Modern Garden Decor: Garden Fountains and their Beginnings

Pure practicality was the original purpose of fountains. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, from aqueducts or springs in the vicinity. Used until the nineteenth century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their source of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from the power of gravity. Designers thought of fountains as wonderful additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to supply clean water and honor the designer responsible for creating it. Roman fountains usually depicted images of animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks. Throughout the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners incorporated fountains to create mini variations of the gardens of paradise. The fountains seen in the Gardens of Versailles were supposed to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to exalt their positions by including decorative baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.

The end of the nineteenth century saw the increase 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 allowed fountains to deliver recycled water into living spaces as well as create unique water effects.

Modern-day fountains serve mostly as decoration for open spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational events.

Choose from all Kinds of External Water Features

The stream of water sent shooting into the air by a spouting fountain is an spectacular sight to see. It is doable to have one of these fitted into an existing, large pond. Esplanades and historical stately homes often have one these water features.

One of the myriad examples of an outdoor water feature is a classy wall fountain. Even with a small backyard, it is possible to put in one of these water features. Wall fountains are not flamboyant water features when compared with a spouting fountain. It is straightforward undertaking wherein a small jet of water propels outwards in front of a splendidly textured wall and then flows down only to be pumped up again.

Your garden’s style determines whether a themed fountain is best for you. Consider a classic type of statue, such as a cherub supporting a spout, for the fountain if your residence or garden is rustic in style. On the other hand, a more modern yard can include more of a bold design. Just permit your imagination to run loose.

The main characteristic of tiered fountains is the numerous levels spewing out water. Cascading fountains is another expression used to identify this type of fountain because water streams down multiple levels.

The space needed for an outdoor fountain can be vast, therefore, a better alternative is to install a wall fountain or a pondless fountain. The reservoirs necessary for these types of fountains are concealed underground which helps you better use your limited space.

If you seek a feeling of peacefulness and calmness, install a Japanese fountain as these are considered to bring about such sensations. The water moves through bamboo sticks in this kind of water feature. Water then flows into a recipient or a shaped stone, only to repeat the pattern over and over again.

Glass fountains make up a different category of fountain. Featuring shaped metalwork, trellis-style fountains of this type have a more traditional feel. Water features of this type are an excellent alternative for gardens with many sharp edges along with contemporary shapes and design. As the water flows over the top of the glass it produces a dazzling effect. Colorful LED lights are also included in some fountains to illuminate the water as it moves down the sheet of glass. With water softly running down its surface, rock waterfall fountains, often made of fake rock, are a viable option for your garden.

In a bubbling rock fountain, a big rock is drilled with holes and then filled in the middle with pipes. The gurgles and bubbles at the top are the product of the low pressure used to trigger 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 possibility for gardens with limited space. To ensure that water is not sprayed around if it begins to get windy, this kind of fountain is the best choice since it only uses low pressure to move water.

Solar fountains have recently gained in appeal 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 positive effects they have on our environment. Outdoor solar-powered fountains are available in a multitude of different styles, therefore, you will not have to settle on which one to buy.