An outdoor water feature is the capstone element of many custom landscapes. The trees and shrubs have been set as anchors, the perennials are strategically placed, and the accent annuals are sprinkled in. Now it’s time to add a bit of water action…

Our partner Henri Studio has been providing beautiful pieces of art for the garden, in the form of fountains, birdbaths and statuary, since 1965. They sculpt, produce and finish their cast stone creations in Wauconda, IL, adding to the lasting beauty and enjoyment of consumers’ gardens nationwide. Henri has over 700 designs to choose from. At Lurvey, we carry their most popular creations but special orders are easily accessed through our special order program…all addressing your specific tastes, whether Modern, Traditional, or Nature focused. As you make your decision, you’ll want to take into account the four S’s of water features (surroundings, size, sight, and sound).

Surroundings

Take your time in choosing just the right location for your new fountain. Where is your predominant seating or entertaining area? Will you be able to see the beauty and hear the sound of the cascading water? Will your fountain blend in with its natural surroundings or will it be a visual piece of art in the garden? Don’t forget to try to avoid locations where trees will drop leaves or debris into the water or areas that may be prone to wind gusts.

Size

It’s truly personal preference but we suggest visualizing your plants being at full summer height and breath. How will your fountain seamlessly flow with your overall landscape?

Sound

Think about the effect you desire. Water flowing over the surface of cast stone creates a shimmering visual effect and a quieter tranquil sound. Water flowing over copper spills provides a cascading water effect and gives a typical running water sound. Many water streams falling into a basin provide lots of water action as well as an audibly louder sound. These ambient sounds can be a welcome respite from the noise of suburban life, creating a peaceful haven in your backyard. Water features are known to attract wildlife as well. Birds, butterflies, and other beneficial creatures are drawn to the clean, moving water. This not only adds an element of natural beauty to your garden but also promotes biodiversity. Watching birds frolic and bathe can be a delightful sight, adding a dynamic and ever-changing element to your landscape.

Sight

Most Henri fountains also come with underwater lighting so the water flow can be enjoyed in the evenings as well. Our recommendation is to run most fountains 24/7. Refill and top off on a regular basis, usually when you’re watering your flowers. Henri has a wide assortment of finishes to choose from. Lurvey makes the most popular colors available right from our stock. They use acid stains that bite into the lime of the cast stone for a very durable and long-term finish. They also use paint washes which will age gracefully in your outdoor environment. Additionally, they can use true acrylic paint finishes that can be repainted when the time comes.

In all aspects of cast stone art, Henri Studio provides leading edge design in both form and function for your garden. Their durable and value-adding products are an investment in the beauty, tranquility, and enjoyment of your home environment. Whether as a centerpiece or a subtle addition, a Henri Studio creation promises to transform your garden into a more peaceful, beautiful, and enjoyable space.

Function

A completely new and unique garden-enhancing item from Henri is their Bee Pollinator/Sanctuary. This beautiful piece of garden art allows your garden to flourish by providing 100 varying-sized nesting holes for non-stinging bees and pollinators. The concrete provides longevity and an ideal temperature range for pollinators. The heavy structure means it stays in place in the garden. Natural cork plugs at the rear make the holes a safe sanctuary for your garden’s winged friends. Once the breeding cycle is complete, a quick removal of the plugs and a strong spray of water gets your pollinator clean and ready for the next batch of pollinator babies.

To complement your Henri Studio water feature, we offer Birdbaths, Birdhouses, Statuary & Benches as well. A truly inspiring environment awaits!