Contemporary Garden Decor: Fountains and their Roots

Contemporary Garden Decor: Fountains and their Roots A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to provide drinking water, as well as for decorative purposes.

Pure functionality 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 area. 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 flow downwards or shoot high into the air. Acting as an element of adornment and celebration, fountains also supplied clean, fresh drinking water. Roman fountains often depicted imagery of animals or heroes made of metal or stone masks. Throughout the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners included fountains to create smaller variations of the gardens of paradise. Fountains enjoyed a significant role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exercise his power over nature. To mark the entrance of the restored Roman aqueducts, the Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries commissioned the construction of baroque style fountains in the spot where the aqueducts arrived in the city of Rome

Indoor plumbing became the key source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby limiting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Amazing water effects and recycled water were made possible by switching the power of gravity with mechanical pumps.

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

Anglo-Saxon Gardens at the Time of the Norman Conquest

Anglo-Saxon Gardens at the Time of the Norman Conquest The arrival of the Normans in the 2nd half of the eleventh century irreparably altered The Anglo-Saxon lifestyle. The talent of the Normans exceeded the Anglo-Saxons' in architecture and agriculture at the time of the conquest. But yet there was no time for home life, domestic design, and decoration until the Normans had conquered the whole realm. Most often constructed upon windy peaks, castles were straightforward structures that enabled their inhabitants to devote time and space to offensive and defensive programs, while monasteries were rambling stone buildings commonly added in only the most fecund, broad valleys. The tranquil method of gardening was unrealistic in these bleak bastions. Berkeley Castle, maybe the most unspoiled style of the early Anglo-Norman style of architecture, still exists in the present day.Anglo-Saxon Gardens Time Norman Conquest 825611266.jpg The keep is rumored to have been conceived during the time of William the Conqueror. As a strategy of deterring assailants from tunneling underneath the walls, an immense terrace encompasses the building. On one of these parapets is a picturesque bowling green covered in grass and enclosed by an aged hedge of yew that has been shaped into coarse battlements.

Installing a Fountain In Smaller Gardens

Installing a Fountain In Smaller Gardens Since water is reflective, it has the effect of making a small space appear bigger than it is. Dark materials increase the refractive properties of a fountain or water feature.Installing Fountain Smaller Gardens 3180428217217459.jpg If your objective is to highlight your new feature at night, underwater lights in varied colors and shapes will do the trick. profit from the sun’s rays by using eco-lights during the day and underwater lighting fixtures during the night. Natural therapies use them because they exude a soothing effect which helps to relieve stress as well as anxiety.

The greenery in your garden is the perfect place to situate your water feature. People will be focused on the pond, artificial river or fountain in your garden. Water features make great additions to both large gardens or little patios. The most appropriate accessories and the best location for it are worthwhile if you want to enhance the atmosphere.

The Source of Modern Outdoor Garden Fountains

The Source of Modern Outdoor Garden Fountains Hundreds of classic Greek texts were translated into Latin under the authority of the scholarly Pope Nicholas V, who led the Roman Catholic Church from 1397 to 1455. He undertook the embellishment of Rome to turn it into the worthy capital of the Christian world. Beginning in 1453, the ruined ancient Roman aqueduct known as the Aqua Vergine which had brought fresh drinking water into the city from eight miles away, underwent restoration at the behest of the Pope. The historical Roman custom of marking the entry point of an aqueduct with an imposing celebratory fountain, also known as a mostra, was restored by Nicholas V. The architect Leon Battista Alberti was commissioned by the Pope to build a wall fountain where we now find the Trevi Fountain.Source Modern Outdoor Garden Fountains 061057949.jpg The aqueduct he had reconditioned included modifications and extensions which eventually enabled it to supply water to the Trevi Fountain as well as the renowned baroque fountains in the Piazza del Popolo and the Piazza Navona.
How Technical Designs of Fountains Spread The published documents and illustrated books of the time contributed to the development of scientific innovation, and were the chief methods of spreading useful hydraulic facts and water fountain suggestions all through Europe.... read more


The Many Good Reasons to Include a Water Feature The addition of a wall water feature or an outdoor garden fountain is an excellent way to beautify your yard or garden design.Many current designers and craftsmen have been inspired by historical fountains and water features.... read more


The Source of Today's Outdoor Fountains Pope Nicholas V, himself a learned man, reigned the Roman Catholic Church from 1397 to 1455 during which time he commissioned many translations of ancient classical Greek documents into Latin.... read more


Where did Landscape Fountains Originate from? The incredible architecture of a fountain allows it to provide clean water or shoot water high into air for dramatic effect and it can also serve as an excellent design feature to complement your home.... read more