Your Patio: An Ideal Place for a Fountain
Your Patio: An Ideal Place for a Fountain The addition of a wall water feature or an outdoor garden fountain is a great way to beautify your yard or garden design. Any number of present-day designers and fountain craftsmen have found inspiration in the fountains and water features of the past. As such, the effect of adding one of these to your interior decor connects it to past times. Among the many properties of these beautiful garden water features is the water and moisture they discharge into the air which attracts birds and other wild life as well as helps to balance the ecosystem. Flying, bothersome insects, for instance, are scared away by the birds congregating around the fountain or birdbath.Spouting or cascading fountains are not the best option for a small backyard since they need a great deal of space.
You can choose to install a stand-alone fountain with a flat back and an connected basin propped against a fence or wall in your backyard, or a wall-mounted type which is self-contained and hung from a wall. Both a fountain mask placed on the existing wall as well as a basin located at the bottom to collect the water are necessary if you wish to add a fountain. Since the plumbing and masonry work is substantial to complete this type of job, you should hire a professional to do it rather than attempt to do it alone.
The Genesis Of Garden Fountains
The Genesis Of Garden Fountains The dramatic or decorative effect of a fountain is just one of the purposes it fulfills, in addition to providing drinking water and adding a decorative touch to your property. Originally, fountains only served a functional purpose. Water fountains were connected to a spring or aqueduct to provide potable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Until the late 19th, century most water fountains operated using 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. Fountains were an excellent source of water, and also served to decorate living areas and celebrate the artist. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often used by Romans to beautify their fountains. To depict the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages introduced fountains to their designs. 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. 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 entered the city of Rome
Indoor plumbing became the main source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby limiting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Amazing water effects and recycled water were made possible by replacing the power of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Contemporary fountains are used to adorn community spaces, honor individuals or events, and enhance recreational and entertainment events.
Aspects of Garden Sculpture in Archaic Greece
Aspects of Garden Sculpture in Archaic Greece
The Archaic Greeks developed the very first freestanding statuary, an awesome achievement as most sculptures up until then had been reliefs cut into walls and pillars. Most of these freestanding sculptures were what is known as kouros figures, statues of young, attractive male or female (kore) Greeks. Symbolizing beauty to the Greeks, the kouroi were designed to appear stiff and commonly had foot forward; the males were healthy, sturdy, and nude. In 650 BC, life-sized models of the kouroi began to be seen. The Archaic period was turbulent for the Greeks as they evolved into more sophisticated forms of government and art, and gained more information about the peoples and societies outside of Greece. Wars like The Arcadian wars, the Spartan invasion of Samos, and other wars involving city-states are indicatory of the tumultuous nature of the time period, which was similar to other periods of historical upset. However, these conflicts did not significantly hinder the advancement of the Greek civilization.
Contemporary Statues in Ancient Greece
Contemporary Statues in Ancient Greece
In the past, most sculptors were compensated by the temples to adorn the elaborate pillars and archways with renderings of the gods, but as the era came to a close it became more accepted for sculptors to portray ordinary people as well because many Greeks had begun to think of their institution as superstitious rather than sacred. Portraiture, which would be accepted by the Romans upon their annexation of Greek civilization became traditional as well, and wealthy family members would often commission a rendering of their forebears to be placed in enormous familial tombs. A time of artistic enhancement, the use of sculpture and other art forms transformed during the Greek Classical period, so it is inexact to assume that the arts served only one function. It could be the advanced quality of Greek sculpture that captivates our awareness today; it was on a leading-edge practice of the ancient world whether it was established for religious purposes or aesthetic pleasure.
The Various Construction Materials of Wall fountains
The Various Construction Materials of Wall fountains Although they come in alternative materials, contemporary garden fountains tend to be made of metal. Metals tend to produce clean lines and unique sculptural accents and can fit almost any design theme or budget. It is essential that your landscape reflects the style of your residence. One of the more common metals for sculptural garden fountains these days is copper. Copper is used in cascade and tabletop water fountains as well as many other styles, making it perfect for inside and outside fountains. Copper fountains also come in a huge array of designs - from fun and eccentric to modern and cutting-edge.
If your style is more traditional, a brass water fountain might be ideal for you. Although it is not the most modern, the creatures and sculptural features you find on fountains are mostly made of brass, thus making them very popular.
Arguably the most modern of all metals is stainless steel. A cutting-edge steel design will quickly raise the value of your garden as well as the feeling of serenity. As with most fountains, they are available in many sizes.
Because it is both lighter and less expensive than metal but has a comparable look, fiberglass is quite common for fountains. The cleaning of fiberglass water fountains is quite simple, so they have many benefits that people appreciate.
Caring For Large Outdoor Fountains
Caring For Large Outdoor Fountains An important facet to think about is the size of the outdoor wall fountain in relation to the space in which you are going to mount it. It will require a solid wall to support its overall weight. Areas or walls which are smaller will require a lightweight fountain. In order for the fountain to have electrical power, a nearby electrical outlet is needed.
Since there are many kinds of outdoor wall fountains, installation methods vary, but the majority include user-friendly instructions. All you will require to correctly install your outdoor wall fountain is typically provided in easy-to-use kits. The kit will include a submersible pump, the hoses and basin (or reservoir). The basin, if it's not too large, can easily be concealedin your garden among the plants. Since outdoor wall fountains need little attention, the only thing left to do is clean it consistently.
It is vital to replenish the water routinely so that it remains clean. Debris such as branches, leaves or dirt should be cleaned up quickly. Extremely cold temperatures can affect your outdoor wall fountain so be sure to protect it during winer. Bring your pump inside when the weather turns very cold and freezes the water so as to eliminate any possible damage, such as cracking. Simply put, your outdoor fountain will be around for many years to come with the proper care and maintenance.