The Concrete Truth
By David York
Winter Elements vs . Your Garden Accent
The
New Year is here and so is Old Man Winter . To me , fountains are like music in the garden … being a drummer and playing music inspires me , just as the sound of a bubbling fountain can add an amazing , inspiring atmosphere ; a soothing sound and a place for the birds to kick back . I bet you ’ re wondering how to still enjoy your outdoor fountain in the cold and freezing weather conditions . Think back to last winter – we had record temps in California . Morgan Hill and Gilroy bottomed out in the mid 20 ’ s – plenty cold enough to freeze the water in your fountain or to damage your pump .
Here are a few helpful hints to protect your investment :
For any temperature below 35 º Keeping your fountain running is really the best option because the recirculating water cannot freeze completely . You may have a top layer of ice frozen and some really cool icicles in the morning – almost a piece of natural art . Last year the gardens at Garden Accents looked like they were decorated with giant ice sculptures . If you keep your fountain running , the water will not completely freeze and your pump will continue working . The moving water helps the pump parts from getting sticky and keeps the fountain bowl from completely freezing and cracking .
For continued cold days and nights My recommendation is to drain the water from the fountain ( a wet / dry shop vacuum works well ). Covering the fountain with a tarp or heavy blanket will help to keep it from freezing .
For statuary and fountains Good preventive maintenance is to use a clear masonry sealer ( the
kind that is recommended for cement ). This can be purchased at most hardware stores . Apply this product on a warm day to keep your fountains and statues from absorbing moisture in the winter months .
You might have noticed on your fountain surface a white residue . This is caused by climate change and cold weather . Also , concrete has alkali in it which can appear on the surface . The best way to clean this is with white vinegar and water ( about ¾ vinegar / ¼ water ) mixed together . You can use a sponge or a rag to clean the surface with this mixture .
In areas where it snows , draining the water completely and covering the fountain or storing it in the garage is the best option . Hairline cracks are common on all fountains and shouldn ’ t be taken too seriously – as these can be repaired easily .
These few tips will help to preserve your fountain so you can enjoy it even more when spring arrives .
And that ’ s The Concrete Truth !
David York has over twenty years of fountain and statuary experience . He has been employed at Garden Accents located at 11155 Lena Avenue , Gilroy for over three years .
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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2008 GILROY TODAY