A Brief History of the Early Garden Water Features
A Brief History of the Early Garden Water Features As originally conceived, water fountains were crafted to be functional, directing water from streams or aqueducts to the citizens of cities and villages, where the water could be used for cooking, cleaning, and drinking. In the days before electric power, the spray of fountains was driven by gravity alone, usually using an aqueduct or water supply located far away in the surrounding mountains.
The beauty and spectacle of fountains make them ideal for historical memorials. If you saw the 1st fountains, you wouldn't identify them as fountains. The 1st recognized water fountain was a stone basin created that served as a container for drinking water and ceremonial functions. Stone basins are theorized to have been first utilized around 2000 BC. Early fountains used in ancient civilizations depended on gravity to regulate the flow of water through the fountain. These original fountains were created to be functional, usually situated along reservoirs, streams and waterways to supply drinking water. Fountains with ornate decoration started to show up in Rome in approx. 6 BC, usually gods and wildlife, made with natural stone or bronze. The Romans had an elaborate system of aqueducts that delivered the water for the numerous fountains that were placed throughout the city.
The Various Construction Materials of Outdoor Fountains
The Various Construction Materials of Outdoor Fountains
Garden fountains these days are mostly made from metal, though you can find them in other materials too. Those made from metals have clean lines and unique sculptural elements, and are versatile enough to fit any budget and decor. It is essential that your landscape design reflects the style of your residence. One of the most common metals for sculptural garden fountains these days is copper. Copper is popular for both inside and outside use and is commonly found in tabletop and cascade fountains, among others. If you choose to go with copper, your fountain can be any style from fun and whimsical to contemporary.
Also popular, brass fountains typically have a more old-fashioned look to them versus their copper counterpart. Although it is not the most stylish, the creatures and sculptural features you find on fountains are mostly made of brass, thus making them very popular.
Of all the metals, stainless steel is recognized as the most modern -looking. For an instant increase in the value and comfort of your garden, get one of the contemporary steel designs. As with any type of fountain, they are available in many sizes.
Fiberglass fountains are popular because they look similar to metal but are more affordable and much easier to move around. The maintenance of fiberglass water fountains is quite simple, so they have many benefits that people appreciate.
Original Water Supply Solutions in Rome
Original Water Supply Solutions in Rome Prior to 273, when the 1st elevated aqueduct, Aqua Anio Vetus, was constructed in Rome, inhabitants who lived on hillsides had to journey further down to collect their water from natural sources. Outside of these aqueducts and springs, wells and rainwater-collecting cisterns were the only technologies around at the time to supply water to areas of greater elevation.
To supply water to Pincian Hill in the early 16th century, they utilized the emerging process of redirecting the circulation from the Acqua Vergine aqueduct’s underground network. The aqueduct’s channel was made attainable by pozzi, or manholes, that were situated along its length when it was 1st created. During the some 9 years he had the property, from 1543 to 1552, Cardinal Marcello Crescenzi used these manholes to take water from the network in containers, though they were previously built for the purpose of cleaning and maintaining the aqueduct. Though the cardinal also had a cistern to accumulate rainwater, it couldn't supply sufficient water. By using an orifice to the aqueduct that ran below his property, he was able to suit his water demands.
The Many Reasons to Include a Water Feature
The Many Reasons to Include a Water Feature A good way to enhance the appeal of your outdoor living area is to add a wall water feature or an exterior garden fountain to your landscaping or garden design. Contemporary artists and fountain builders alike use historical fountains and water features to shape their creations. You can also reinforce the link to the past by including one of these to your home's interior design. Among the many properties of these beautiful garden water features is the water and moisture they discharge into the air which attracts birds and other wild life as well as helps to balance the ecosystem. For example, pesky flying insects are usually discouraged by the birds attracted to the fountain or birdbath.The area necessary for a cascading or spouting fountain is substantial, so a wall fountain is the perfect size for a small yard. There are two types of fountains to choose from including the freestanding model with a flat back and an attached basin set up against a fence or a wall in your yard, or the wall-mounted, self-contained version which is suspended directly on a wall.
Both a fountain mask placed on the existing wall as well as a basin located at the bottom to collect the water are equired if you wish to include a fountain. Since the plumbing and masonry work is substantial to complete this type of job, you should employ a specialist to do it rather than try to do it alone.