Contemporary Garden Decor: Garden Fountains and their Roots

The primary purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to supply them with potable water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Used until the nineteenth century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their source of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from the power of gravity. Artists thought of fountains as wonderful additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to provide clean water and honor the designer responsible for building it. Roman fountains usually depicted imagery of animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to mimic the gardens of paradise. To show his dominance over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. The Romans of the 17th and 18th centuries created baroque decorative fountains to glorify the Popes who commissioned them as well as to mark the spot where the restored Roman aqueducts entered the city.

The end of the nineteenth century saw the increase in usage of indoor plumbing to supply drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to strictly decorative elements. The creation of special water effects and the recycling of water were 2 things made possible by replacing gravity with mechanical pumps.

Modern fountains are used to embellish public spaces, honor individuals or events, and enrich recreational and entertainment events.

Landscape Fountains As Water Features

Consider placing a water element such as a garden wall fountain to your ample backyard, yoga studio, comfy patio, apartment balcony, or office space. In addition to helping you relax, both sight and sound are enticed by the soothing sounds of a water fountain. The most important consideration is the pleasantly beautiful form they have which accentuates the interior design of any room. Softly moving water not only results in a feeling of peace, it also masks irksome noises and produces a captivating water show.

Select from Any Number of Exterior Wall Fountain Designs

Mounted and stand-alone fountains are available on the market. Small, self-contained mounted wall fountains can be hung on any surface. One of the most important aspects of wall fountains is that they be light, so they are typically made of fiberglass or resin to mirror the look of stone. Free-standing fountains, often referred to as floor fountains, are of considerable size, have a basin positioned on the ground and a smooth side which leans against a wall. Typically constructed of cast stone, this style of water feature is not restricted in weight.

Customized fountains which can be incorporated into a new or existing wall are often recommended by landscaping designers. Employing an expert mason is your best option to construct the basin and install the necessary plumbing. A fountain mask or a spout also needs to be incorporated into the wall. If you want a cohesive look for your garden, get a customized wall fountain because it becomes part of the scenery rather than an afterthought.