Exterior Wall Fountains: The Many Styles Available

Mounted and free-standing water features are available on the market. Little, self-contained mounted wall fountains can be installed on any surface. Normally made of resin (to look like stone) or fiber glass, these types of fountains are lightweight and easy to hang. In large stand-alone fountains, otherwise referred to as wall fountains, the basin is situated on the ground with the flat side positioned against a wall. Normally made of cast stone, these water features have no weight restrictions.

It is a good idea to integrate a custom-made fountain into a new or existing wall, something often recommended by landscape professionals. A expert mason is required to install the water basin against the wall and correctly install all the plumbing inside or behind the wall. The wall will need to have a spout or fountain mask incorporated into it. A custom-made wall fountain blends into the landscape instead of standing out because it was a later addition, which contributes to a unified look.

Where did Large Garden Fountains Come From?

Pure functionality was the original role of fountains. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, from aqueducts or springs in the vicinity. 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 the power of gravity. Artists thought of fountains as amazing additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to supply clean water and celebrate the designer responsible for creating it. Bronze or stone masks of animals and heroes were commonly seen on Roman fountains. Muslims and Moorish garden designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller models of the gardens of paradise. To show his dominance over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. To mark the entrance of the restored Roman aqueducts, the Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries commissioned the construction of baroque style fountains in the spot where the aqueducts entered the city of Rome

Indoor plumbing became the key source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby limiting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Amazing water effects and recycled water were made possible by switching the force of gravity with mechanical pumps.

Nowadays, fountains adorn public areas and are used to recognize individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.