Contemporary Garden Decor: Garden Fountains and their Beginnings
Contemporary Garden Decor: Garden 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 provide drinking water, as well as for decorative purposes.Originally, fountains only served a functional purpose. Residents of cities, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash up, which meant that fountains needed to be linked to nearby aqueduct or spring. Until the late nineteenth, century most water fountains operated using gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a supply of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Artists thought of fountains as amazing additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to provide clean water and honor the artist responsible for building it. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often utilized by Romans to decorate their fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to re-create the gardens of paradise. Fountains played a significant role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exert his power over nature. To mark the entryway of the restored Roman aqueducts, the Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries commissioned the construction of baroque style fountains in the spot where the aqueducts arrived in the city of Rome
Indoor plumbing became the main source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby restricting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to permit fountains to bring in clean water and allow for beautiful water displays.
These days, fountains decorate public areas and are used to honor individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Landscape Fountains
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Landscape Fountains To ensure that water fountains last a while, it is important to practice regular maintenance. It is easy for foreign items to find their way into open-air fountains, so keeping it clean is vital. Additionally, anywhere light from the sun comes in contact with still water, algae can form. In order to prevent this, there are some basic ingredients that can be mixed into the water, such as vinegar, sea salt, or hydrogen peroxide. There are those who choose to use bleach, but that is hazardous to any animals that might drink or bathe in the water - so should therefore be avoided.
Experts recommend that the typical garden fountain undergoes a thorough cleaning every 3-4 months. Before you can start washing it you need to empty out all of the water. Then use a soft towel and gentle cleanser to scrub the inside. If there are any tiny grooves, work with a toothbrush to get each and every spot. Be sure to carefully rinse the inner surface of the fountain to make sure all the soap is gone.
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 easier to clean. If you want to eliminate build-up in your fountain, use rain water or mineral water versus tap water, as these don’t contain any components that will stick to the inside of the pump.
Finally, be sure to have a quick look at your fountain every day and add water if you see that the level is too low. Permitting the water level to get too low can cause damage to the pump - and you certainly do not want that!
Pick from all Kinds of Exterior Fountains

The stream of water sent shooting into the air by a spouting fountain is an impressive sight to see. If your pond is sufficiently big, it can be incorporated without trouble. Parks and historical mansions often have one these water features.
Wall fountains are an great example of outdoor wall features. Such water features make for a fantastic addition to your yard even if it is small. Wall fountains are not flamboyant water features as compared to a spouting fountain. It is straightforward process wherein a small jet of water propels outwards in front of a beautifully textured wall and then flows down only to be pumped up again.
Your garden’s style determines whether a themed fountain is best for you. A cherub grasping a spout is one of the possible kinds of classical-styled statues you can use if you want your fountain to suit a rustically themed cottage or garden. Something unique and bold could be an option for more modern gardens. Just allow your imagination to run loose.
The main trait of tiered fountains is the multiple levels spewing out water. Due to the water running down its various levels, these are also called cascading fountains.
Since outdoor fountains require a great deal of space, consider putting in a wall fountain or a pondless fountain. These kinds of fountains are ideal for an area with limited space because their reservoirs are hidden underground.
Japanese fountains are thought to impart a feeling of tranquility and wellness. Bamboo sticks act as the piping from which water flows in these kinds of water features. A rustic bucket or shaped stone is positioned at the bottom of this feature to collect the flowing water only to have the cycle repeated over and over again.
Glass fountains make up another group of fountain. A more vintage look is provided by trellis-style fountains which feature shaped metalwork. Water features such as these are ideal for gardens with many sharp corners as well as modern-day forms and designs. A magnificent effect is created when water streams down the sheets of glass. LED lights are also utilized in some fountains to flash color across the water as it flows downward on the glass sheet. The jagged surface of rock waterfall fountain makes for an appealing façade as the water softly flows downwards.
A large rock drilled with openings which then has tubes inserted into it is what distinguishes a bubbling rock fountain. The gurgles and bubbles at the top are the result of the low pressure used to propel the water upwards. Downward flowing water appears as soft trickle as it moves down the sides of the rock to go back to its base. Small gardens are perfect for this kind of fountain. Water is moved at low pressure in this kind of fountain, so you can be assured knowing that it will not spray all over should the wind pick up.
Solar powered fountains have become more fashionable recently because they run on sunlight. The reasons for this are diverse, from the lack of wires and the reduced complexities to the lower power bills and the beneficial impact on our environment. The varied designs in outdoor solar-powered fountains signifies you will not have to compromise on style.
Outdoor Fountains for Tight Spaces
Outdoor Fountains for Tight Spaces Since water causes a reflection, smaller spaces will appear larger. Augmenting the reflective attributes of a fountain or water feature are possible by using dark materials.
The foliage in your yard is a great spot to fit in your water feature. People will be focused on the pond, artificial river or fountain in your yard. Water features make great add ons to both large gardens or little patios. Considerably improving the ambience is possible by placing it in the most appropriate place and include the finest accompaniments.