The Origins Of Garden Fountains

Originally, fountains only served a practical purpose. Inhabitants of urban areas, townships and small towns utilized them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash up, which meant that fountains needed to be connected to nearby aqueduct or spring. Until the late 19th, century most water fountains functioned using gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a source of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Fountains were not only used as a water source for drinking water, but also to adorn homes and celebrate the designer who created it. Roman fountains usually depicted images of animals or heroes made of metal or stone masks. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to re-create the gardens of paradise. The fountains found in the Gardens of Versailles were intended to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains constructed to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.

The end of the nineteenth century saw the increase in usage of indoor plumbing to provide drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to strictly decorative elements. The introduction of special water effects and the recycling of water were 2 things made possible by swapping gravity with mechanical pumps.

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

Outdoor Water Features Come in Lots of Shapes and Sizes

The stream of water sent high up into the air by a spouting fountain is an spectacular sight to see. If your pond is significantly large, it can be incorporated without difficulty. Parks and historical stately homes often have one these fountains.

Wall fountains are an perfect example of outdoor wall features. These types of fountains make great water features even if you only have a small garden. Wall fountains are not flashy water features as compared to a spouting fountain. In a very straightforward process, the water spills out of a spout, trickles down a magnificently textured wall only to be pumped back to the top.

Installing a fountain with a motif depends totally on the layout of your garden. In a rustic themed bungalow or garden, a classical styled statue for your fountain could include cherubs holding the spout. Modern-day gardens, on the other hand, benefit from something more audacious. Let your creativity run free to choose the best option.

The primary attribute of a multi-tiered fountain is that water flows from a number of different levels. Cascading fountains is another name used to identify this type of fountain because water flows down multiple levels.

A significant amount of space is necessary for an outdoor fountain, so another option is to install a wall fountain or a pondless fountain. Fit in one of these fountains if your space is limited since their reservoirs are concealed from sight underground.

Japanese fountains are thought to lend a feeling of tranquility and well-being. In this model of water feature the water flows through bamboo sticks. The cycle of water flowing into a rustic-styled recipient or a molded stone repeats itself again and again.

Another type of fountain is made of glass. Trellis-style fountains of this kind, highlight shaped metalwork which provides a more conventional look. Water features of this kind are a perfect alternative for gardens with many sharp edges as well as contemporary forms and design. The water produces a dazzling effect when it streams down the outside of the glass. Colorful LED lights are also included in some fountains to illuminate the water as it moves down the sheet of glass. Often made of fake rock, stone waterfall fountains have water gently trickling down its surface.

Bubbling rock fountains are large stones drilled with holes which are then filled with pipes in the center. The bubbling and gurgling at the topmost part of this type of fountain are brought on by the water being pushed upward at low pressure. Water then flows as a delicate trickle down the sides of the rock to its base. This is yet another possibility for gardens with restricted space. This sort of fountain, which uses low pressure to move water, is perfect because it prevents water from being sprayed around in windy weather.

Solar fountains have recently gained in popularity because they are powered by the sun. The advantages of using this type of solar powered fountain is the lack of cables, lowered difficulty in installing them, the decrease in electric bills, and the beneficial effects they have on our ecosystem. There is no need to choose a specific model of outdoor solar-powered fountain because of the wide variety of styles available on the market.

The Advantages of Solar Energy Powered Landscape Fountains

Indoor wall fountains not only give you something beautiful to look at, they also help to cool your home. An alternative to air conditioners and swamp coolers, they cool down your home by employing the same techniques. Since they consume less electricity, they also help you save money on your monthly power bill.

One way to generate a cooling effect is to fan clean, dry air across them. Either your ceiling fan or air from a corner of the room can be used to improve circulation. Regardless of the method you use, be certain the air is flowing over the top of the water in a consistent manner. Cool, crisp air is one of the natural benefits of fountains and waterfalls. You will experience a sudden coolness in the air when you approach a sizable waterfall or fountain. Placing your fountain cooling system in a spot where it will receive additional heat is not practical. If you are looking for an efficient cooling system, it should be far from direct sunlight.