Contemporary Garden Decoration: Garden Fountains and their Beginnings

From the beginning, outdoor fountains were soley there to serve as functional elements. Water fountains were linked to a spring or aqueduct to provide drinkable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Up to the late 19th century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and more elevated than the fountain so that gravity could make the water move downwards or shoot high into the air. Artists thought of fountains as amazing additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to provide clean water and honor the designer responsible for building it. Bronze or stone masks of animals and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. To depict the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages introduced fountains to their designs. To show his dominance over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains made to mark the place of entry of Roman aqueducts.

Since indoor plumbing became the standard of the day for clean, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely decorative. Amazing water effects and recycled water were made possible by replacing the power of gravity with mechanical pumps.

Contemporary fountains are used to embellish community spaces, honor individuals or events, and enhance recreational and entertainment events.

The Countless Designs of Wall Fountains

The two types of fountains available to you include mounted and stand-alone models. Small, self-contained mounted wall fountains can be hung on any surface. Typically made of resin (to resemble stone) or fiber glass, these sorts of fountains are lightweight and easy to hang. Floor fountains are freestanding, sizable, and also have a basin on the ground as well as a flat side against the wall. Typically made of cast stone, these water features have no weight constraints.

Many skilled landscapers favor custom-built fountains which can be integrated into a brand-new wall or an existing one. Hiring an expert mason is your best option to build the basin and install the essential plumbing. A fountain mask or a spout also needs to be integrated into the wall. A tailor-made wall fountain blends into the landscape instead of standing out because it was a later addition, which contributes to a cohesive look.