• Tiered fountains are popular in courtyards.fountain in a shady part of the park image by Daria Miroshnikova from Fotolia.com
  
  Italian gardens nearly always incorporate some kind of water feature in their landscape, a custom that pre-dates the Renaissance era. The patios and courtyards at Roman villas typically use a fountain to create a focal point, introduce the motion of falling water and provide the soothing or trickling sounds. Several classic Italian fountain styles are widely available and even small-scale water features can instantly transform a garden and add classic Roman or Tuscan flair.
  
  

Courtyard Fountains

• The center of a courtyard is perhaps the most classic setting for a fountain. It gives the space an instant focal point and attracts birds and butterflies, as well as people. A traditional tiered fountain features one or two smaller basins stacked on top of larger basin. Water cascades down the levels and collects in the bottom pool. Simpler versions can include a bubbling urn or column with sheets of water that spill down the sides. In traditional Italianate design, a fountain sits in the center of a patio, surrounded by radiating flower beds or carefully pruned hedges that form symmetrical or geometric patterns. If that's too formal for your style, go for an Italian countryside feel with a fountain surrounded by pea gravel and a few informal flower beds.
  
  

Wall Fountains

• With a Romanesque wall fountain, you can add an Italian touch to even the smallest outdoor settings. They add a focal point to spaces that may seem too small for an outdoor water feature, such as a patio courtyard, an entryway and even some apartments or condos. Often made from lightweight, waterproof fiberglass, the fountains are easily mounted to most walls and appear to be aged, marble, brick or other materials. To choose an Italian style, look for a model that appears to be carved from marble and features a classical statue, lion's mouth, an ewer or a Florentine motif. For an informal touch, look for a wall fountain with an old-fashioned spout or tap.
  
  

Reflecting Pools

• A reflecting pool can take center stage in a garden, providing a elegant look. In classic Italianate design, a shallow pool adds a serene, but formal look, especially when surrounded by marble paving with a row of cypress trees in the background. Place statuary, large urns or topiaries at the corners for an especially dramatic touch. To prevent waves and maintain a smooth surface, reflecting pools are constructed so that edges are slightly deeper than the center. If you're designing a garden from scratch, borrow a trick from Roman architects and situate a pool to reflect an eye-catching focal point, such as garden terraces or a central tree.