The Results of the Norman Invasion on Anglo-Saxon Gardens
The Results of the Norman Invasion on Anglo-Saxon Gardens The introduction of the Normans in the second half of the 11th century greatly transformed The Anglo-Saxon ways of living. Engineering and horticulture were attributes that the Normans excelled in, trumping that of the Anglo-Saxons at the time of the occupation. But before focusing on home-life or having the occasion to consider domestic architecture or decoration, the Normans had to subjugate an entire population. Most often built upon windy peaks, castles were basic structures that permitted their inhabitants to devote time and space to offensive and defensive strategies, while monasteries were rambling stone buildings frequently installed in only the most fecund, broad valleys.
Relaxing pastimes such as gardening were out of place in these desolate citadels. Berkeley Castle is possibly the most intact model in existence at present of the early Anglo-Norman form of architecture. The keep is said to date from William the Conqueror's time. A significant terrace serves as a discouraging factor to invaders who would try to mine the walls of the building. On one of these parapets is a scenic bowling green covered in grass and bordered by an aged hedge of yew that has been shaped into coarse battlements.
Your Garden: A Great Place for a Fountain
Your Garden: A Great Place for a Fountain
The addition of a wall water feature or an outdoor garden fountain is a great way to adorn your yard or garden design. Modern-day designers and fountain builders alike use historic fountains and water features to shape their creations. You can also reinforce the connection to the past by including one of these to your home's interior design. Among the many properties of these beautiful garden fountains is the water and moisture they discharge into the air which attracts birds and other wild life as well as helps to balance the ecosystem. For example, birds attracted by a fountain or birdbath can be helpful because they fend off annoying flying insects. Spouting or cascading fountains are not the best choice for a small garden since they require a great deal of space. You can choose to install a stand-alone fountain with a flat back and an connected basin propped against a fence or wall in your backyard, or a wall-mounted type which is self-contained and hung from a wall. Make certain to include a fountain mask to an existing wall and a basin to collect the water at the base if you want to add a fountain to your living area. The plumbing and masonry work necessary for this kind of job requires expertise, so it is best to employ a skilled person rather than do it yourself.
The Many Styles of Exterior Fountains
The Many Styles of Exterior Fountains
Make your dream a reality by creating an oasis of tranquility in your yard. The soothing feeling provided by outdoor fountains is just one of the benefits of installing a water feature in your garden. A dramatic impact is produced when a spouting fountain sends a shooting stream of water up into the air. Sizable, preexisting ponds can easily be fitted with one of these. Parks and historical stately homes often have one these water features.
Outdoor water features are available in different forms, one of which is a chic wall fountain. Such water features make for a great addition to your yard even if it is small. Wall fountains are not flamboyant water features when compared with a spouting fountain. It is straightforward process wherein a small jet of water pours outwards in front of a beautifully textured wall and then flows down only to be pumped up again.
Themed fountains are best when the look of your yard allows for them. A cherub holding a spout is one of the possible types of classical-styled statues you can use if you want your fountain to suit a rustically themed cottage or garden. On the other hand, a more modern yard can include more of a bold design. Let your imagination run free to choose the best option.
Tiered fountains are charming because the water runs down multiple levels. Water moves down multiple tiers in a cascading fountain.
Since outdoor fountains occupy a great deal of space, consider putting in a wall fountain or a pondless fountain. Due to the fact that the reservoirs necessary for these kinds of fountains are hidden underground, you can make the most of the room at your disposal.
Serenity and well-being are a few of the chief sensations imparted by Japanese fountains. In this type of water feature the water runs through bamboo sticks. Water then streams into a recipient or a shaped stone, only to repeat the pattern over and over again.
An additional sort of fountain is made of glass. Trellis-style fountains of this kind, showcase molded metalwork which provides a more conventional look. However, this style of water feature is better suited to gardens with many sharp corners as well as contemporary forms and design. As the water flows over the top of the glass it produces a dazzling effect. LED lights are also utilized in some fountains to flash color across the water as it flows downward on the glass sheet. The jagged surface of rock waterfall fountain makes for an appealing façade as the water softly flows downwards.
Bubbling rock fountains are big rocks drilled with holes which are then filled with tubes in the middle. The gurgles and bubbles at the top are the product of the low pressure used to propel the water upwards. Flowing towards the bottom of the fountain, the water comes back as a slow drizzle down the sides of the rock. This is yet another solution for gardens with limited space. 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.
The trend of setting up solar powered fountains is becoming progressively prevalent. The reasons for this are diverse, from the absence of wires and the reduced complexities to the decreased power bills and the beneficial effects on our environment. It is not necessary to settle on a specific model of outdoor solar-powered fountain because of the wide range of designs available on the market.