The Origins Of Garden Fountains
The Origins Of Garden Fountains A fountain, an incredible piece of engineering, not only supplies drinking water as it pours into a basin, it can also propel water high into the air for a noteworthy effect.From the beginning, outdoor fountains were soley there to serve as functional elements. Inhabitants of cities, townships and small towns utilized them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash up, which meant that fountains had to be linked to nearby aqueduct or spring. Up until the 19th century, fountains had to be more elevated and closer to a water supply, including aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to take advantage of gravity which fed the fountains. Fountains were an optimal source of water, and also served to decorate living areas and celebrate the designer. Roman fountains often depicted imagery of animals or heroes made of metal or stone masks. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners incorporated fountains to create mini depictions of 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 Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains constructed to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.
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. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity helped fountains to bring recycled water into living spaces as well as create unique water effects.
These days, fountains adorn public areas and are used to honor individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.
What Are Large Outdoor Fountains Created From?
What Are Large Outdoor Fountains Created From? While today’s garden fountains are made in a variety of materials, the majority are made from metal. Metals tend to yield clean lines and unique sculptural accents and can fit almost any style or budget. The interior design of your house should establish the look and feel of your yard and garden as well.
One of the most common metals for sculptural garden fountains these days is copper. Copper is used in cascade and tabletop water fountains as well as various other styles, making it perfect for inside and outside fountains. Copper fountains also come in a wide array of styles - from fun and eccentric to modern and cutting-edge.
If your style is more old-fashioned, a brass water fountain might be ideal for you. You will see a lot of brass fountains, as their interesting artwork makes them common even if they are on the more traditional side.
Of all the metals, stainless steel is viewed as the most modern -looking. If you pick a cutting-edge steel design, both the value and tranquility of your garden will get a nice bump. Like other water features, they come in a variety of sizes.
For people who want the visual appeal of a metal fountain but desire a lighter weight and more affordable option, fiberglass is the answer. It is not complicated to clean and maintain a fiberglass water fountain, yet another reason they are popular.
Keep Your Garden Fountain Tidy
Keep Your Garden Fountain Tidy Adequate care and regular upkeep are important to the longevity of water fountains. It is easy for foreign objects to find their way into outdoor fountains, so keeping it clean is vital. Also, algae has a tendency to build up any place natural light meets water. In order to avoid this, there are some simple ingredients that can be poured into the water, such as vinegar, sea salt, or hydrogen peroxide. Some people opt for pouring bleach into the water, but the drawback is that it harms wildlife - so it should be avoided.Experts recommend that the typical garden fountain undergoes a thorough scouring every three-four months. First you must remove the water. Then use gentle and a soft sponge to clean the innner part of the reservoir. If there is delicate artwork, you might need to use a toothbrush for those hard-to-reach areas. Do not leave any soap residue inside of or on the fountain.
Some organisms and calcium deposits may get inside the pump, so it is advised to take it apart and clean it thoroughly. Letting it soak in vinegar for several hours first will make it much easier to clean. Mineral or rain water, versus tap water, is ideal in order to avoid 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 see that the level is depleted. Allowing the water level to get too low can result in damage to the pump - and you certainly do not want that!
Garden Fountains for Tight Spots
Garden Fountains for Tight Spots Since water is reflective, it has the effect of making a smaller spot appear larger than it is. Water features such as fountains benefit from the reflective characteristics stemming from dark materials. Use underwater lights, which come in many different forms and colors, to flaunt your new feature at night. Sunlight is essential to power eco-lights during the day time while underwater lights are great for night use.
The greenery in your backyard is the perfect place to situate your water feature. Your pond, artificial river, or fountain is the perfect feature to draw people’s interest. Examples of spots where you can install a water element include large lawns or small patios. The ambience can be significantly changed by placing it in the best place and using the right accessories.