Setting Up and Maintaining Large Garden Fountains

Generally, when you purchase an outdoor wall fountain, it will come in an easy-to-use kit that will include all the needed information to install it properly. A submersible pump, hoses and basin, or reservoir, are provided in the kit. Depending on its size, the basin can typically be hidden quite easily amongst the plants. Since outdoor wall fountains need little care, the only thing left to do is clean it regularly.

Replenishing and cleaning the water on a regular basis is very important. Leaves, branches or dirt are examples of debris which should be cleared away quickly. Extremely cold temperatures can affect your outdoor wall fountain so be sure to protect it during wintertime. In order to avoid any damage, such as cracking, from freezing water during the cold winter season, relocate your pump indoors. The bottom line is that if you properly maintain and look after for your outdoor fountain, it will bring you joy for many years.

Where did Large Outdoor Fountains Come From?

Originally, fountains only served a functional purpose. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, from aqueducts or springs in the vicinity. Up to the late 19th century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and more elevated than the fountain so that gravity could make the water flow down or shoot high into the air. Fountains were not only utilized as a water source for drinking water, but also to adorn homes and celebrate the artist who created it. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often used by Romans to beautify their fountains. 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 intended to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. 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 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 decorative. The introduction of special water effects and the recycling of water were 2 things made possible by replacing gravity with mechanical pumps.

Decorating city parks, honoring people or events and entertaining, are some of the purposes of modern-day fountains.

Outdoor Wall Fountains: The Many Styles on the Market

There are two distinct sorts of fountains you can buy: mounted and stand-alone. Small, self-contained models can be hung on a wall are known as mounted wall fountains. Fountains of this type need to be light, therefore, they are typically made of resin (resembling stone) or fiberglass. Stand-alone fountains, often referred to as floor fountains, are sizable, have a basin situated on the ground and a smooth side which leans against a wall. Water features such as these are usually made of cast stone and have no weight limitations.

Landscape designers often propose a custom-built fountain for a brand new or existing wall. A skilled mason is necessary to install the water basin against the wall and correctly install all the plumbing inside or behind the wall. The wall will need to have a spout or fountain mask built into it. The cohesive look provided by custom-made wall fountains make them appear to be part of the scenery instead of an afterthought.