Contemporary Garden Decoration: Outdoor Fountains and their Beginnings

Originally, fountains only served a functional purpose. Inhabitants of cities, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash, which meant that fountains had to be connected to nearby aqueduct or spring. Used until the 19th century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their source of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from gravity. Designers thought of fountains as amazing additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to provide clean water and honor the designer responsible for building it. The main components used by the Romans to create their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly depicting animals or heroes. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to re-create the gardens of paradise. To demonstrate his dominance over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to laud their positions by including beautiful baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.

Since indoor plumbing became the norm of the day for clean, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely ornamental. The introduction of special water effects and the recycling of water were 2 things made possible by replacing gravity with mechanical pumps.

Contemporary fountains are used to embellish community spaces, honor individuals or events, and enrich recreational and entertainment events.

Choose from all Sorts of Outdoor Fountains

A dramatic impact is made when a spouting fountain sends a shooting stream of water high into the air. It is doable to have one of these installed into an existing, large pond. Parks and historical stately homes often have one these water features.

One of the many examples of an outdoor water feature is a classy wall fountain. Even with a smallish yard, it is feasible to add one of these water features. While spouting fountains produce an impressive effect, wall fountains are more understated water features. It is straightforward undertaking wherein a small jet of water propels outwards in front of a splendidly textured wall and then flows down only to be pumped up again.

Your garden’s style determines whether a themed fountain is right for you. In a rustic themed cottage or yard, a traditional styled statue for your fountain could include cherubs holding the spout. Contemporary gardens, on the other hand, benefit from something more audacious. Just allow your creativity to run loose.

The main attribute of a multi-tiered fountain is that water flows from a number of different levels. Water streaming down multiple levels of this water feature is the chief characteristic of a cascading fountain.

Since outdoor fountains require a great deal of space, consider putting in a wall fountain or a pondless fountain. These types of water features are ideal for an area with limited space because their reservoirs are buried underground.

Tranquility and well-being are some of the main sensations imparted by Japanese fountains. In this type of water feature the water flows through bamboo sticks. A rustic bucket or shaped stone is situated at the bottom of this feature to collect the flowing water only to have the cycle repeated over and over again.

Fountains composed of glass are another type available. A more vintage look is provided by trellis-style fountains which showcase shaped metalwork. However, this type of water feature is better suited to gardens with many sharp corners as well as modern-day forms and design. As the water flows over the top of the glass it produces a dazzling effect. LED lights are also used in some fountains to flash color across the water as it flows down on the glass sheet. With water softly running down its surface, rock waterfall fountains, often made of imitation rock, are a viable option for your garden.

The characteristic which distinguishes a bubbling rock fountain is a large rock drilled with holes where pipes can be inserted into its middle. Low pressure is used to push up the water which then bubbles and gurgles at the top. Water then streams as a delicate trickle down the sides of the rock to its base. This sort of fountain is ideally suited for little gardens. The low pressure used in this sort of fountain prevents water from being splashed about in case of a windy day.

The trend of setting up solar powered fountains is becoming increasingly prevalent. The advantages of using this type of solar powered fountain is the lack of cables, lowered difficulty in installing them, the decrease in electricity bills, and the beneficial effects they have on our environment. The wide-ranging designs in outdoor solar-run fountains means you will not have to compromise on style.

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The Attraction of Simple Garden Decor: The Wall fountain

Any number of materials can be utilized to build garden wall features, but stone and metal are the most convenient. The most appropriate material for your water feature depends entirely on the style you prefer. It is important to buy hand-crafted, lightweight garden wall fountains which are also easy to hang. In addition, be sure to buy a fountain which necessitates minimal upkeep. The re-circulating pump and hanging hardware are normally the only parts which need additional care in most installations, although there may be some cases in which the setup is a bit more intricate. You can effortlessly liven up your outdoor area with these types of fountains.