Modern Garden Decor: Fountains and their Roots

Originally, fountains only served a functional purpose. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to supply them with drinking water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Used until the nineteenth century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their origin of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from gravity. Fountains were an optimal source of water, and also served to adorn living areas and celebrate the artist. Roman fountains usually depicted images of animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks. Throughout the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners incorporated fountains to create mini variations 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 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 fresh, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely decorative. Gravity was substituted by mechanical pumps in order to enable fountains to bring in clean water and allow for beautiful water displays.

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

The Subtle Charm of the Garden Wall Fountain

Wall elements are a good choice if the space you inhabit is more modern in appearance. Stainless steel or glass are two of the materials used to construct modern-day types which add a fashionable element to your interior design. Does your home or business have a limited amount of space? A wall water fountain is probably the best choice for you. They take up no room since they are placed on a wall. Busy entryways in commercial buildings are often adorned with one of these types of fountains. You can also mount wall fountains outside. Fiberglass and resin are great materials to use for exterior wall water features. Courtyards, porches, or other outdoor spaces needing a stylish touch should include a water fountain made of one of these weather-proof materials.

There is wide assortment of different styles in wall fountains ranging from the modern to classic and rustic. You can choose the best style based upon your personal style. The materials utilzed to decorate a mountain lodge are different from that needed to beautify a high-rise apartment, the former perhaps requiring slate and the latter better served with sleek glass. Your personal design plans determine the material you select. There is no doubting the fact that fountains are features which impress visitors and add to your quality of life.

Use a Outdoor Fountain To Help Improve Air Quality