
53. When you pour a jar, you can make a waterfall.
Well, if you have something to constantly put the water in the jar first. But it goes well with the plants.
54. Sometimes inspiration can come in the strangest manifestations.
This one has bottles in a bucket like champagne or beer on ice. Yet, instead of ice or alcohol, it’s water.
55. Sometimes you can do with 3 spouts on a wall.
This one must be in the Spanish mission style. Simplistic yet with a certain elegance.
56. When you pour the kettle, water comes out for the flowers.
Sure the kettle is rusty. But at least pouring it in a large bucket makes does wonders. Love it.
57. From this fountain, the water almost resembles sails.
Yes, it’s certainly meant to impress. And it even has a boat bottom to go with it.
58. With the right stonework, a fountain can always have a serene water way.
Well, the fountain is far off in the back in this picture. But it surely appears pleasant as the water flows to the basin.
59. Presenting the vortex fountain.
It’s basically a fountain that creates a whirlpool. And yes, it looks pretty cool.
60. On a mosaic fountain, you can never have enough water jets.
Sure this looks incredibly expensive. But I’m sure many rich people have something like this in their gardens by now.
61. Female nudes appear in all kinds of art and fountains are no exception.
And I guess there’s water spraying from her nipples. Wonder what kind of garden this is supposed to be for.
62. A marble fountain should always have a black sphere on top.
Yet, it sure seems perfect in a courtyard setting. Still, think it’s quite spectacular.
63. What comes in one watering can, comes out in another.
This is more suited for steps. Yet, it certainly has a whimsical touch.
64. You’d almost be stumped to miss this fountain.
And as you can see, it’s within a stump. Helps if you have plants growing around it.
65. Sometimes a small black fountain is in simple elegance.
Well, it’s in an oval shape with a square receptacle. So classy.
66. A Moorish garden is always a spectacular sight.
This is from a botanical garden in Missouri. But yes, it’s in the Moorish style that’s supposed to be close to paradise.
67. Why stick with one waterfall when you can have 3?
Well, seems like the kind of fountain for a patio. Yet, you can’t hate this one.
68. A spherical spout is almost out of this world.
Now that’s interesting. Not necessarily my taste. But unique enough for this post.
69. Best to put some gravel if you have a stone waterfall.
Yes, I know it’s a compact waterfall for a patio. But it’s amazing to see nonetheless.
70. A fountain at a corner patio can always impress.
Still, I’m sure this one doesn’t come cheap. But it sure looks pretty cool.
71. For an old cabin look, a wooden fountain will surely do.
Sure it might somewhat resemble a Jacuzzi. Well, if it weren’t for the jet spout.
72. A wall fountain can be so much simpler if you have bamboo.
Sure bamboo may be cheap. But for some reason I don’t imagine ancient China or Japan having water fountains. Well, at least ones appear like those we’re used to.
73. Sometimes it’s best to go with nature when it comes to waterfalls.
Well, that certainly looks almost naturalistic. Quite lovely if you can get my drift.
74. For a more rustic fountain, a pump and 3 wooden buckets should do.
Well, it’s certainly quite unique to put on this post. Nevertheless, the buckets always overflow.
75. A flowery fountain has water coming from the petals.
Well, when you’re doing a fountain post, you have to go with some unusual examples. This surely takes the cake. Yet, you have to admire it.
76. A colonnade is a fine addition to surround a fountain.
This is from a park in Houston. And though it’s not fancy, it’s surely spectacular.
77. A small fountain in a patio works best when stacked with stone.
After all, everyone has to adore a water jet in a small pool. Stunning to say the least.
78. Well, everything seems square on this fountain.
This one is made from concrete. Not fancy, but not bad.
79. Sometimes concrete and stone have a simple magnificence to them.
This one’s title has the words, “affordable simple design.” Yet, it’s probably the case if your net worth is over $2 million and you run a casino.
80. You can always create wonders with enough stone fountains together.
For some reason, they remind me of steaming rocks. Yet, it’s a lovely garden addition.
81. A mosaic fountain can always use a vase.
This one has a blue one with arms. Also like how the tile is painted. Beautiful.
82. A stone ship should always have a water wheel.
So when the dragon spurts out water, the wheel turns. And it seems like it spilled some from what I could tell from the wet spot.
83. Peacocks look especially grand on a tile fountain.
After all, there’s almost no bird as pretty and with a long feathery train. Love the flowers, too.
84. This fountain boasts a real carnival of animals.
I guess this is for a zoo in California. But you have to admire the animal art on it.
85. This angel fountain boasts a wall of water.
This is a lovely structure. Love how each wing has water raining down.
86. A brick fountain always has a sold foundation.
Of course, it’s not graceful like some of the other fountains here. But it’s certainly interesting to look at.
87. A brick waterfall should always enchant.
Have to admire the brick work on this. Also has a gravel pool for the water.
88. Sometimes you can find a fountain in the most interesting formation.
Not sure what shape it’s supposed to be on the top. But you have to admire the waterfalls.
89. Never thought you’d see water coming out a glass sphere.
The glass ball fountain is supposed to be of a unique design. Not sure if I can understand the concept.
90. A Gothic fountain can always impress in the garden.
Well, it’s more like Gothic Revival. And more suited for old cathedral courtyards than anything.
91. You can’t take the Earth for granted in this fountain.
After all, there’s no other planet like it that we know of. Nevertheless, it’s quite lovely.
92. Didn’t know there were any adobe fountains out there.
Actually, it’s not made from adobe. But it depicts an Pueblo Indian scene as far as I can tell.
93. As water flows, this fountain ignite flames in no time.
Guess you need fire to make a fountain more spectacular. As if water doesn’t accomplish that already.
94. You’d almost swear the water’s coming from the sky.
I know it seems hard to wrap your head around. But there must be a device that makes the water come out from the floating faucet.
95. Things are getting grassy with this fountain.
Well, it’s a grass ball fountain. Makes sure you trim it once in a while though.
96. A dragon fountain is always a splendid sight.
This is from China, by the way. Though you’d probably already guessed that. Yes, it’s a magnificent dragon.
97. A hurricane eye fountain always flows water in a spiral.
It’s meant for a patio, especially one with stone pavement. Yet, it’s quite sublime.
98. It takes a broken large pot with some little ones to really make a splash.
Another fountain in the Southwest patio style. But this one is quite colorful to behold.
99. Here we come to a Japanese scene with its own water wheel.
Yes, it’s a fountain with a small picturesque scene. But you can’t help but love it.
100. It always rains a rainbow with a fountain wall of lights.
Well, at least at night, anyway. But the water and colors are simply spectacular.
The Lone Girl in a Crowd 
Very nice fountains! I wonder where I could put one?
I would like to know what size the wine barrel was on your cover page with the Antique water pump and if I could use a plastic instead of wood.