An Indonesian Fountain in my Berkshire Garden
What could be more soothing and delicious than walking out in your garden on a sun-packed, sweltering day and listening to the sound of water? Almost as good as a merry brook in your backyard, it’s the next best thing: a fountain.
After spending years scratching my head about how to incorporate water into my gardens — and not simply with a bird bath but something more “alive”, the answer came from Java. Well, not quite. It came from an old high school friend and artist, Beck Balken who hops back and forth from Bali to the Berkshires. Having helped design his garden last year, we made a trade. Maybe Bali is next???
Upon seeing this elegant, 5′ high vase/fountain I was reminded of ancient Greek urns and Cycladic figures I’d once seen in an Athens museum. And although this fountain may look ancient in both form and color, (in this case, rust), it reflects the best of modern technology. With a silent little motor from below, the water almost imperceptibly trickles from the top, subtly bathing the vase’s walls. They glisten in the sun. All the senses awakened and assisted by a touch of imagination, one also might feel bathed in cool water.
To see more of Beck’s imports, check out: http://bagong.us/.
PS When our winters bring ice, hail and snow, these creatures won’t crack or disintegrate either. Not built of terracotta, instead they’re made from an ingenious mix of hardy fiber with a touch of cement.
Fountain in A Formal Garden
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