Modern Garden Decor: Outdoor Fountains and their Beginnings
Modern Garden Decor: Outdoor Fountains and their Beginnings A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to supply drinking water, as well as for decorative purposes. The main purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional. Inhabitants of urban areas, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash, which meant that fountains needed to be linked to nearby aqueduct or spring. Up to the late nineteenth century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and more elevated than the fountain so that gravity could make the water flow downwards or shoot high into the air. Fountains were an excellent source of water, and also served to decorate living areas and memorialize the artist. Bronze or stone masks of animals and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. Muslims and Moorish garden designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller versions of the gardens of paradise. To demonstrate his prominence over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains constructed to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.
The end of the 19th century saw the rise in usage of indoor plumbing to supply drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to purely decorative elements. Amazing water effects and recycled water were made possible by switching the force of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Nowadays, fountains adorn public areas and are used to pay tribute to individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.
A Small Garden Space? Don't Feel Left Out! You Can Still Have a Water Feature
A Small Garden Space? Don't Feel Left Out! You Can Still Have a Water Feature You can make your space appear bigger due to the reflective effect of water. Dark materials alter the reflective properties of a fountain or water feature. When the sun goes down, you can use underwater lights in different colors and shapes to illuminate your new feature. Sunlight is indispensable to power eco-lights during the day time while underwater lights are great for night use. Often utilized in natural therapies, they help to reduce anxiety and tension with their calming sounds.The foliage in your yard is a great spot to fit in your water feature. Your pond, man-made river, or fountain is the perfect feature to draw people’s interest. Small verandas or major gardens is the perfect place to install a water feature. The best way to improve the ambience, position it in a good place and use the right accompaniments.