Builders of the First Water Fountains
Builders of the First Water Fountains Water fountain designers were multi-talented people from the 16th to the late 18th century, often serving as architects, sculptors, artisans, engineers and highly educated scholars all in one person. Leonardo da Vinci, a Renaissance artist, was celebrated as an ingenious master, inventor and scientific master. With his astounding fascination concerning the forces of nature, he researched the qualities and mobility of water and also systematically annotated his findings in his now famed notebooks. Remodeling private villa settings into amazing water displays full of symbolic interpretation and natural wonder, early Italian fountain designers combined curiosity with hydraulic and gardening expertise. Known for his virtuosity in archeology, design and garden design, Pirro Ligorio, the humanist, delivered the vision behind the magnificence in Tivoli. Other water feature designers, masterminding the fantastic water marbles, water functions and water jokes for the countless properties near Florence, were tried and tested in humanistic subjects and classical scientific readings.An Introductory Guide to Herbs in Your Garden
An Introductory Guide to Herbs in Your Garden Many gardeners are enticed to natural herbs because they can use them in so many varied dishes. You'll enjoy immediate gratification when you grow natural herbs in the garden as they can be included in preparing sauces, soups, marinades and a range of other recipes. An herb garden is easily maintained with minimum daily care, and planter gardens and potted herbs can be easily moved inside once autumn frosts begin, making it possible to maintain an herb garden all year long. If you are thinking of adding perennial herbs to your garden, you are making a good choice due to the fact they do not die easily or need replanting after every year goes by. Consider the types of flavors you enjoy cooking with (and eating)when picking out herbs for your garden. Basil, oregano, and thyme are great herbs to plant if you really enjoy cooking and eating Italian food. If you prefer Latin themed food, you may choose to plant cilantro instead.
Where did Landscape Fountains Come From?
Where did Landscape Fountains Come From? 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 primary purpose of a fountain was originally strictly practical. Residents of cities, townships and small towns utilized them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash up, which meant that fountains had to be connected to nearby aqueduct or spring. Until the late 19th, century most water fountains operated using the force of 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. Fountains were an optimal source of water, and also served to decorate living areas and celebrate the designer. Roman fountains usually depicted imagery of animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks. To illustrate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages introduced fountains to their designs. King Louis XIV of France wanted to illustrate his superiority over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains constructed to mark the place of entry of Roman aqueducts.
The end of the 19th century saw the rise in usage of indoor plumbing to provide drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to strictly decorative elements. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity enabled fountains to bring recycled water into living spaces as well as create special water effects.
Modern-day fountains serve mostly as decoration for open spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational gatherings.