By Peter O. Whiteley, Sunset senior writer

I enjoy the sight and sound of water in a garden, so I am always on the lookout for sources for handsome fountains that can be tucked into a corner of a courtyard or in a bed near a window or door. The gentle splashes of water can cool you off just by the sound. I was delighted to find my way to a store  called Garden Temple in Studio City, just over the hills into the San Fernando Valley, north of Los Angeles.

There I found a selection of hand-carved stone fountains that are spare and simple in form with craggy textures and muted stone colors.

It was a nice change from the more Baroque, ornate pre-cast or carved fountains you generally see. Their prices are not low, though, since a mid-sized one can run over $3000. Still, I found the display garden a delight. Garden Temple is located at 13055 Ventura Blvd., Studio City; phone 818-783-0079.