The Genesis Of Wall Fountains
The Genesis Of Wall Fountains A fountain, an incredible piece of engineering, not only supplies drinking water as it pours into a basin, it can also launch water high into the air for an extraordinary effect. Originally, fountains only served a functional purpose. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to provide them with potable water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Used until the 19th 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. Designers thought of fountains as wonderful additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to provide clean water and celebrate the artist responsible for creating it. The main components used by the Romans to build their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. To illustrate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages added fountains to their designs. King Louis XIV of France wanted to illustrate his dominion over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. The Romans of the 17th and 18th centuries manufactured baroque decorative fountains to exalt the Popes who commissioned them as well as to mark the location where the restored Roman aqueducts entered the city.
Indoor plumbing became the key source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby limiting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity helped fountains to bring recycled water into living spaces as well as create special water effects.
Nowadays, fountains decorate public areas and are used to honor individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.
Your Garden: An Ideal Spot for a Garden Fountain
Your Garden: An Ideal Spot for a Garden Fountain You can improve your exterior space by adding a wall fountain or an outdoor garden water feature to your property or gardening project. Modern-day designers and fountain builders alike use historic fountains and water features to shape their creations. As such, introducing one of these to your home design is a superb way to connect it to the past. In addition to the positive characteristics of garden fountains, they also produce water and moisture which goes into the air, thereby, attracting birds as well as other creatures and harmonizing the environment. For example, birds attracted by a fountain or birdbath can be useful because they fend off annoying flying insects.The area required for a cascading or spouting fountain is considerable, so a wall fountain is the perfect size for a small yard. You can choose to put in a stand-alone fountain with a flat back and an attached basin propped against a fence or wall in your backyard, or a wall-mounted type which is self-contained and hung from a wall. Be sure to include a fountain mask to an existing wall and a basin to collect the water at the bottom if you wish to put in a fountain to your living area. The plumbing and masonry work necessary for this type of job requires know-how, so it is best to hire a skilled person rather than go at it yourself.
The City Of Rome, Gian Bernini, And Garden Fountains
The City Of Rome, Gian Bernini, And Garden Fountains There are many renowned water features in the city center of Rome. One of the finest sculptors and artists of the 17th century, virtually all of them were planned, conceived and built by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Traces of his life's efforts are apparent throughout the avenues of Rome simply because, in addition to his skills as a water fountain designer, he was also a city architect. A renowned Florentine sculptor, Bernini's father guided his young son, and they ultimately transferred to Rome to thoroughly exhibit their artwork, primarily in the form of public water features and water features. An exceptional employee, Bernin earned compliments and the the backing of popes and important artists. He was originally celebrated for his sculpture. He made use of his knowledge and melded it effortlessly with Roman marble, most notably in the Vatican. Though he was influenced by many, Michelangelo had the most serious impact on him, both personally and professionally.The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Landscape Fountains
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Landscape Fountains Proper care and regular cleaning are important to the longevity of water fountains. Leaves, twigs, and insects very often find their way into fountains, so it is important to keep yours free from such things. Another factor is that water that is subjected to sunlight is vulnerable to growing algae. Either sea salt, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar can be dissolved into the water to eliminate this issue. Some people opt for putting bleach into the water, but the drawback is that it harms wildlife - so it should be avoided.Experts advise that the typical garden fountain undergoes a thorough scouring every 3-4 months.
First off you must empty the water. Then use a soft cloth and mild cleanser to scrub the inside. If there are any small grooves, use a toothbrush to reach every spot. Make sure all the soap is totally cleaned off.
It is highly advised taking the pump apart to better clean the inside and get rid of any plankton or calcium. Soaking it in vinegar for a bit will make it easier to wash. Mineral or rain water, versus tap water, is ideal in order to avoid any build-up of chemicals inside the pump.
One final trick for keeping your fountain in top working shape is to check the water level every day and make sure it is full. Allowing the water level to get too low can result in damage to the pump - and you certainly don't want that!