Exterior Wall Fountains: The Many Styles on the Market

There are two distinct styles of fountains you can buy: mounted and free-standing. Small, self-contained models can be hung on a wall are called mounted wall fountains. One of the most important aspects of wall fountains is that they be light, so they are normally made of fiberglass or resin to replicate the look of stone. In large free-standing fountains, otherwise known as wall fountains, the basin is situated on the ground with the flat side positioned against a wall. Typically constructed of cast stone, this kind of water feature is not limited in weight.

Custom-made fountains which can be incorporated into a new or existing wall are often recommended by landscaping designers. A expert mason is necessary to install the water basin against the wall and correctly install all the plumbing inside or behind the wall. It is also essential to include a spout or fountain mask to build it into the wall. If you want a cohesive look for your garden, buy a customized wall fountain because it becomes part of the panorama rather than a later addition.

Contemporary Garden Decoration: Garden Fountains and their Beginnings

The main purpose of a fountain was originally strictly practical. Water fountains were linked to a spring or aqueduct to supply potable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Up until the nineteenth, fountains had to be higher and closer to a water supply, including aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to take advantage of gravity which fed the fountains. Artists thought of fountains as amazing additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to supply clean water and honor the artist responsible for building it. Roman fountains usually depicted images of animals or heroes made of metal or stone masks. To illustrate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages added fountains to their designs. To demonstrate his dominance over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. The Romans of the 17th and 18th centuries created baroque decorative fountains to exalt the Popes who commissioned them as well as to mark the location where the restored Roman aqueducts entered the city.

Urban fountains built at the end of the 19th century functioned only as decorative and celebratory adornments since indoor plumbing provided the essential drinking water. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity enabled fountains to bring recycled water into living spaces as well as create unique water effects.

Contemporary fountains are used to adorn public spaces, honor individuals or events, and enrich recreational and entertainment events.

The Elegance of Simple Garden Decor: The Landscape Fountain

Stone and metal are most prevalent elements used to make garden wall fountains even though they can be manufactured from other materials as well. The style you are looking for determines which material is most appropriate to meet your needs. It is important to purchase hand-crafted, lightweight garden wall features which are also easy to put up. Buying a water feature which needs little maintenance is important as well. Generally, most installations are straight forward since the only parts which may require examination are the re-circulating pump and the hanging hardware whereas other kinds of setups can be a bit more difficult. It is very easy to spruce up your yard with these kinds of fountains.