The Earliest Outdoor Garden Fountains

The Earliest Outdoor Garden Fountains As originally conceived, water fountains were designed to be functional, directing water from streams or aqueducts to the residents of towns and settlements, where the water could be used for cooking, cleaning, and drinking. To produce water flow through a fountain until the later part of the 1800’s, and generate a jet of water, demanded gravity and a water source such as a spring or lake, located higher than the fountain. Frequently used as memorials and commemorative edifices, water fountains have impressed men and women from all over the planet throughout the centuries. If you saw the first fountains, you wouldn't recognize them as fountains. Designed for drinking water and ceremonial reasons, the 1st fountains were basic carved stone basins. The oldest stone basins are presumed to be from around 2000 B.C.. The first civilizations that utilized fountains relied on gravity to force water through spigots. Drinking water was delivered by public fountains, long before fountains became elaborate public monuments, as attractive as they are functional. The Romans began building decorative fountains in 6 BC, most of which were metallic or stone masks of creatures and mythological characters.Earliest Outdoor Garden Fountains 02650820.jpg The remarkable aqueducts of Rome delivered water to the spectacular public fountains, many of which you can visit today.

The Origins Of Fountains

The Origins Of Fountains 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.

The central purpose of a fountain was originally strictly practical. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, via aqueducts or springs in the vicinity. Until the late 19th, century most water fountains functioned using the force of gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a source of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain.Origins Fountains 155135349329455.jpg Fountains were an excellent source of water, and also served to decorate living areas and memorialize the designer. The main materials used by the Romans to build their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly depicting animals or heroes. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to mimic the gardens of paradise. King Louis XIV of France wanted to illustrate his superiority over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. To mark the entryway of the restored Roman aqueducts, the Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries commissioned the building of baroque style fountains in the spot where the aqueducts entered the city of Rome

Since indoor plumbing became the norm of the day for fresh, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely decorative. Amazing water effects and recycled water were made possible by switching the force of gravity with mechanical pumps.

Nowadays, fountains decorate public spaces and are used to honor individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.

Keeping Your Outdoor Fountain Tidy

Keeping Your Outdoor Fountain Tidy Adequate care and regular maintenance are important to the longevity of water fountains. It is easy for foreign items to find their way into outside fountains, so keeping it clean is vital. Additionally, anywhere light from the sun mixes 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. Bleach can also be dissolved into the water, but this is not the ideal option as it can harm birds or other animals.

Every 3-4 months, garden fountains should have a decent cleaning. Before you can start washing it you need to drain out all of the water.Keeping Outdoor Fountain Tidy 1683905668.jpg Then use a soft cloth and gentle cleanser to scrub the inside. Feel free to use a toothbrush if necessary for any smaller crevasses. Do not leave any soap deposits inside or on the fountain.

Numerous organisms and calcium deposits can get inside the pump, so it is recommended to take it apart and clean it completely. To make it less challenging, soak it in vinegar overnight before cleaning. 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 might stick to the inside of the pump.

Lastly, make sure your fountain is always full by checking it every day - this will keep it in tip-top shape. Allowing the water to go below the pump’s intake level, can cause serious damage and even make the pump burn out - an undesired outcome!

The Use of Large Outdoor Fountains As Water Elements

The Use of Large Outdoor Fountains As Water Elements The motion of water winding in or through a large feature is what identifies of a water feature. The broad range of models available vary from a simple suspended wall fountain to an elaborate courtyard tiered fountain.Use Large Outdoor Fountains Water Elements 7885254885778.jpg Known for their adaptability, they can be used either indoors or outdoors. Ponds and swimming pools are also included in the definition of a water feature.

Garden wall fountains are important additions to your living spaces such as yards, yoga studios, cozy patios, apartment balconies, or office buildings. There is nothing better to relax you while also activating your senses of sight and hearing than the gratifying sounds of gently trickling water in your fountain. The most important consideration is the aesthetically eye-catching form they have which complements the decor of any room. Gently moving water not only leads to a feeling of peace, it also masks irksome noises and produces an enchanting water show.

Bernini’s Early Italian Fountains The Barcaccia, a stunning fountain constructed at the base of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna, was Bernini's earliest water fountain.To this day, you will find Roman locals and vacation goers filling this area to revel in chit chatter and being among other people.... read more


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The Advantages of Solar Outdoor Fountains Your garden wall fountain can be powered by numerous power sources.While electrical power has been used up to now to run them, there has been renewed interest in eco-friendly solar powered models.... read more


Anglo-Saxon Gardens at the Time of the Norman Conquest The Anglo-Saxon way of life was drastically changed by the arrival of the Normans in the later eleventh century.At the time of the conquest, the Normans surpassed the Anglo-Saxons in building design and cultivation.... read more


Bernini's Earliest Masterpieces One can find Bernini's very first masterpiece, the Barcaccia fountain, at the foot of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna.To this day, this spot is filled with Roman locals and travelers alike who enjoy conversation and each other's company.... read more