Outdoor Wall Fountains: The Numerous Styles Available

Depending on your wishes, you can select from mounted or freestanding types. You can place a mounted wall fountain because they are little and self-contained. Fountains of this type need to be lightweight, therefore, they are usually fabricated from resin (resembling stone) or fiberglass. Large-sized free-standing wall fountains, often referred to as floor fountains, have their basins positioned on the floor and a flat side leaning on a wall. Normally made of cast stone, these water features have no weight limitations.

It is a good idea to integrate a custom-made fountain into a new or existing wall, something often recommended by landscape professionals. Installing the basin against the wall and installing all the plumbing work needs a professional mason to do it correctly. You will need to incorporate a spout or fountain mask into the wall. If you want a cohesive look for your garden, buy a customized wall fountain because it becomes part of the scenery rather than an afterthought.

Where did Garden Water Fountains Come From?

Originally, fountains only served a functional purpose. Inhabitants of urban areas, 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 linked to nearby aqueduct or spring. Up to the late nineteenth century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and more elevated than the fountain so that gravity could make the water flow down or jet high into the air. Fountains were not only utilized as a water source for drinking water, but also to adorn homes and celebrate the designer who created it. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were commonly seen on Roman fountains. To replicate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages introduced fountains to their designs. The fountains seen in the Gardens of Versailles were intended to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. The Romans of the 17th and 18th centuries created baroque decorative fountains to exalt the Popes who commissioned them as well as to mark the spot where the restored Roman aqueducts entered the city.

Since indoor plumbing became the standard 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. Gravity was substituted by mechanical pumps in order to permit fountains to bring in clean water and allow for amazing water displays.

Modern-day fountains serve mostly as decoration for community spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational gatherings.

Caring For Wall fountains

Most outdoor wall fountains come in "for-dummies" style kits that will provide you everything you need to properly install it. The kit provides a submersible pump, hoses as well as the basin, or reservoir. Depending on its size, the basin can normally be hidden quite easily amongst the plants. Other than the regular cleaning, little maintenance is required once your outdoor wall fountain is fitted.

It is necessary to replenish the water consistently so that it stays clean. Debris such as twigs, leaves or dirt should be cleared away quickly. Extremely cold temperatures can affect your outdoor wall fountain so be sure to protect it during the winter months. Bring your pump inside when the weather turns very cold and freezes the water so as to avoid any possible harm, such as cracking. To sum up, your outdoor wall fountain will continue to be a great addition to your garden if you keep it well cared for and well maintained.

What Are Landscape Fountains Created From?

Today, many people elect copper for their sculptural garden fountains. Copper is appropriate for many fountain styles, including tabletop and cascade water fountains, and can be put either inside or outside - making it a great option. Another advantage of copper fountains is they are flexible and come in a wide range of styles.

Also common, brass fountains generally have a more old-fashioned look to them versus their copper counterpart. Brass fountains are frequently designed with unique artwork, so they are popular even if they are a bit conventional.

Most folks today see stainless steel as the most modern alternative. For an immediate increase in the value and comfort of your garden, get one of the contemporary steel designs. Like all water fountains, you can find them in just about any size you choose.

For people who want the look of a metal fountain but want a lighter weight and more affordable option, fiberglass is the answer. It is simple to clean and maintain a fiberglass water fountain, yet another reason they are popular.