The Genesis Of Garden Fountains

From the onset, outdoor fountains were simply meant to serve as functional elements. Residents of urban areas, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash up, which meant that fountains needed to be connected to nearby aqueduct or spring. Up until the 19th century, fountains had to be higher and closer to a water supply, such as aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to take advantage of gravity which fed the fountains. Fountains were an optimal source of water, and also served to decorate living areas and celebrate the designer. The main components used by the Romans to build their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. To depict the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages added fountains to their designs. Fountains enjoyed a significant role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exercise his power over nature. To mark the entrance of the restored Roman aqueducts, the Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries commissioned the building of baroque style fountains in the spot where the aqueducts arrived in the city of Rome

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

Embellishing city parks, honoring people or events and entertaining, are some of the functions of modern-day fountains.

The Wide Range of Outdoor Water Features

Sending a stream of water straight into the air, spouting fountains create a striking impression. It is doable to have one of these installed into an existent, large pond. You can find these in community parks or old mansions.

Outdoor water features are available in different forms, one of which is a chic wall fountain. These types of fountains make for a fantastic addition to your yard even if it is small. Wall fountains leave a subtle impression, contrary to the big impact produced by spouting fountains. In a very straightforward procedure, the water flows out of a spout, trickles down a beautifully textured wall only to be pumped back to the top.

Themed fountains are perfect when the style of your yard allows for them. A cherub holding a spout is one of the possible kinds of classical-styled statues you can use if you want your fountain to fit a rustically themed cottage or garden. On the other hand, a more contemporary yard can include more of a bold design. Deciding what to do is entirely in your hands.

Water flows down several levels in a tiered fountain. Water flowing down multiple tiers of this water feature is the chief attribute of a cascading fountain.

Since outdoor fountains occupy ample space, consider putting in a wall fountain or a pondless fountain. Fit in one of these fountains if your space is limited since their reservoirs are hidden from sight underground.

If you seek a feeling of peacefulness and calmness, install a Japanese fountain as these are believed to bring about such sensations. The water moves through bamboo sticks in this type of water feature. The repetition of water streaming into a bucket or shaped stone is one of the main attributes of this kind of fountain.

An additional type of fountain is made of glass. A more traditional look is provided by trellis-style fountains which feature shaped metalwork. Water features such as these are ideal for gardens with many sharp corners as well as modern forms and designs. The water produces a dazzling effect when it runs down the surface of the glass. In some cases, the water is colored by LED lights as it flows down the glass sheets. With water softly running down its surface, rock waterfall fountains, often made of imitation rock, are a viable solution for your garden.

In a bubbling rock fountain, a big rock is drilled with openings and then filled in the center with pipes. Low pressure is used to push up the water which then bubbles and gurgles at the top. Water then streams as a gentle trickle down the sides of the rock to its base. This type of fountain is perfectly suitable for small gardens. To guarantee that water is not sprayed around if it begins to get windy, this kind of fountain is the best option since it only uses low pressure to move water.

Powered by sunlight, solar fountains are becoming increasingly trendy. The reasons for this are diverse, from the lack of wires and the reduced complexities to the decreased power bills and the beneficial effects on our environment. You will not have to concede on style since there is a wide selection of designs to choose from in outdoor solar-powered fountains.