i was thinking of something like this

or this is probably better since it's wider

Can you use arborvitae to frame in the courtyard? Maybe just have a wall for the fountain?

i suppose i could. i'll have to see if that will be ok

This post was edited by bmh4796 on Sun, Jun 30, 13 at 20:00

Is the brick/wall and fountain something you could add after you move in so that you're not paying the contractor fee? Could save a bit.

Or do the fountain wall but not the other walls and gate. Could always add later on if you decide they are needed.

that's a good point about the contractor fee. it's definitely something we can do later.

i thought about just putting one wall to put the fountain on, but would that look weird from the street? you'd see the side of the wall and fountain

I prefer the idea of a free-standing fountain surrounded by greenery vs. a wall.

Here's a picture I found last night... not a favorite design, but an example. You'd still need a planting (or large potted plants) at either end to soften the wall, imo.

A wall will give more privacy (and provide it quicker) than only shrubs.

My aunt had a small courtyard, with small pond/fountain, off the breakfast room. It was a lovely little secluded spot and always seemed magical to me (as a kid).

Use a trellis with vines to back up a free-standing fountain, like the wider of the two you showed. Add a casual brick patio, some pots of flowers and you are there for Make sure you have electrical and plumbing close enough to run the pump and the auto-fill on the fountain.

Are you putting in a door from the dining room to the courtyard? If not, would you ever use it? I think a courtyard with a fountain would be neat...and hopefully magical.