Contemporary Garden Decoration: Garden Fountains and their Beginnings

The primary purpose of a fountain was originally strictly practical. Water fountains were linked to a spring or aqueduct to supply potable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Until the late nineteenth, century most water fountains functioned using gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a supply of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Fountains were an optimal 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 used by Romans to decorate their fountains. Muslims and Moorish garden designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller models 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. To mark the entrance of the restored Roman aqueducts, the Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries commissioned the building of baroque style fountains in the spot where the aqueducts entered the city of Rome
Since indoor plumbing became the standard 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 decorative. 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 serve mostly as decoration for public spaces, to honor individuals or events, and compliment entertainment and recreational gatherings.
Large Garden Fountains As Water Features

A garden wall fountain can be a useful water element to include in any yard, yoga studio, patio, balcony, or workplace. The pleasant sounds of trickling water from this kind of feature please the senses of sight and hearing of anyone nearby. The most important consideration is the pleasantly eye-catching form they have which accentuates the interior design of any room. You can also have fun watching the beautiful water display, experience the serenity, and reduce any undesirable noises with the soothing sounds of water.