If you’re unfamiliar with the term “sparden” or “spa-den,” it’s a blend of “spa” and “garden” that aims to transform your backyard into a serene sanctuary. The inclusion of water elements is crucial, as their soothing sounds and rhythmic movements contribute significantly to the tranquility.
Increasingly, there’s a trend for designers to opt for fountains over firepits as gathering spots for relaxation. We’ve become particularly fond of these peaceful seating areas. The soft sounds and shimmering reflections of flowing water not only offer a refreshing alternative to firepits but also serve as a smart choice in areas where firepits might be unsafe.
Interior designer Peter Dunham arranged comfortable, low-profile furniture around a basin-style fountain by landscape designer Scott Lewis at a Napa, CA, residence. The space is defined by a tidy gravel square, a stone wall, and a tree canopy, creating an outdoor room. Here’s a guide on how to create your own water feature seating area for a relaxing outdoor space.
“A fountain introduces a structural feature, and its sound brings a sense of psychological calm. It’s a highly rejuvenating element [in the garden].”
The design of your fountain should blend harmoniously with its surroundings. For instance, landscape designer Scott Shrader selected a traditional blue urn to complement a home’s Spanish architectural style and inject a splash of color into the limited palette of the landscape. A low-slung stone bench provides a spot for quiet reflection and echoes the sound of the pea gravel.
Similarly, the light wood of the chairs Dunham designed ties in with the bark of a nearby sycamore tree. “The teak and rush elements had a very rustic feel, and since the house is on a farm, it adds to the natural ambiance,” he explains. Dunham also incorporated turquoise highlights with ceramic garden stools. “They’re easy to move around and also stable, so you can sit on them or use them as small side tables,” he adds.
“Fountains bring a unique touch to a garden that nothing else can, but you must get the sound just right,” says landscape designer Kennedy McRae, cofounder of Earth Inc. Look for fountains with adjustable flow controls to adjust the water’s strength. “You want it soft enough to sound like a babbling brook,” he advises.
This is particularly crucial if your seating area is close to the fountain. For a fountain with a noisy downspout design, McRae recommends placing a screen over the water to disperse the stream. “It diffuses the water,” he explains, “making it more like a gentle shower when it reaches the reservoir.”
If you want to attract birds, consider a shallow fountain, such as McRae’s custom waterfall style. “The surface is just over an inch deep. At that level, birds will actually land on it and use it as a bird bath,” he notes. Try adding river stones to the bottom of a deep basin to naturally adjust the water level.
Most garden fountains recirculate water, eliminating the need for plumbing but requiring regular topping up due to evaporation. You can also convert any bird bath into a fountain by floating a solar-powered water pump in the basin.
To achieve a natural look, McRae suggests planting near the fountain. “We always aim to have plantings spill around [a water feature] to soften it,” he says. This is particularly beneficial in smaller urban settings or areas with extensive hardscaping where you want to create an oasis-like atmosphere.
“Choose plants that match the setting you’re aiming for,” advises Rae, pointing out that ornamental grasses near a fountain can mimic reeds around a pond, while large, leafy plants can create a tropical ambiance. Or, if you have the space, take inspiration from Lewis and place a fountain near a tree—or plant one nearby. Surrounded by plants, a fountain seating area will feel more integrated with the garden and your senses.
