Where did Large Garden Fountains Come From?
Where did Large Garden Fountains Come From? A fountain, an incredible piece of engineering, not only supplies drinking water as it pours into a basin, it can also launch water high into the air for an extraordinary effect.From the beginning, outdoor fountains were simply meant to serve as functional elements. Inhabitants of cities, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash, which meant that fountains needed to be linked to nearby aqueduct or spring.
Used until the 19th 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. Fountains were not only utilized as a water source for drinking water, but also to adorn homes and celebrate the artist who created it. The main materials used by the Romans to create their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners included fountains to create smaller depictions of the gardens of paradise. To show his dominance over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. The Romans of the 17th and 18th centuries manufactured baroque decorative fountains to glorify the Popes who commissioned them as well as to mark the spot where the restored Roman aqueducts entered the city.
The end of the nineteenth century saw the rise in usage of indoor plumbing to supply drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to purely decorative elements. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity enabled fountains to bring recycled water into living spaces as well as create unique water effects.
Nowadays, fountains decorate public spaces and are used to honor individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.
The First Garden Fountains
The First Garden Fountains
The water from creeks and other sources was originally supplied to the residents of nearby communities and municipalities through water fountains, whose design was largely practical, not artistic. To make water flow through a fountain until the late 1800’s, and produce a jet of water, mandated the force of gravity and a water source such as a creek or lake, located higher than the fountain. Inspiring and impressive, big water fountains have been crafted as memorials in many civilizations. Rough in design, the 1st water fountains didn't appear much like present fountains. Created for drinking water and ceremonial reasons, the initial fountains were basic carved stone basins. The first stone basins are presumed to be from around 2000 BC. The jet of water emerging from small jets was pushed by gravity, the only power source builders had in those days. Drinking water was delivered by public fountains, long before fountains became decorative public statues, as beautiful as they are functional. Fountains with flowery decoration started to appear in Rome in approximately 6 BC, commonly gods and creatures, made with natural stone or bronze. The City of Rome had an elaborate system of aqueducts that delivered the water for the many fountains that were located throughout the city.
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Outdoor Garden Fountains
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Outdoor Garden Fountains Water fountains will last a very long time with routine cleaning and maintenance. It is easy for foreign objects to find their way into open-air fountains, so keeping it clean is important. Another factor is that water that is exposed to sunlight is vulnerable to growing algae. Blend hydrogen peroxide, sea salt, or vinegar into the water to avoid this particular problem. Another option is to blend bleach into the water, but this action can hurt wild animals and so should really be avoided.
Experts advise that the typical garden fountain undergoes a thorough scrubbing every 3-4 months. Before you can start cleaning it you must empty out all of the water. Next use mild soap and a soft sponge to clean the innner part of the reservoir. Feel free to use a toothbrush if needed for any stubborn crevasses. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the inside of the fountain to make sure all the soap is gone.
Calcium and fresh water organisms could get inside the pump, so you should disassemble it to get it truly clean. To make it less difficult, soak it in vinegar for several hours before cleaning. Neither rain water nor mineral water contain ingredients that will accumulate inside the pump, so use either over tap water if possible.
One final tip for keeping your fountain in top working order is to check the water level every day and make sure it is full. Permitting the water level to get too low can cause damage to the pump - and you certainly do not want that!