Contemporary Garden Decor: Garden Fountains and their Roots
Contemporary Garden Decor: Garden Fountains and their Roots
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 enhance your home. Originally, fountains only served a functional purpose. Inhabitants of cities, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash up, which meant that fountains needed to be connected to nearby aqueduct or spring. Used until the 19th century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their source 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. Roman fountains often depicted imagery of animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners incorporated fountains to create mini depictions of the gardens of paradise. To show his prominence over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to laud their positions by adding beautiful baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
Since indoor plumbing became the standard of the day for clean, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely decorative. Amazing water effects and recycled water were made possible by switching the force of gravity with mechanical pumps.
These days, fountains decorate public spaces and are used to pay tribute to individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.
Anglo Saxon Landscapes at the Time of the Norman Conquest
Anglo Saxon Landscapes at the Time of the Norman Conquest Anglo-Saxons encountered great changes to their day-to-day lives in the latter half of the eleventh century due to the accession of the Normans. At the time of the conquest, the Normans surpassed the Anglo-Saxons in building design and cultivation. But before centering on home-life or having the occasion to consider domestic architecture or decoration, the Normans had to subjugate an entire society. Monasteries and castles served separate functions, so while monasteries were enormous stone structures built in only the most fruitful, wide dales, castles were set upon blustery knolls where the occupants focused on understanding offensive and defensive strategies. The calm method of gardening was unrealistic in these dismal bastions. The finest example of the early Anglo-Norman style of architecture existent today is Berkeley Castle. It is said that the keep was introduced during William the Conqueror's time. A significant terrace serves as a hindrance to intruders who would attempt to mine the walls of the building. A picturesque bowling green, enveloped in grass and enclosed by battlements cut out of an ancient yew hedge, forms one of the terraces.How Your Home or Workplace Benefit from an Interior Wall Water Feature
How Your Home or Workplace Benefit from an Interior Wall Water Feature
One way to enhance your home with a modern style is by installing an indoor wall fountain to your living area. Your home or workspace can become noise-free, hassle-free and peaceful areas for your family, friends, and clients when you have one of these fountains. Putting in one of these interior wall water features will also gain the attention and admiration your staff and clients alike. All those who come near your indoor water feature will be impressed and even your most difficult detractor will be dazzled. While sitting under your wall fountain you can indulge in the peace it provides after a long day's work and enjoy watching your favorite sporting event. Indoor fountains produce harmonious sounds which are thought to release negative ions, eliminate dust as well as allergens, all while creating a comforting and relaxing setting.