The Genesis Of Outdoor Fountains

Pure practicality was the original purpose of fountains. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to provide them with drinking water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Up until the 19th century, fountains had to be higher and closer to a water supply, such as aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to benefit from gravity which fed the fountains. Designers thought of fountains as amazing additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to supply clean water and honor the designer responsible for creating it. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners included fountains to create mini depictions of the gardens of paradise. To demonstrate his prominence over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. The Romans of the 17th and 18th centuries manufactured baroque decorative fountains to exalt the Popes who commissioned them as well as to mark the location where the restored Roman aqueducts entered the city.

Since indoor plumbing became the norm of the day for clean, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely ornamental. The creation of unique water effects and the recycling of water were two things made possible by replacing gravity with mechanical pumps.

Decorating city parks, honoring people or events and entertaining, are some of the purposes of modern-day fountains.

Pick from all Types of Outdoor Fountains

The flood of water sent high up into the air by a spouting fountain is an impressive sight to see. If your pond is significantly big, it can be incorporated without hassle. You can find these in community recreational areas or old mansions.

Select a fashionable wall fountain to put outside. Even with a small yard, it is possible to put in one of these water features. Wall fountains make an understated impression, contrary to the big effect produced by spouting fountains. In a very straightforward procedure, the water spills out of a spout, trickles down a magnificently textured wall only to be pumped back to the top.

Putting in a fountain with a theme depends completely on the layout of your garden. Consider a classic type of statue, such as a cherub supporting a spout, for the fountain if your residence or garden is rustic in style. On the other hand, a more modern garden can include more of a bold design. Let your imagination run free to select the best option.

Water spills down several levels in a tiered fountain. Due to the water streaming down its various levels, these are also called cascading fountains.

A substantial amount of space is needed for an outdoor fountain, so another alternative is to install a wall fountain or a pondless fountain. Install one of these fountains if your space is limited since their reservoirs are hidden from sight underground.

Japanese fountains are believed to impart a sense of tranquility and wellness. Bamboo sticks are used in this type of fountain to expel the water. A rustic bucket or shaped stone is placed at the bottom of this feature to collect the flowing water only to have the pattern repeated over and over again.

Fountains created from glass are another type available. Providing a more classical look are trellis-style fountains which feature shaped metalwork. However, this type of water feature is better suited to backyard gardens with many sharp corners as well as modern-day forms and design. A wondrous effect is produced when water streams down the sheets of glass. Some fountains also include colored LED lights to shine onto the sheets of glass as water streams downwards. A rock waterfall fountain (often made of imitation rock) showcases water slowly flowing down its façade.

The feature which differentiates a bubbling rock fountain is a large rock drilled with holes where pipes can be inserted into its center. In this kind of fountain, water is forced upwards at low pressure to cause it to bubble and gurgle at the top. Flowing towards the base of the fountain, the water returns as a slow drizzle down the sides of the rock. Small gardens are ideal for this sort of fountain. This sort of fountain, which uses low pressure to move water, is suitable because it stops water from being sprayed around in windy weather.

Solar fountains have recently gained in popularity because they are powered by the sun. The lack of cables, the decreased difficulty in dealing with them, the lower energy bills, and the benefits to our ecosystem are just some of the reasons for this increased interest. The numerous designs in outdoor solar-powered fountains signifies you will not have to compromise on style.

A Solar Energy Powered Garden Water fountain

Constant running water fountains will most probably lead to a higher electric bill at the end of the month. Keep in mind that while you may not notice any rewards right away, your home will be worth more down the road.

Higher bills is not the only problem with using more electricity, the environment takes a big hit as well. Solar powered water fountains are fueled straight from the sun thus making them the perfect “green” fountain. Using solar energy to run a water feature is not only worthwhile to our environment but it also heats and cools our homes.

This type of fountain needs less upkeep than others. Since these do not function using an electric motor that could clog up with clutter, they need little cleaning. Which ultimately means more time to chill out in your yard.

The Original Garden Fountain Artists

Rome, Gian Bernini, And Outdoor Water Fountains