Where did Fountains Come From?

Originally, fountains only served a functional purpose. Residents of urban areas, townships and small towns utilized them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash, which meant that fountains had to be connected to nearby aqueduct or spring. Up to the late nineteenth 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 jet high into the air. Fountains were not only used as a water source for drinking water, but also to decorate homes and celebrate the designer who created it. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often times used by Romans to beautify their fountains. Muslims and Moorish garden designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller versions of the gardens of paradise. Fountains enjoyed a considerable role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exercise his power over nature. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were extolled with baroque style fountains constructed to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.

Since indoor plumbing became the standard of the day for fresh, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely decorative. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity allowed fountains to deliver recycled water into living spaces as well as create unique water effects.

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

The Wide Array of Outdoor Water Features

The flood of water sent shooting into the air by a spouting fountain is an impressive sight to see. Large, existing ponds can have one of these incorporated without much difficulty. These types of fountains are often found in parks or historical stately homes.

Outdoor water features come in a variety of shapes and sizes, one of which is a chic wall fountain. If you are keen on include a water feature, but are doubtful because you have a small yard, do not hesitate to install one of these. Wall fountains make an understated impression, contrary to the big effect created by spouting fountains. In this simple process. the water which is pushed out of a small opening, moves down a beautifully textured wall and is then collected at the base before being pumped back to the top.

Dependent on the style you have chosen for the garden, you could consider a themed fountain. In a rustic themed cottage or garden, a traditional styled statue for your fountain could include cherubs holding the spout. think about installing something bolder and unique for a contemporary garden. Let your creativity run free to choose the best option.

The main attribute of tiered fountains is the multiple levels spewing out water. Due to the water moving down its multiple levels, these are also called cascading fountains.

The space required for an outdoor fountain can be considerable, therefore, a better alternative is to install a wall fountain or a pondless fountain. The reservoirs necessary for these types of fountains are concealed underground which helps you better use your limited space.

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

Fountains created from glass are another type available. Producing a more classical appearance are trellis-style fountains which showcase shaped metalwork. Gardens with a lot of sharp edges as well as modern forms and designs are better for these types of water features. The flowing water creates a striking effect as it moves down the glass panels. Some fountains also include colorful LED lights to shine onto the sheets of glass as water flows downwards. A rock waterfall fountain (often made of imitation rock) showcases water slowly cascading down its façade.

In a bubbling rock fountain, a big rock is drilled with holes and then filled in the middle with pipes. Low pressure is used to spout out the water which then bubbles and gurgles at the top. Flowing towards the bottom of the fountain, the water returns as a slow dribble down the sides of the rock. Small gardens are perfect for this kind of fountain. The low pressure used in this sort of fountain prevents water from being splashed about in case of a windy day.

The trend of setting up solar powered fountains is becoming increasingly widespread. The reasons for this are varied, from the absence of wires and the reduced complexities to the lower power bills and the beneficial effects on our environment. You will not have to concede on style since there is a wide array of designs to pick from in outdoor solar-powered fountains.