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10 Quick Tips about Wishing Wells

1. Ancient peoples believed in water spirits that could grant wishes ... for a price. The practice of throwing coins into a wishing well stems from this age-old belief, and many modern backyards feature wishing wells as ornamental good luck charms.

2. It is estimated that tourists toss an average of about 3 million pounds of coins into wishing wells annually.

3. Most landscaping wishing wells don't have any water in them; they are merely for decorative purposes and are used as multipurpose planters instead. You can grow a climbing vine up the side, a hanging plant in the bucket, and a floral display in the well.

4. Garden wishing wells can be made from cedar wood for an authentic, weathered look, or from modern plastic that requires little maintenance and will look beautiful for years to come.

5. Make sure the size of your wishing well is in keeping with the overall scale of your yard. Wells are available in a wide variety of sizes, from miniature versions to full-size authentic models.

6. Small yards can be overwhelmed by large wishing wells. These pieces are supposed to contribute to an overall atmosphere of nostalgia and hope, not serve as the focus of your yard, so a miniature decorative wishing well may the choice for you.

7. To prevent your garden wishing well from getting lost in your large yard, designate an area as a flower garden with your wooden wishing well as the main attraction. The garden will visually increase the size of your well and give it a greater sense of presence.

8. Garden wishing well planters with wine barrel bases have a unique, old-fashioned charm that is ideal for your overgrown cottage-style garden.

9. Many wishing well planters are comprised simply of a planter box base and a roof. For extra fun and a more realistic look, choose a wishing well with a bucket that can be lowered and is ideal for growing a draping plant.

10. Children love splashing in wishing wells, but most wells have been left dry due to drowning concerns. If you simply install a piece of wire mesh 10 cm below the water's surface, children will be able to play and wish safely.