Modern Garden Decoration: Fountains and their Beginnings

The primary purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional. Residents of cities, townships and small towns utilized them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash up, which meant that fountains had to be linked to nearby aqueduct or spring. Used until the 19th century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their origin of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from gravity. Fountains were not only utilized as a water source for drinking water, but also to adorn homes and celebrate the artist who created it. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often used by Romans to beautify their fountains. Muslims and Moorish landscaping designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller versions of the gardens of paradise. The fountains found in the Gardens of Versailles were meant to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to exalt their positions by adding beautiful baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.

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

Nowadays, fountains decorate public spaces and are used to pay tribute to individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.

Exterior Wall Fountains: The Numerous Styles on the Market

There are two specific sorts of fountains you can buy: mounted and stand-alone. You can place a mounted wall fountain because they are little and self-contained. One of the most important features of wall fountains is that they be lightweight, so they are typically made of fiberglass or resin to mirror the look of stone. In large stand-alone fountains, otherwise known as wall fountains, the basin is located on the ground with the smooth side positioned against a wall. Typically composed of cast stone, this type of water feature is not limited in weight.

Many experienced landscapers prefer custom-built fountains which can be incorporated into a brand-new wall or an existing one. A expert mason is necessary to place the water basin against the wall and properly install all the plumbing inside or behind the wall. You will need to integrate a spout or fountain mask into the wall. Custom-built wall fountains add to a unified appearance because they become part of the landscape rather than look like a later addition.