The Results of the Norman Invasion on Anglo-Saxon Landscaping
The Results of the Norman Invasion on Anglo-Saxon Landscaping
The Anglo-Saxon way of life was dramatically changed by the arrival of the Normans in the later eleventh century. The Normans were much better than the Anglo-Saxons at architecture and horticulture when they came into power. But there was no time for home life, domesticated architecture, and decoration until the Normans had overcome the whole realm. Because of this, castles were cruder constructions than monasteries: Monasteries were usually immense stone buildings set in the biggest and most fertile valleys, while castles were built on windy crests where their citizens devoted time and space to projects for offense and defense. Tranquil pursuits such as gardening were out of place in these desolate citadels. The early Anglo-Norman style of architecture is exemplified in Berkeley Castle, which is perhaps the most unscathed sample we have. The keep is rumored to have been invented during the time of William the Conqueror. An enormous terrace encompasses the building, serving as an impediment to assailants trying to excavate under the castle walls. A picturesque bowling green, enveloped in grass and bordered by battlements cut out of an ancient yew hedge, makes one of the terraces.
The Origins Of Garden Fountains
The Origins Of Garden Fountains 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.Pure practicality was the original role 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 higher than the fountain so that gravity could make the water flow down or jet high into the air. Acting as an element of adornment and celebration, fountains also generated clean, fresh drinking water. The main components used by the Romans to create their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners incorporated fountains to create mini variations of the gardens of paradise. The fountains seen in the Gardens of Versailles were supposed to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were extolled with baroque style fountains built to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.
Urban fountains built at the end of the 19th century served only as decorative and celebratory ornaments since indoor plumbing provided the necessary drinking water. The introduction of unique water effects and the recycling of water were two things made possible by swapping gravity with mechanical pumps.
These days, fountains decorate public spaces and are used to recognize individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Fountains
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Fountains In order to ensure that water fountains last a while, it is important to perform regular maintenance. It is essential to clean it out and take out any debris or foreign objects that might have dropped into or onto it. Also, algae tends to build up wherever natural light meets water. To avoid this, take vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or sea salt and add directly into the water.
There are those who choose to use bleach, but that is dangerous to any animals that might drink or bathe in the water - so should therefore be avoided. No more than 3-4 months should go by without an extensive cleaning of a fountain. Before you can start washing it you must drain out all of the water. Then use gentle and a soft sponge to clean inside the reservoir. Feel free to use a toothbrush if needed for any stubborn crevasses. Any soap residue that remains on your fountain can damage it, so be sure it is all rinsed off.
Numerous organisms and calcium deposits can get inside the pump, so it is best to take it apart and clean it thoroughly. To make it less difficult, soak it in vinegar for several hours before cleaning. Mineral or rain water, versus tap water, is ideal in order to prevent any build-up of chemicals inside the pump.
Finally, be sure to have a quick look at your fountain every day and add water if you notice that the level is low. Low water levels can ruin the pump - and you do not want that!