Contemporary Garden Decoration: Large Outdoor Water Fountains and their Beginnings

From the beginning, outdoor fountains were soley meant to serve as functional elements. Water fountains were linked to a spring or aqueduct to provide drinkable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Until the late nineteenth, century most water fountains functioned 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 decorate living areas and celebrate the artist. Roman fountains often depicted images of animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to mimic the gardens of paradise. King Louis XIV of France wanted to illustrate his dominion over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. The Romans of the 17th and 18th centuries created baroque decorative fountains to glorify the Popes who commissioned them as well as to mark the spot where the restored Roman aqueducts entered the city.

Since indoor plumbing became the norm 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 ornamental. Gravity was substituted by mechanical pumps in order to permit fountains to bring in clean water and allow for beautiful water displays.

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

The Myriad Designs of Wall Water Fountains

The two types of water features available to you are mounted and stand-alone models. Small, self-contained versions can be hung on a wall are known as mounted wall fountains. One of the most important features of wall fountains is that they be lightweight, so they are typically made of fiberglass or resin to mirror the look of stone. Floor fountains are freestanding, large, and also have a basin on the ground as well as a flat side against the wall. Water features such as these are usually made of cast stone and have no weight limitations.

Landscape professionals often recommend a custom-built fountain for a brand new or existing wall. The basin and all the required plumbing are best installed by a qualified mason. You will need to integrate a spout or fountain mask into the wall. If you want a cohesive look for your garden, get a customized wall fountain because it becomes part of the panorama rather than a later addition.

What Are Large Garden Fountains Crafted From?

At present, copper is very common for sculptural garden fountains. Copper fountains are the best choice because they are perfect for the inside and outside. Copper fountains also come in a vast array of designs - from fun and eccentric to modern and cutting-edge.

Also common, brass fountains typically have a more old-fashioned look to them versus their copper counterpart. Brass fountains are often designed with intriguing artwork, so they are popular even if they are a bit conventional.

Arguably the most cutting-edge of all metals is stainless steel. Adding a modern-looking steel design will immediately add value to your garden and improve the overall atmosphere. Just like other water features, they come in an array of sizes.

Because it is both lighter and less expensive than metal but has a nearly identical look, fiberglass is quite common for fountains. Keeping a fiberglass water fountain clean and working correctly is quite simple, another aspect consumers love.