Contemporary Garden Decoration: Fountains and their Beginnings
Contemporary Garden Decoration: Fountains and their Beginnings 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 a noteworthy effect.The central purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional. 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. 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 downwards or shoot high into the air. Acting as an element of decoration and celebration, fountains also provided clean, fresh drinking water. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often times used by Romans to decorate their fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners incorporated fountains to create smaller depictions of the gardens of paradise. Fountains enjoyed a significant role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exercise his power over nature. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to laud their positions by adding decorative baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into 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. Impressive water effects and recycled water were made possible by replacing the force of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for open spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational events.
Large Outdoor Fountains As Water Features
Large Outdoor Fountains As Water Features A water feature is one which is a large element through which water moves. The broad variety of choices available vary from a simple suspended wall fountain to an elaborate courtyard tiered fountain.
Garden wall fountains are important additions to your living spaces such as backyards, yoga studios, cozy patios, apartment verandas, or office buildings. You can chill out to the softly flowing water in your fountain and gratify your senses of sight and sound. With their visibly pleasing form you can also use them to accentuate the decor in your home or other living space. Softly moving water not only leads to a sense of peace, it also masks irksome noises and produces an enchanting water show.
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Large Outdoor Fountains
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Large Outdoor Fountains It is essential to carefully maintain water fountains for them to work optimally. It is essential to clean it out and take out any debris or foreign objects that might have dropped into or onto it. Additionally, anywhere light from the sun combines with still water, algae can develop. Either sea salt, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar can be blended into the water to prevent this problem. There are those who prefer to use bleach, but that is dangerous to any animals that might drink or bathe in the water - so should therefore be avoided. A complete cleaning every 3-4 months is recommended for garden fountains. The initial task is to empty out all the water. When you have done this, scrub inside the water reservoir with a gentle detergent. Feel free to use a toothbrush if needed for any stubborn crevasses. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the inner surface of the fountain to make sure all the soap is gone.
Calcium and fresh water organisms could get inside the pump, so you should disassemble it to get it truly clean. Letting it soak in vinegar for a couple of hours first will make it much easier to clean. Mineral or rain water, versus tap water, is ideal in order to eliminate any build-up of chemicals inside the pump.
Lastly, make sure your fountain is always full by checking on it every day - this will keep it in tip-top shape. Low water levels can ruin the pump - and you do not want that!
The Outcome of the Norman Invasion on Anglo Saxon Garden Design
