Bamboo Grass

So much was revolutionized with regards to fountains over the last ten years. Taking their cues from the Greeks & the Romans, people are experimenting on new materials such as resin, fiberglass, copper & bronze aside from the usual concrete or stone.

But before you go out and buy yourself one, take considerable time in pondering which type of fountain would be suitable for your home or business setting. Look at magazines and watch trade shows. What may be perfect in a mall does not necessarily mean it would benefit your home. Or you may be the type of person who tires easily of routine, the fountain you chose may wear off its novelty for some time. In such cases, maybe you should just get a tabletop fountain, so you can change it once you get tired of it.

Take for example the deer jolter or scarer, it is a very fascinating fountain that was designed by the Japanese Zen gardeners. They call it Shishi Odoshi or deer chaser wherein a bamboo pitcher decants when the trickling water reaches a certain level, in the process creating a sharp sound as the pitcher hits another bamboo tube. These fountains are always erroneously called perpetual motion machines but there’s nothing perpetual about it, as it needs a pump to impel the water. Using a solar pump would heighten the curiosity for this appliance.

The bamboo pitcher has joints that act as a fulcrum. A bamboo spigot above it fills the pitcher with water. When the level of the water reaches a certain point, the weight will cause the pitcher to swing letting the water out of its mouth. The action causes it to make a clacking sound as the pitcher is checked by another piece of bamboo. When the water is decanted, the pitcher goes back to its original position. This contraption was first used to startle the deer that goes near the water. It is so relaxing just to watch the whole cycle over and over.

This fountain requires some degree of maintenance, as the bamboo would crack after some time. Some designers fashion bamboo pitchers out of resin. Resin does not warp under the sun so it’s better. But if the bamboos were seasoned, it would last much longer, after all the Japanese have been doing it for years. Of course, the ones that are available in the US are just reproductions of the original thing, and they were made by Westerners at that. Probably the making of this contraption is an art all by itself.

Music has a powerful impact on creating positive changes in moods and reducing emotional stress. The magic of stress relief is in the music that the wind chimes create. They are typically thought of as musical outdoor decor; instruments played by the wind, creating ambient sound in outdoor areas such as a patio or garden. Chimes come in a variety of styles and shapes. You can choose based on your personal taste, or you may choose something more traditional. Stained glass wind chimes add sparkle and a splash of color to any yard or garden. They often have beads and metal decorations as accents and are available in several designs.

Classic wind chimes are great for gazebos or areas usually used for meditation and prayer. These chimes usually have exotic designs. They can be bought from department stores or you can make one for your home or garden. They are commonly available in bamboo, metal, and glass.

Bamboo – Usually with six to eight tubes can attract positive energy that can bring good luck, while those with five tubes are meant as protection for bad luck.

Metal – Are made of metal like aluminum, copper or steel, and are frequently tuned together to give lovely harmony. They’re also usually of the same pitch and it’s a more clear sound that lasts longer.

Glass – Glass in a variety of colors and shapes are also great materials in making garden wind chimes, particularly if the sunlight strikes all the way through the glass and reflects various dancing colors. That would surely be a sight to behold.