The Origins Of Garden Fountains

From the onset, outdoor fountains were simply meant to serve as functional elements. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, from aqueducts or springs in the area. Until the late 19th, century most water fountains functioned using gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a source of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Acting as an element of decoration and celebration, fountains also supplied clean, fresh drinking water. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were commonly seen on Roman fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners included fountains to create mini variations 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. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were extolled with baroque style fountains built to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.

Urban fountains built at the end of the nineteenth functioned only as decorative and celebratory adornments since indoor plumbing provided the necessary drinking water. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity enabled fountains to deliver recycled water into living spaces as well as create unique water effects.

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

The Countless Construction Materials of Fountains

One of the more trendy metals for sculptural garden fountains these days is copper. Copper fountains are the ideal 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.

If you are drawn to more classic-looking water fountains, brass is probably what you want. Brass fountains are often designed with intriguing artwork, so they are popular even if they are a bit conventional.

Most people today see stainless steel as the most modern alternative. If you select a cutting-edge steel design, both the value and tranquility of your garden will get a nice boost. As with all fountains, you can get any size you need.

Fiberglass fountains are widespread because they look similar to metal but are more affordable and much easier to move around. It is simple to clean and maintain a fiberglass water fountain, yet another reason they are common.

Pick from all Kinds of Outdoor Fountains

The stream of water sent shooting into the air by a spouting fountain is an spectacular sight to see. If your pond is significantly big, it can be incorporated without trouble. You may have seen one of these in a recreation area or an old estate.

Wall fountains are an excellent illustration of outdoor wall features. These types of fountains make for a fantastic addition to your yard even if it is small. While spouting fountains leave behind an impressive effect, wall fountains are more understated water features. In a very simple process, the water spills out of a spout, trickles down a beautifully textured wall only to be pumped back to the top.

Themed fountains are best when the design of your garden allows for them. In a rustic themed bungalow or yard, a traditional styled statue for your fountain could include cherubs holding the spout. Something special and bold could be an option for more modern gardens. Feel free to let your hair down and choose something interesting and intrepid.

Water streams down multiple levels in a tiered fountain. Cascading fountains is another expression used to identify this type of fountain because water streams down multiple levels.

A substantial amount of space is necessary for an outdoor fountain, so another option is to install a wall fountain or a pondless fountain. Put in one of these fountains if your space is limited since their reservoirs are hidden from sight underground.

Tranquility and well-being are some of the key sensations imparted by Japanese fountains. Bamboo sticks are used in this kind of fountain to expel the water. The repetition of water pouring into a bucket or shaped stone is one of the main characteristics of this kind of fountain.

One of the many designs of fountain available is the glass fountain. A more traditional look is provided by trellis-style fountains which feature shaped metalwork. However, this style of water feature is better suited to gardens with many sharp corners as well as modern-day forms and design. The flowing water creates a striking effect as it moves down the glass panels. LED lighting fixtures are also utilized in some fountains to flash color across the water as it flows downward on the glass sheet. With water softly running down its surface, rock waterfall fountains, often made of fake rock, are a possible solution for your garden.

The characteristic which differentiates a bubbling rock fountain is a large rock drilled with holes where pipes can be inserted into its center. Low pressure is employed to spout out the water which then bubbles and gurgles at the top. The water comes back gently dripping down the sides of the rock to get to its starting point. This sort of fountain is perfectly suitable for small gardens. To ensure that water is not sprayed around if it starts to get windy, this kind of fountain is the best choice since it only uses low pressure to move water.

Solar fountains have recently gained in appeal because they are powered by sunlight. There are numerous reasons for this newly found appeal such as the absence of cables, less difficulty in running them, a decrease in electricity bills, and the benefits to the environment. You will not have to concede on style since there is a wide array of designs to pick from in outdoor solar-powered fountains.