Modern Garden Decoration: Fountains and their Roots

Pure practicality was the original purpose of fountains. Water fountains were linked to a spring or aqueduct to provide potable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Used until the 19th century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their source of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from the power of gravity. Serving as an element of adornment and celebration, fountains also provided clean, fresh drinking water. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often times utilized by Romans to decorate their fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to re-create the gardens of paradise. Fountains enjoyed a considerable 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 including beautiful baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.

Since indoor plumbing became the standard 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. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity allowed fountains to deliver recycled water into living spaces as well as create special water effects.

Nowadays, fountains decorate public areas and are used to honor individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.

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 placed either inside or outside - making it a great option. Another advantage of copper fountains is they are versatile and come in a wide variety of styles.

If your style is more conventional, a brass water fountain might be ideal for you. Brass fountains are frequently designed with interesting artwork, so they are popular even if they are a bit conventional.

Of all the metals, stainless steel is viewed as the most modern -looking. A modern steel design will quickly boost the value of your garden as well as the feeling of peacefulness. As with all fountains, you can get any size you choose.

Because it is both lighter and more affordable than metal but has a similar look, fiberglass is quite common for fountains. Keeping a fiberglass water fountain clean and working well is quite easy, another aspect consumers like.