Contemporary Garden Decoration: Outdoor Fountains and their Roots

The primary purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional. Inhabitants of urban areas, townships and small towns utilized 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 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 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 artist responsible for creating it. The main components used by the Romans to build their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. Throughout the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners included fountains to create mini variations of the gardens of paradise. Fountains enjoyed a considerable role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exercise his power over nature. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to exalt their positions by including decorative baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.

Since indoor plumbing became the standard 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 decorative. The introduction of special water effects and the recycling of water were two things made possible by swapping gravity with mechanical pumps.

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

A Smaller Garden Area? You Can Have a Water Feature too!

Your outdoor vegetation is a fantastic place to incorporate in your water feature. Turn your water feature such as a pond, artificial river, or fountain to become the central piece of your backyard. Small verandas or large gardens is the perfect place to install a water element. Considerably modifying the ambience is possible by placing it in the most suitable place and include the finest accompaniments.