Bernini's First Masterpieces
Bernini's First Masterpieces The Barcaccia, Bernini's very first fountain, is a striking chef d'oeuvre built at the foot of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna. To this day, this spot is flooded with Roman locals and tourists alike who enjoy conversation and each other's company.
Today, the city streets around Bernini's fountain are a trendy place where people go to meet, something which the artist would have been pleased to learn. The master's very first water fountain of his professional life was built at around 1630 at the request of Pope Urbano VIII. People can now see the fountain as an illustration of a commanding ship slowly sinking into the Mediterranean. Period writings dating back to the 16th century indicate that the fountain was constructed as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the great flooding of the Tevere. In 1665 Bernini traveled to France, in what was to be his sole lengthy absence from Italy.
Keep Your Landscape Fountain Tidy
Keep Your Landscape Fountain Tidy Water fountains will last a very long time with regular cleaning and maintenance.
Leaves, twigs, and insects often find their way into fountains, so it is essential to keep yours free from such things. On top of that, algae can be a challenge, as sun hitting the water allows it to form easily. Blend hydrogen peroxide, sea salt, or vinegar into the water to avoid this particular dilemma. Bleach can also be mixed into the water, but this is not an ideal option as it can harm birds or other animals. A thorough cleaning every 3-4 months is best for garden fountains. Before you can start washing it you should empty out all of the water. Once it is empty, clean inside the reservoir with a gentle cleanser. If there are any little grooves, grab a toothbrush to get every spot. Any soap residue left on your fountain can harm it, so be sure it is all rinsed off.
It is highly recommended taking the pump apart to better clean the inside and remove any plankton or calcium. You might want to let it soak in vinegar for a few hours to make it much less difficult to scrub. Mineral or rain water, versus tap water, is ideal in order to eliminate any build-up of chemicals inside the pump.
And finally, make sure the water level is continuously full in order to keep your fountain operating optimally. If the water level slides below the pump’s intake level, it can hurt the pump and cause it to burn out - something you do not want to happen!