Water features have again become an important aspect of gardens; whether a lily pond, fountain or stream; water refreshes, soothes and fascinates.  Europe boasts many grand fountains in city squares, whilst smaller ones grace gardens in various parts of the world—walled or open, like this lovely one I found in Thailand.  Peoples of parched middle eastern lands seem to especially love the contrast of water with the dry earth.

Water is refreshing.

But it doesn’t have to be a massive installation to be lovely.  Years ago, in the US, I bought a pond kit with a large plastic bowl, a miniature water lily—it really bloomed, and a mini cattail, for $10.  That was one of the best “$10” I ever spent.  I received so much pleasure from watching the reflections on the water, the plants, and the variety of wildlife that made its way to our balcony.

But I thought fountains were another thing altogether, costing a lot and requiring complicated installation. When I saw in a garden magazine last spring, that I could get a solar powered fountain to float in a bowl– for a few quid, I was in!  Though the description said it would only run when the sun was shining, I’ve found that it runs on what it gained from the sun until it runs out.

I placed it where we can see it from the kitchen window and enjoy it when we eat outside. The sparkles of light reflecting off the drops of water make me happy; the gurgling sound of the pump soothes.

Moving water is refreshing, especially when it’s the River of the Water Life that runs through the middle of a golden street in the New Jerusalem, the city Jesus has built in heaven and will bring down to the earth when everything from the old way of life on earth is done.  As a visual artist, I’m exploring what the city will look like and blogging about my process of making a series of canvases about it. My latest post is about this living water.  Have a look, here: http://www.joancthomsonart.com/blog/2019/9/19/river-of-the-water-of-life-part-2the-river