Contemporary Garden Decor: Garden Fountains and their Beginnings

Originally, fountains only served a practical purpose. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to provide them with drinking water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Up to the late nineteenth century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and more elevated than the fountain so that gravity could make the water move downwards or shoot high into the air. Fountains were an optimal source of water, and also served to decorate living areas and celebrate the designer. The main materials used by the Romans to create their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly depicting animals or heroes. Muslims and Moorish garden designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller versions of the gardens of paradise. Fountains played a significant role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exert his power over nature. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to exalt their positions by adding decorative baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.

Indoor plumbing became the main source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby limiting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity enabled fountains to deliver recycled water into living spaces as well as create unique water effects.

These days, fountains decorate public spaces and are used to pay tribute to individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.

The Beauty of Simple Garden Decor: The Outdoor Fountain

The most utilized materials used to manufacture garden wall fountains are stone and metal, even though they can be made out of many other elements. The most appropriate material for your fountain depends entirely on the design you choose. Garden wall fountains come in many forms and sizes, therefore ensure that the style you decide to buy is hand-crafted, simple to hang and lightweight. Moreover, be sure to purchase a fountain which requires little upkeep. In general, most installations are straight forward since the only parts which may require scrutiny are the re-circulating pump and the hanging hardware whereas other kinds of setups can be a bit more difficult. You can relax knowing your garden can be easily juiced up by putting in this kind of fountain.