Modern Garden Decor: Outdoor Fountains and their Beginnings
Modern Garden Decor: Outdoor Fountains and their Beginnings A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to supply drinking water, as well as for decorative purposes. From the beginning, outdoor fountains were simply meant to serve as functional elements. 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 19th century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and higher than the fountain so that gravity could make the water flow down or shoot high into the air. Fountains were an excellent source of water, and also served to decorate living areas and celebrate the artist. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. Throughout the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners included fountains to create mini depictions of the gardens of paradise. To demonstrate his dominance over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. To mark the entryway of the restored Roman aqueducts, the Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries commissioned the building of baroque style fountains in the spot where the aqueducts entered the city of Rome
Indoor plumbing became the main source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby limiting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Impressive water effects and recycled water were made possible by replacing the power of gravity with mechanical pumps.
These days, fountains adorn public areas and are used to recognize individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Outdoor Fountains
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Outdoor Fountains It is important to carefully maintain water fountains for them to work optimally. Leaves, twigs, and insects often find their way into fountains, so it is important to keep yours free from such debris. Also, algae has a tendency to build up wherever natural light meets water. To stay clear of this, take vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or sea salt and add directly into the water. Some people opt for adding bleach into the water, but the downside is that it harms wildlife - so it should be avoided. Experts advise that the typical garden fountain undergoes a thorough scrubbing every 3-4 months. Prior to cleaning, all the water must be removed. When you have done this, wash inside the water reservoir with a gentle detergent. If there is intricate artwork, you might need to use a toothbrush for those hard-to-reach areas. Any soap residue that remains on your fountain can harm it, so be sure it is all rinsed off.
It is highly recommended taking the pump apart to better clean the inside and eliminate any plankton or calcium. Letting it soak in vinegar for several hours first will make it much easier to clean. Mineral or rain water, versus tap water, is ideal in order to prevent any build-up of chemicals inside the pump.
Lastly, make sure your fountain is always full by checking it every day - this will keep it in tip-top shape. Low water levels can ruin the pump - and you do not want that!
Your Patio: The Perfect Spot for a Garden Fountain
Your Patio: The Perfect Spot for a Garden Fountain A good way to enhance the look of your outdoor living area is to add a wall water feature or an exterior garden fountain to your landscaping or garden layout. Many modern designers and craftsmen have been influenced by historical fountains and water features. You can also reinforce the connection to the past by adding one of these to your home's interior design. Among the many attributes of these beautiful garden fountains is the water and moisture they discharge into the air which attracts birds and other wild life as well as helps to balance the ecosystem. Birds enticed by a fountain or bird bath often frighten off irksome flying invaders, for instance. The area required for a cascading or spouting fountain is substantial, so a wall fountain is the ideal size for a small yard. Two possibilities to pick from include either a freestanding type with an even back set against a fence or wall in your garden, or a wall-mounted, self-contained type which is suspended on a wall. Both a fountain mask placed on the existing wall as well as a basin located at the bottom to collect the water are equired if you wish to add a fountain. The plumbing and masonry work necessary for this type of job requires know-how, so it is best to hire a skilled person rather than go at it yourself.