The Garden Water Features
The Garden Water Features Water fountains were originally practical in purpose, used to deliver water from canals or creeks to towns and hamlets, providing the residents with clean water to drink, bathe, and cook with. A source of water higher in elevation than the fountain was necessary to pressurize the flow and send water spraying from the fountain's nozzle, a technology without equal until the late nineteenth century.
Fountains spanning history have been created as memorials, impressing local citizens and visitors alike. Crude in style, the very first water fountains did not appear much like modern-day fountains. The 1st recognized water fountain was a natural stone basin carved that served as a receptacle for drinking water and ceremonial purposes. Natural stone basins as fountains have been discovered from 2000 BC. The spray of water appearing from small spouts was forced by gravity, the sole power source designers had in those days. The placement of the fountains was influenced by the water source, which is why you’ll usually find them along reservoirs, canals, or streams. The Romans began constructing decorative fountains in 6 B.C., most of which were bronze or stone masks of creatures and mythological heroes. A well-designed system of reservoirs and aqueducts kept Rome's public water fountains supplied with fresh water.
Modern Garden Decor: Fountains and their Beginnings
Modern Garden Decor: Fountains and their Beginnings
The amazing or ornamental effect of a fountain is just one of the purposes it fulfills, in addition to providing drinking water and adding a decorative touch to your property. Originally, fountains only served a practical purpose. Water fountains were connected to a spring or aqueduct to supply potable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Until the late 19th, century most water fountains operated using the force of gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a supply of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Fountains were an excellent source of water, and also served to adorn living areas and memorialize the artist. Roman fountains usually depicted imagery of animals or heroes made of metal or stone masks. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to re-create the gardens of paradise. To show his dominance over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. To mark the entrance 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
Urban fountains created at the end of the 19th century served only as decorative and celebratory ornaments since indoor plumbing provided the essential drinking water. Amazing water effects and recycled water were made possible by replacing the force of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern fountains are used to embellish public spaces, honor individuals or events, and enhance recreational and entertainment events.