Contemporary Garden Decoration: Large Outdoor Water Fountains and their Roots
Contemporary Garden Decoration: Large Outdoor Water Fountains and their Roots The incredible construction of a fountain allows it to provide clean water or shoot water high into air for dramatic effect and it can also serve as an excellent design feature to complement your home. The primary purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional. Water fountains were linked to a spring or aqueduct to supply drinkable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Until the late 19th, century most water fountains operated 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. Serving as an element of adornment and celebration, fountains also supplied clean, fresh drinking water. The main components used by the Romans to build their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly depicting animals or heroes. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to re-create 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. To mark the entrance of the restored Roman aqueducts, the Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries commissioned the construction of baroque style fountains in the spot where the aqueducts entered the city of Rome
The end of the 19th century saw the increase in usage of indoor plumbing to provide drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to purely decorative elements. Impressive water effects and recycled water were made possible by replacing the force of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Contemporary fountains are used to embellish community spaces, honor individuals or events, and enhance recreational and entertainment events.
The Main Characteristics of Classic Greek Statues
The Main Characteristics of Classic Greek Statues The first freestanding sculpture was developed by the Archaic Greeks, a recognized achievement since until then the only carvings in existence were reliefs cut into walls and columns. Most of these freestanding sculptures were what is known as kouros figures, statues of young, attractive male or female (kore) Greeks. Thought of by Greeks to characterize skin care, the kouroi were formed into rigid, forward facing poses with one foot outstretched, and the male statues were always nude, brawny, and fit. Life-sized versions of the kouroi appeared beginning in 650 BC. During the Archaic period, a great time of change, the Greeks were developing new types of government, expressions of art, and a deeper comprehension of people and cultures outside Greece. However, these battles did little to hamper the advancement of the Greek civilization.The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Garden Wall Fountains
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Garden Wall Fountains Appropriate care and regular cleaning are important to the longevity of water fountains. A common problem with fountains is that they tend to collect dirt and debris, so it is essential that you keep it free from this. Also, algae has a tendency to build up wherever natural light meets water. Blend hydrogen peroxide, sea salt, or vinegar into the water to avoid this particular dilemma.
Another option is to mix bleach into the water, but this action can harm wild animals and so should really be avoided. Every three-four months, garden fountains should have a decent cleaning. First off you must empty the water. When you have done this, wash inside the water reservoir with a mild detergent. If there are any little grooves, grab a toothbrush to get each and every spot. Any soap residue that remains on your fountain can harm it, so be sure it is all rinsed off.
Some organisms and calcium deposits can get inside the pump, so it is best to take it apart and clean it completely. Letting it soak in vinegar for a couple of hours first will make it much easier to clean. Mineral or rain water, versus tap water, is ideal in order to prevent any build-up of chemicals inside the pump.
Finally, be sure to have a quick look at your fountain every day and add water if you see that the level is too low. Low water levels can ruin the pump - and you do not want that!