Modern Garden Decor: Garden Fountains and their Roots
Modern Garden Decor: Garden Fountains and their Roots A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to supply drinkable water, as well as for decorative purposes.The primary purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional. Residents of cities, 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 linked to nearby aqueduct or spring. Up until the 19th century, fountains had to be higher and closer to a water source, such as aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to benefit from gravity which fed the fountains. Acting as an element of decoration and celebration, fountains also supplied clean, fresh drinking water. Bronze or stone masks of animals and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. To depict the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages introduced fountains to their designs. Fountains played a considerable role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exert his power over nature. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains constructed to mark the place of entry of Roman aqueducts.
Indoor plumbing became the key 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 allowed fountains to provide recycled water into living spaces as well as create special water effects.
Embellishing city parks, honoring people or events and entertaining, are some of the functions of modern-day fountains.
Use a Fountain To Help Improve Air Quality
Use a Fountain To Help Improve Air Quality You can liven up your environment by installing an indoor wall fountain.
Your senses and your wellness can benefit from the putting in of one of these indoor features. The science behind this theory supports the fact that water fountains can favorably impact your health. The negative ions emitted by water features are offset by the positive ions produced by contemporary conveniences. Positive changes to both your mental and physical well-being take place when the negative ions are overpowered by the positive ions. A rise in serotonin levels is felt by those who have one of these water features making them more alert, peaceful and lively. The negative ions emitted by indoor wall fountains promote a better mood as well as get rid of air impurities from your home. In order to rid yourself of allergies, impurities in the air and other annoyances, be sure to install one of these. Lastly, the dust particles and micro-organisms present in the air inside your house are absorbed by water fountains leading to better overall health.
The Outcome of the Norman Conquest on Anglo Saxon Garden Design
The Outcome of the Norman Conquest on Anglo Saxon Garden Design
The introduction of the Normans in the second half of the eleventh century irreparably altered The Anglo-Saxon lifestyle. The Normans were much better than the Anglo-Saxons at architecture and horticulture when they came into power. But yet there was no time for home life, domestic architecture, and adornment until the Normans had overcome the whole realm. Because of this, castles were cruder buildings than monasteries: Monasteries were frequently significant stone buildings located in the biggest and most fecund valleys, while castles were erected on windy crests where their inhabitants dedicated time and space to tasks for offense and defense. Peaceful pastimes such as gardening were out of place in these destitute citadels. Berkeley Castle, potentially the most unspoiled model of the early Anglo-Norman style of architecture, still exists today. The keep is said to date from the time of William the Conqueror. A massive terrace serves as a deterrent to invaders who would attempt to mine the walls of the building. On one of these terraces lies a stylish bowling green: it's covered in grass and flanked by an old yew hedge that is created into the shape of rough ramparts.