Garden Center Hours

Winter Vacation
Garden Center Opens
February 13, 2012

Growing Guides

Fountains: Frequently Asked Questions

How do I decide which fountain to select?

  • Consider the style - Select something compatible with your home or your lifestyle -- contemporary, casual, European, avant garde, etc.
  • Consider the sound - From a gurgle to a splash-- choose the best sound for your space .
  • Consider your placement - Choose a location where you can easily run the electrical wire to your fountain.

To have a fountain, do I need plumbing to the fountain?
You need an electrical connection for the pump, but the water can be added from a hose. Pumps are usually included in the price of a fountain, and a pump purchased from Hoerr Nursery is covered under warrantee for one year.

Can my fountains, statuary or planters be left out over winter?

  • Thicker Poly Planters and concrete planters can stay outside, but it’s best to at least empty the planter so the soil does not freeze and thaw during winter.
  • Bring fiberglass in for the winter.
  • Resin products should come in for the winter. Spray resin statuary and fountains once a year with clear-coat (polyurethane) sealer. Also, use distilled water in resin fountains to minimize deposits.

If I have a large fountain and can’t bring it in for the winter, how do I prepare it for winter weather?
Put towels, burlap, or blankets in the basin to absorb moisture, and then cover your fountain with a large tarp. If possible, turn some of the bowls on the fountain upside down so they will not collect water and freeze. Heavy snow can still indent the tarp and allow snow or ice to collect in the bowl, so be sure to check on it throughout the winter.

How do I clean my fountain?
Clean fountains once a month to prevent the build up of algae and mineral deposits. Clean the bowl and pump thoroughly – this includes taking the pump apart and cleaning the inside to eliminate algae and mineral buildup. The best tools for fountain cleaning are an old toothbrush, dish detergent and warm water.

You can purchase a product to add to the water that will clean the fountain continually. Another option is to scrub it using a stiff brush and white vinegar. Never use bleach to clean your fountain as it could affect the finish.

How much water do I need to keep in the fountain?
Keep enough water in your fountain for the pump to be totally submerged.

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Hoerr Nursery  |   8020 N Shade Tree Drive  |  Peoria, IL 61615
Just North of the Shoppes on Route 91  |  309.691.4561  |  Contact Us
© 2011 D.A. Hoerr & Sons, Inc.