The Countless Styles of Outdoor Fountains

The stream of water sent shooting into the air by a spouting fountain is an impressive sight to see. Large, existing ponds can have one of these incorporated without much trouble. You may have encountered one of these in a recreation area or an old estate.

Wall fountains are an perfect illustration of outdoor wall features. If you are eager to include a water feature, but are doubtful because you have a small yard, do not hesitate to incorporate one of these. Whereas spouting fountains leave behind an impressive effect, wall fountains are rather understated water features. In a very simple procedure, the water spills out of a spout, trickles down a magnificently textured wall only to be pumped back to the top.

Dependent on the design you have chosen for the garden, you could think about a themed fountain. Consider a classic type of statue, such as a cherub supporting a spout, for the fountain if your residence or garden is rustic in style. Consider including something bolder and unique for a modern-day garden. Feel free to let your hair down and pick something interesting and audacious.

Tiered fountains are alluring because the water flows down multiple levels. Water moves down numerous tiers in a cascading fountain.

The space necessary for an outdoor fountain can be considerable, therefore, a better alternative is to install a wall fountain or a pondless fountain. Due to the fact that the reservoirs necessary for these kinds of fountains are hidden below the ground, you can make the most of the space at your disposal.

If you seek a feeling of peacefulness and calmness, put in a Japanese fountain as these are believed to bring about such sensations. Bamboo sticks serve as the piping from which water flows in these kinds of water features. A rustic bucket or shaped stone is positioned at the bottom of this feature to collect the flowing water only to have the cycle repeated over and over again.

One of the many styles of fountain around is the glass fountain. Featuring shaped metalwork, trellis-style fountains of this kind have a more traditional feel. However, this type of water feature is better suited to gardens with many sharp corners as well as modern-day forms and design. The water produces a spectacular effect when it runs down the outside of the glass. In some cases, the water is colored by LED lights as it flows over the glass panels. The jagged surface of rock waterfall fountain creates an interesting façade as the water gently flows downwards.

Bubbling rock fountains are big stones drilled with holes which are then filled with pipes in the middle. The bubbling and gurgling at the topmost part of this type of fountain are brought on by the water being pushed upward at low pressure. The water returns gently trickling down the sides of the rock to get to its starting point. This is yet another possibility for gardens with limited space. To ensure that water is not sprayed around if it begins to get windy, this kind of fountain is the best option since it only uses low pressure to move water.

Powered by sunlight, solar fountains are becoming rapidly trendy. The reasons for this are varied, from the lack of wires and the reduced complexities to the decreased power bills and the beneficial effects on our environment. The varied designs in outdoor solar-powered fountains signifies you will not have to compromise on style.

The Genesis Of Outdoor Fountains

Originally, fountains only served a practical purpose. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to provide them with drinking water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Up to the late 19th century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and higher than the fountain so that gravity could make the water move down or jet high into the air. Fountains were an excellent source of water, and also served to decorate living areas and celebrate the designer. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often times utilized by Romans to beautify their fountains. Muslims and Moorish garden designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller models of the gardens of paradise. To demonstrate his prominence over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains built to mark the place of entry of Roman aqueducts.

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

Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for public spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational activities.