Contemporary Garden Decor: Large Outdoor Water Fountains and their Beginnings
Contemporary Garden Decor: Large Outdoor Water Fountains and their Beginnings The incredible construction of a fountain allows it to provide clean water or shoot water high into air for dramatic effect and it can also serve as an excellent design feature to complement your home.Originally, fountains only served a practical purpose. Water fountains were linked to a spring or aqueduct to supply potable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Up to the late nineteenth century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and higher than the fountain so that gravity could make the water flow downwards or jet high into the air. Serving 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 replicate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages introduced fountains to their designs. 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 laud their positions by adding 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 fresh, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely ornamental. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity helped fountains to provide recycled water into living spaces as well as create special water effects.
Contemporary fountains are used to adorn public spaces, honor individuals or events, and enrich recreational and entertainment events.
Rome’s Early Water Transport Systems
Rome’s Early Water Transport Systems Rome’s very first elevated aqueduct, Aqua Anio Vetus, was built in 273 BC; before that, citizens living at higher elevations had to rely on natural springs for their water. If inhabitants living at higher elevations did not have accessibility to springs or the aqueduct, they’d have to count on the remaining existing systems of the time, cisterns that compiled rainwater from the sky and subterranean wells that received the water from under ground. Starting in the sixteenth century, a new program was introduced, using Acqua Vergine’s subterranean portions to provide water to Pincian Hill. The aqueduct’s channel was made available by pozzi, or manholes, that were added along its length when it was initially developed. Whilst these manholes were created to make it easier to preserve the aqueduct, it was also feasible to use containers to remove water from the channel, which was utilized by Cardinal Marcello Crescenzi from the time he obtained the property in 1543 to his passing in 1552. Despite the fact that the cardinal also had a cistern to get rainwater, it couldn't supply sufficient water. Fortunately, the aqueduct sat below his property, and he had a shaft opened to give him accessibility.At What Point Did Water Features Emerge?
At What Point Did Water Features Emerge?
The Wide Range of Exterior Fountains

The stream of water sent high up into the air by a spouting fountain is an spectacular sight to see. Large, existing ponds can have one of these built-in without much hassle. You can find these in community recreational areas or old mansions.
Wall fountains are an perfect example of outdoor wall features. Even with a small yard, it is possible to put in one of these water features. Wall fountains are not flashy water features when compared with a spouting fountain. In this simple process. the water which is forced out of a small opening, moves down a beautifully textured wall and is then collected at the bottom before being pumped back to the top.
Themed fountains are perfect when the style of your yard allows for them. Consider a classic type of statue, such as a cherub supporting a spout, for the fountain if your home or garden is rustic in style. Something special and striking could be an option for more modern gardens. Just allow your imagination to run loose.
Tiered fountains are alluring because the water runs down multiple levels. Water streaming down multiple tiers of this water feature is the main attribute of a cascading fountain.
The space required for an outdoor fountain can be extensive, therefore, a better alternative is to install a wall fountain or a pondless fountain. These types of fountains are suitable for an area with limited space because their reservoirs are concealed underground.
Japanese fountains are believed to lend a sense of tranquility and well-being. Bamboo sticks are used in this sort of fountain to expel the water. Water then flows into a recipient or a shaped stone, only to repeat the cycle over and over again.
One of the many styles of fountain available is the glass fountain. A more vintage look is provided by trellis-style fountains which feature shaped metalwork. Water features of this kind are an excellent alternative for gardens with many sharp edges along with contemporary shapes and design. As the water flows over the surface of the glass it produces a dazzling impact. Some fountains also include colored LED lights to shine onto the sheets of glass as water cascades downwards. Often made of imitation rock, rock waterfall fountains have water gently trickling down its surface.
In a bubbling rock fountain, a big rock is drilled with openings and then filled in the middle with pipes. The gurgles and bubbles at the top are the product of the low pressure used to force the water upwards. Flowing towards the base of the fountain, the water returns as a slow drizzle down the sides of the rock. Little gardens are ideal for this sort of fountain. Water is moved at low pressure in this kind of fountain, so you can be assured knowing that it will not spray all over should the wind pick up.
Solar fountains have recently gained in popularity because they are powered by sunlight. There are numerous reasons for this newly found interest such as the absence of cables, less difficulty in running them, a reduction in electricity bills, and the advantages to the environment. The varied designs in outdoor solar-powered fountains signifies you will not have to compromise on style.