One thing that could make it even more perfect, I thought, would be the sound of gurgling water, as in a small fountain or other water feature.
At first I was thinking about a pond or fountain out in the garden, but the thought of digging and installing a pond made us think again about that, so nothing was ever done. Then I started considering the possibility of having a small bubbler-type fountain on the patio. So completely on impulse I headed to Lowe's last weekend to peruse their selection.
I walked in to the garden center and cast my eye over the fountains on display and one little one just sort of jumped out and it was as if it had a "Buy Me" sign flashing over it.
It was small, inexpensive, and within 10 minutes it was in the back of my car on the way and on its way home with me.
It's by Allen and Roth, if you're interested, and is called the Three Tier Fountain. It comes with a wrought iron stand, or can also sit on a table. We have it on the stand and surrounded it with greenery.
Click on the above photo to see the full size version and spot the little visitor who particularly enjoys this new addition to the patio -- Kermit, our resident tree frog.
Words and photographs by Jayne Wilson, Green and Serene, Jayne's Country Garden.
