The Impact of the Norman Invasion on Anglo-Saxon Gardens

The Impact of the Norman Invasion on Anglo-Saxon Gardens The Anglo-Saxon way of life was significantly changed by the appearance of the Normans in the later eleventh century. The talent of the Normans exceeded the Anglo-Saxons' in architecture and agriculture at the time of the conquest. But home life, household architecture, and decoration were out of the question until the Normans taken over the rest of the populace. Monasteries and castles served different purposes, so while monasteries were enormous stone structures assembled in only the most fruitful, wide dales, castles were set upon blustery knolls where the residents focused on understanding offensive and defensive practices. Gardening, a peaceful occupation, was unfeasible in these unproductive fortifications. Berkeley Castle is most likely the most complete model in existence nowadays of the early Anglo-Norman style of architecture. The keep is rumored to have been invented during the time of William the Conqueror.Impact Norman Invasion Anglo-Saxon Gardens 718230519033.jpg A large terrace recommended for exercising and as a way to stop attackers from mining under the walls runs about the building. A picturesque bowling green, covered in grass and surrounded by battlements cut out of an ancient yew hedge, forms one of the terraces.

The Source of Today's Wall Fountains

The Source of Today's Wall Fountains Pope Nicholas V, himself a learned man, governed the Roman Catholic Church from 1397 to 1455 during which time he commissioned many translations of ancient classic Greek texts into Latin. Embellishing Rome and making it the worthy capital of the Christian world was at the core of his objectives. Reconstruction of the Acqua Vergine, a ruined Roman aqueduct which had carried clean drinking water into the city from eight miles away, began in 1453 at the bidding of the Pope. A mostra, a monumental celebratory fountain constructed by ancient Romans to mark the point of arrival of an aqueduct, was a practice which was restored by Nicholas V. At the behest of the Pope, architect Leon Battista Alberti undertook the construction of a wall fountain in the spot where we now find the Trevi Fountain. The aqueduct he had refurbished included modifications and extensions which eventually enabled it to supply water to the Trevi Fountain as well as the renowned baroque fountains in the Piazza del Popolo and the Piazza Navona.

Rome, Gian Bernini, And Water Fountains

Rome, Gian Bernini, And Water Fountains There are numerous famous water fountains in Rome’s city center. Gian Lorenzo Bernini, one of the most brilliant sculptors and artists of the 17th century designed, created and built almost all of them. He was furthermore a urban architect, in addition to his skills as a water feature designer, and remnants of his life's work are evident all through the avenues of Rome.Rome, Gian Bernini, Water Fountains 7762995240239.jpg To completely reveal their art, chiefly in the form of community water features and water fountains, Bernini's father, a renowned Florentine sculptor, mentored his young son, and they eventually relocated in the City of Rome. The young Bernini received encouragement from Popes and influential artists alike, and was an exceptional employee. He was initially celebrated for his sculpture. Working gracefully with Roman marble, he used a base of expertise in the historical Greek architecture, most obviously in the Vatican. Though many artists had an influence on his work, Michelangelo had the most profound effect.

The Garden Water Features

The Garden Water Features Water fountains were at first practical in purpose, used to convey water from canals or springs to towns and villages, supplying the inhabitants with clean water to drink, wash, and cook with. In the days before electric power, the spray of fountains was powered by gravity only, often using an aqueduct or water supply located far away in the nearby mountains. Typically used as monuments and commemorative edifices, water fountains have impressed people from all over the world all through the centuries.Garden Water Features 9181144230.jpg Rough in design, the first water fountains didn't look much like modern fountains. The 1st known water fountain was a stone basin carved that served as a container for drinking water and ceremonial functions. 2000 B.C. is when the oldest known stone fountain basins were originally used. The spraying of water appearing from small jets was pressured by gravity, the lone power source designers had in those days. These ancient fountains were designed to be functional, commonly situated along reservoirs, creeks and waterways to furnish drinking water. The people of Rome began building elaborate fountains in 6 B.C., most of which were bronze or natural stone masks of wildlife and mythological characters. The people of Rome had an intricate system of aqueducts that delivered the water for the numerous fountains that were located throughout the urban center.

