Modern Garden Decoration: Outdoor Fountains and their Beginnings
Modern Garden Decoration: Outdoor Fountains and their Beginnings 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 functionality was the original role of fountains. Water fountains were connected to a spring or aqueduct to supply potable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Used until the 19th century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their source of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from the power of gravity.
Fountains were an optimal source of water, and also served to adorn living areas and memorialize the artist. Bronze or stone masks of animals and heroes were commonly seen on Roman fountains. Muslims and Moorish garden designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller versions of the gardens of paradise. The fountains found in the Gardens of Versailles were intended to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to exalt their positions by adding beautiful baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into 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. The creation of unique water effects and the recycling of water were two things made possible by replacing gravity with mechanical pumps.
Contemporary fountains are used to embellish community spaces, honor individuals or events, and enrich recreational and entertainment events.
The Positive Benefits of Adding a wall fountain in Your Living Space
The Positive Benefits of Adding a wall fountain in Your Living Space
The addition of a wall water feature or an outdoor garden fountain is an excellent way to beautify your yard or garden design. Any number of current designers and fountain artisans have found ideas in the fountains and water features of the past. You can also reinforce the connection to the past by including one of these to your home's interior design. Among the many attributes of these beautiful garden water features is the water and moisture they discharge into the air which attracts birds and other wild life as well as helps to balance the ecosystem. For example, birds lured by a fountain or birdbath can be helpful because they fend off annoying flying insects. The area necessary for a cascading or spouting fountain is considerable, so a wall fountain is the perfect size for a small yard. Either a freestanding fountain with an even back and an attached basin set against a fence or a wall, or a wall-mounted kind which is self-contained and hangs on a wall, are some of the possibilities from which you can choose. Adding a fountain to an existent wall requires that you include a fountain mask as well as a basin at the base to collect the water. It is best not to attempt this job on your own as skilled plumbers and masons are best suited to do this type of work.