Anglo Saxon Gardens at the Time of the Norman Conquest
Anglo Saxon Gardens at the Time of the Norman Conquest The introduction of the Normans in the second half of the 11th century irreparably improved The Anglo-Saxon lifestyle. Architecture and horticulture were skills that the Normans excelled in, trumping that of the Anglo-Saxons at the time of the occupation. But the Normans had to pacify the whole territory before they could concentrate on home life, domestic architecture, and decoration.
Because of this, castles were cruder buildings than monasteries: Monasteries were usually important stone buildings set in the biggest and most fertile valleys, while castles were constructed on windy crests where their residents devoted time and space to tasks for offense and defense. Relaxing activities such as gardening were out of place in these desolate citadels. Berkeley Castle, maybe the most uncorrupted model of the early Anglo-Norman style of architecture, still exists in the present day. It is said that the keep was introduced during William the Conqueror's time. A monumental terrace serves as a discouraging factor to invaders who would try to mine the walls of the building. One of these terraces, a charming bowling green, is covered grass and flanked by an aged yew hedge cut into the form of crude battlements.
Keeping Your Garden Fountain Clean
Keeping Your Garden Fountain Clean To ensure that water fountains last a long time, it is important to practice regular maintenance. It is essential to clean it out and remove any debris or foreign elements that might have fallen into or onto it. On top of that, algae can be a concern, as sunshine hitting the water allows it to form easily. In order to avoid this, there are some common ingredients that can be mixed into the water, such as vinegar, sea salt, or hydrogen peroxide. Some people opt for putting bleach into the water, but the downside is that it harms wildlife - so it should be avoided. An extensive cleaning every three-four months is best for garden fountains. The first task is to get rid of all of the water. Then use gentle and a soft sponge to clean inside the reservoir.
If there is intricate artwork, you might need to use a toothbrush for those hard-to-reach areas. Do not leave any soap deposits inside of or on the fountain.
It is highly recommended taking the pump apart to better clean the inside and remove any plankton or calcium. You might want to let it soak in vinegar for a few hours to make it much less difficult to wash. If you want to eliminate build-up in your fountain, use rain water or mineral water rather than tap water, as these don’t contain any components that will stick to the inside of the pump.
Lastly, make sure your fountain is always full by checking it every day - this will keep it in tip-top shape. Allowing the water to drop below the pump’s intake level, can cause serious damage and even make the pump burn out - an undesired outcome!