Caring For Landscape Fountains

Caring For Landscape FountainsCaring Landscape Fountains 5141317569.jpg A very important first step is to think about the size of the outdoor wall fountain with regards to the area you have available for it. It will require a very strong wall to support its overall weight. So spaces or walls which are smaller will most probably require something lightweight. You will need to have an electrical socket in the vicinity of the fountain so it can be powered. Whatever the style of outdoor wall fountain you choose, they typically come with simple to understand, step-by-step instructions.

Most outside wall fountains come in easy-to-use kits that will give you everything you need to properly install it. In the kit you are going to find all the needed elements: a submersible pump, hoses and basin, or reservoir. If the size is appropriate, the basin can be concealed among your garden plants. Other than the regular cleaning, little maintenance is required once your outdoor wall fountain is fitted.

It is vital to replenish the water regularly so that it remains clean. Leaves, branches or dirt are types of debris which should be cleared away quickly. Protecting your outdoor wall fountain from the cold winter climate is vital. If kept outdoors, your pump could crack as a result of icy water, so bring it inside during the winter. All in all, an outdoor wall fountain can last for any number of years with the right maintenance and care.

An Intro to Herbs in The Garden

An Intro to Herbs in The Garden Some gardeners are drawn to herbal plants which can easily be cultivated indoors and out and are suitable in a wide array of cooking methods. Natural herbs are very straight forward to grow indoors or outdoors and provide near-instant gratification, they are employed in marinades, sauces, soups and other great meals.Intro Herbs Garden 63480876796721329.jpg Maintaining your herb garden all year is straight forward to do as you can place the herbs in pots and move them in when the weather starts to turn cold. It is often sensible to allow perennial herbs to comprise the bulk of your garden, as these will not die and require replanting at the end of the year. In addition, the kinds of herbs you really like to cook with should affect your personal herb choices. Basil, oregano, and thyme are great herbs to plant if you like cooking and eating Italian food. If you prefer Latin themed food, you may decide to plant cilantro instead. You must decide where your herb garden will be placed in order to figure out which herbs will grow best. It will be least difficult to plant right into the ground if your climate is on the milder side, with seasons that are not harsh. This is a great way to spruce up your yard without having the pain of purchasing or creating planters. If you do not want to your plants to die or become dormant after becoming exposed to extreme weather conditions, you can always rely on planters. They are handy and flexible and you can transfer indoors at any time.
Your Outdoor Living Area: An Ideal Place for a Garden Fountain You can enhance your exterior area by including a wall fountain or an outdoor garden water feature to your yard or gardening project.A myriad of present-day designers and fountain artisans have found ideas in the fountains and water features of the past.... read more


A Small Garden Area? You Can Own a Water Fountain too! Since water causes a reflection, small spaces will appear bigger.Dark materials alter the refractive properties of a fountain or water feature.When the sun goes down, you can use submersed lights in a variety of colors and shapes to light up your new feature.... read more


The City Of Rome, Gian Bernini, And Outdoor Water Fountains In Rome’s city center, there are many famous water features.One of the greatest sculptors and artists of the 17th century, nearly all of them were designed, conceptualized and constructed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.... read more


Agrippa's Eye-popping, but Mostly Forgotten Water-Lifting System Unfortuitously, Agrippa’s wonderful design for lifting water wasn’t cited a great deal after 1588, when Andrea Bacci praised it in public.Just years afterward, in 1592, the early contemporary Roman conduit, the Acqua Felice, was hooked up to the Medici’s villa, probably making the technology obsolete.... read more


Fountains And Their Use In Ancient Minoa Fountains and Water and the Minoan CivilizationThese supplied water and eliminated it, including water from waste and deluges.The chief components used were stone or clay.... read more