Where did Fountains Originate from?

Originally, fountains only served a functional purpose. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to provide them with potable water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Up to the late nineteenth 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. Serving as an element of adornment and celebration, fountains also supplied clean, fresh drinking water. The main components used by the Romans to build their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly depicting animals or heroes. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to mimic the gardens of paradise. King Louis XIV of France wanted to demonstrate his dominion over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to extol their positions by adding decorative baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.

Indoor plumbing became the key source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby limiting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Gravity was substituted by mechanical pumps in order to enable fountains to bring in clean water and allow for amazing water displays.

Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for public spaces, to honor individuals or events, and compliment entertainment and recreational events.

The Vast Array of Outdoor Water Features

Sending a stream of water shooting into the air, spouting fountains create a dazzling impression. Large, existing ponds can have one of these built-in without much trouble. These types of fountains are often seen in parks or historical stately homes.

Wall fountains are an great illustration of outdoor wall features. If you are eager to include a water feature, but are concerned because you have a small yard, do not hesitate to install one of these. Wall fountains leave an understated impression, contrary to the big impact produced by spouting fountains. In a very straightforward process, the water flows out of a spout, trickles down a beautifully textured wall only to be pumped back to the top.

Installing a fountain with a theme depends completely on the layout of your garden. In a rustic themed cottage or yard, a classical styled statue for your fountain could include cherubs holding the spout. Consider installing something bolder and distinctive for a modern-day garden. Feel free to let your hair down and go with something fun and audacious.

Tiered fountains are charming because the water runs down multiple levels. Due to the water running down its multiple levels, these are also called cascading fountains.

The space needed for an outdoor fountain can be extensive, therefore, a better solution is to install a wall fountain or a pondless fountain. The reservoirs required for these types of water features are concealed underground which helps you better use your limited space.

Serenity and well-being are some of the key sensations imparted by Japanese fountains. The water flows through bamboo sticks in this kind of water feature. Water then streams into a recipient or a shaped stone, only to repeat the cycle over and over again.

One of the many designs of fountain around is the glass fountain. A more traditional look is provided by trellis-style fountains which showcase shaped metalwork. Gardens with many sharp edges as well as modern forms and designs are better for these sorts of water features. The flowing water produces a beautiful effect as it moves down the glass panels. Some fountains also include colorful LED lights to shine onto the sheets of glass as water cascades downwards. The jagged surface of rock waterfall fountain makes for an appealing façade as the water softly flows downwards.

A large rock drilled with openings which then has pipes inserted into it is what differentiates a bubbling rock fountain. The gurgles and bubbles at the top are the product of the low pressure used to trigger the water upwards. Downward flowing water appears as gentle dribble as it moves down the sides of the rock to return to its base. Little gardens are ideal for this kind of fountain. The low pressure used in this sort of fountain hinders water from being spattered about in case of a windy day.

Powered by sunlight, solar fountains are becoming rapidly trendy. The reasons for this are varied, from the lack of wires and the reduced complexities to the decreased power bills and the beneficial effects on our environment. You will not have to concede on style since there is a wide range of designs to pick from in outdoor solar-powered fountains.

The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Landscape Fountains

A thorough cleaning every three-four months is best for garden fountains. First you must drain the water. Next use mild soap and a soft sponge to clean inside the reservoir. If there are any little grooves, use a toothbrush to reach each and every spot. Make sure all the soap is completely cleaned off.

Various organisms and calcium deposits may get inside the pump, so it is advised to take it apart and clean it completely. Letting it soak in vinegar for a few hours first will make it alot easier to clean. Build-up can be a big hassle, so use mineral or rain water over tap water, when possible, to eliminate this dilemma.

And finally, make sure the water level is continuously full in order to keep your fountain operating optimally. Allowing the water to go below the pump’s intake level, can cause major damage and even make the pump burn out - an undesired outcome!

Pick from Any Number of Outdoor Wall Fountain Designs

Mounted and free-standing water features are available on the market. You can install a mounted wall fountain because they are little and self-contained. Fountains of this type need to be light, therefore, they are typically fabricated from resin (resembling stone) or fiberglass. In large stand-alone fountains, otherwise known as wall fountains, the basin is situated on the ground with the smooth side positioned against a wall. Normally made of cast stone, these water features have no weight restrictions.

Many qualified landscapers favor custom-built fountains which can be incorporated into a brand-new wall or an existing one. Installing the basin against the wall and installing all the plumbing work needs a professional mason to do it right. It is also necessary to add a spout or fountain mask to build it into the wall. If you want a cohesive look for your garden, buy a customized wall fountain because it becomes part of the scenery rather than a later addition.