Rain Chains: A Beautiful, Functional Outdoor Water Feature

If you're looking for a unique outdoor decoration for your home and garden, consider a rain chain. A tradition from ancient Japan, a rain chain is a beautiful, functional alternative to the traditional, closed gutter downspout.

A perfect accompaniment to a garden with feng shui ambiance, rain chains make pleasing water features. Providing the soft tinkling of individual droplets to the soothing rush of white water, they are a treat to hear. Not only are they beautiful and interesting, they are functional too. Gently guiding rainwater, visibly down chains or cups from the roof to the ground, rain chains act as the link to environmentally conscious water management as well.

Beneath the rain chain, place a water receptacle such as a rain barrel to collect rainwater for watering your flower pots and gardens. Plants thrive when they're watered with rainwater as it doesn't have the chlorine and fluoride that are added to our drinking water.

Rain barrels also help to manage rainwater by keeping the water from washing chemicals and pollutants from the roads and the ground into our lakes and watersheds. By combining a rain chain with a rain barrel or other water receptacle, you contribute to cleaner water in our environment. Rain barrels come in an assortment of finishes, from antiqued wood barrels, to modern looking plastic or metal or ceramic basins.

RainChains.com sells their cup chains in both standard (8 ½ feet) and custom lengths. Link chain designs are sold by the foot. Easy to install, rain chains attach to the existing gutter with no need for a contractor. Rain chains are not damaged by inclement weather or freezing, and require less maintenance than regular downspouts. The visible open system lets you see when leaves or other debris collect in the cups; unlike downspouts, where if there is a clog, you can't see it.

Made from quality, pure copper, rain chains develop a beautiful patina over time, which adds to their character, and the wide variety of styles available complement any home and garden décor.

Enhance the beauty of your outdoor living space and contribute to a cleaner water supply.

To purchase a Rain Chain, log on to www.rainchains.com or call (888) 742-RAIN for a free catalog.

Copyright © 2007, ARAnet, inc.