The Genesis Of Fountains

The Genesis Of Fountains The amazing or ornamental effect of a fountain is just one of the purposes it fulfills, as well as delivering drinking water and adding a decorative touch to your property. Genesis Fountains 4301361567987.jpg

Originally, fountains only served a practical purpose. Water fountains were connected to a spring or aqueduct to provide potable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. 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 downwards or shoot high into the air. Artists thought of fountains as amazing additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to supply clean water and celebrate the artist responsible for creating it. The main components used by the Romans to create their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to mimic the gardens of paradise. King Louis XIV of France wanted to demonstrate his dominion over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. 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. Amazing water effects and recycled water were made possible by switching the force of gravity with mechanical pumps.

Nowadays, fountains decorate public areas and are used to pay tribute to individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.

The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Outdoor Fountains

The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Outdoor Fountains Adequate care and regular upkeep are important to the longevity of water fountains. One Cleaning Solution NEVER Use Outdoor Fountains 0857827125.jpg

One Cleaning Solution NEVER Use Outdoor Fountains 0857827125.jpg

A typical concern with fountains is that they tend to collect dirt and debris, so it is vital that you keep it free from this. On top of that, algae can be a problem, as sunshine hitting the water enables it to form quickly. Stir hydrogen peroxide, sea salt, or vinegar into the water to avoid this particular issue. Another option is to stir bleach into the water, but this action can sicken wild animals and so should really be avoided.

Experts advise that the typical garden fountain undergoes a thorough scouring every three-four months. To start with you must drain the water. When you have done this, scrub inside the water reservoir with a gentle detergent. If there are any small grooves, grab a toothbrush to reach each and every spot. Any soap residue left on your fountain can damage it, so be sure it is all rinsed off.

Make sure you get rid of any calcium or plankton by taking the pump apart and cleaning the inside properly. Soaking it in vinegar for a while will make it easier to clean. If you want to remove build-up in your fountain, use rain water or mineral water rather than tap water, as these don’t contain any ingredients that might stick to the inside of the pump.

One final recommendation for keeping your fountain in top working order is to check the water level every day and make sure it is full. Allowing the water level to get too low can cause damage to the pump - and you certainly do not want that!

The Impact of the Norman Conquest on Anglo-Saxon Gardens

The Impact of the Norman Conquest on Anglo-Saxon Gardens The arrival of the Normans in the 2nd half of the 11th century irreparably improved The Anglo-Saxon lifestyle. The skill of the Normans exceeded the Anglo-Saxons' in architecture and agriculture at the time of the conquest. But before concentrating on home-life or having the occasion to contemplate domestic architecture or decoration, the Normans had to subjugate an entire population. Monasteries and castles served different purposes, so while monasteries were massive stone structures built in only the most fruitful, wide dales, castles were set upon blustery knolls where the occupants focused on learning offensive and defensive practices. Tranquil pursuits such as gardening were out of place in these destitute citadels. The early Anglo-Norman style of architecture is depicted in Berkeley Castle, which is perhaps the most unscathed example we have. The keep is rumored to have been conceived during the time of William the Conqueror. A spacious terrace intended for exercising and as a means to stop attackers from mining under the walls runs about the building. On one of these terraces sits a stylish bowling green: it's covered in grass and flanked by an old yew hedge that is formed into the shape of rough ramparts.