The Influence of the Norman Conquest on Anglo-Saxon Landscaping
The Influence of the Norman Conquest on Anglo-Saxon Landscaping Anglo-Saxons encountered extraordinary changes to their daily lives in the latter half of the eleventh century due to the accession of the Normans. Engineering and horticulture were abilities that the Normans excelled in, trumping that of the Anglo-Saxons at the time of the occupation.
But the Normans had to pacify the overall territory before they could focus on home life, domestic architecture, and decoration. Monasteries and castles served separate purposes, so while monasteries were large stone structures built in only the most productive, wide dales, castles were set upon blustery knolls where the residents focused on understanding offensive and defensive practices. Relaxing pastimes such as gardening were out of place in these desolate citadels. Berkeley Castle is probably the most intact model in existence at present of the early Anglo-Norman style of architecture. It is said that the keep was introduced during William the Conqueror's time. A massive terrace serves as a deterrent to intruders who would try to mine the walls of the building. One of these terraces, a charming bowling green, is covered grass and flanked by an old yew hedge trimmed into the figure of crude battlements.
Did You Know How Mechanical Concepts of Fountains Became Known?
Did You Know How Mechanical Concepts of Fountains Became Known? The published reports and illustrated books of the time contributed to the development of scientific technology, and were the primary means of spreading useful hydraulic concepts and water fountain ideas all through Europe. A globally renowned innovator in hydraulics in the late 1500's was a French fountain engineer, whose name has been lost to history. His experience in making landscapes and grottoes with incorporated and brilliant water fountains began in Italy and with mandates in Brussels, London and Germany. In France, near the end of his life, he published “The Principle of Moving Forces”, a publication that became the fundamental text on hydraulic mechanics and engineering. Updating principal hydraulic breakthroughs of classical antiquity, the book also details modern hydraulic technologies. The water screw, a mechanical means to move water, and developed by Archimedes, was highlighted in the book. Sunlight warming water in two containers concealed in a room next to an ornamental water fountain was presented in one illustration. The end result: the water feature is stimulated by the hot liquid expanding and ascending up the conduits. The publication also covers garden ponds, water wheels, water feature designs.Keeping Your Outdoor Garden Fountain Tidy
Keeping Your Outdoor Garden Fountain Tidy It is important to carefully maintain water fountains for them to perform optimally. It is essential to clean it out and get rid of any debris or foreign elements that might have gotten into or onto it. Another factor is that water that is subjected to sunlight is vulnerable to growing algae. Either sea salt, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar can be dissolved into the water to eliminate this issue.
Another option is to stir bleach into the water, but this action can sicken wild animals and so should really be avoided. No more than 3-4 months should go by without an extensive cleaning of a fountain. Before you can start washing it you need to drain out all of the water. When you have done this, scour inside the water reservoir with a gentle detergent. If there is delicate artwork, you might need to use a toothbrush for those hard-to-reach areas. Make sure all the soap is totally rinsed off.
It is highly suggested taking the pump apart to better clean the inside and eliminate any plankton or calcium. To make it less strenuous, soak it in vinegar overnight before cleaning. Build-up can be a big headache, so use mineral or rain water over tap water, when possible, to reduce this dilemma.
And finally, make sure the water level is always full in order to keep your fountain operating smoothly. Low water levels can damage the pump - and you do not want that!
The Many Reasons to Add a Wall Fountain
The Many Reasons to Add a Wall Fountain
You can perfect your exterior area by adding a wall fountain or an outdoor garden water feature to your yard or gardening project. Many modern designers and craftsmen have been inspired by historical fountains and water features. As such, introducing one of these to your interior is a great way to connect it to the past. Among the many attributes of these beautiful garden water features is the water and moisture they release into the air which attracts birds and other wild life as well as helps to balance the ecosystem. Flying, annoying insects, for instance, are frightened off by the birds congregating near the fountain or birdbath. Spouting or cascading fountains are not the best alternative for a small yard since they need a great deal of space. You can choose to put in 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. Both a fountain mask located on the existing wall as well as a basin located at the bottom to collect the water are equired if you wish to include a fountain. The plumbing and masonry work necessary for this type of job requires know-how, so it is best to employ a skilled person rather than go at it yourself.