Most outdoor fountains are connected to a home's water supply. These fountains have a continuous supply of water so as long as the water is turned on, they won't go dry.Generally, fountains that can be filled with a hose use a pump that re-circulates water through the fountain on a continuous basis.Frequently turning the fountain on and off isn't good for the pump and should be avoided. Keep your new fountain running all of the time for optimal performance and functionality.
If your fountain splashes a lot of water around, use plants that like moist soil. Ivies, ferns, creeping Jenny, Japanese iris, spiderwort and marsh marigolds are good choices. (If the water tends to pool on the ground, work some organic matter or compost into the soil to improve drainage.)