The Origins Of Garden Fountains
The Origins Of Garden Fountains The incredible architecture of a fountain allows it to provide clean water or shoot water high into air for dramatic effect and it can also serve as an excellent design feature to complement your home.Originally, fountains only served a practical purpose. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, via aqueducts or springs nearby. Used until the 19th century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their origin of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from gravity. Fountains were not only used as a water source for drinking water, but also to adorn homes and celebrate the designer who created it.
Roman fountains often depicted imagery of animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks. Muslims and Moorish garden designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller models of the gardens of paradise. To demonstrate his prominence over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to laud their positions by adding beautiful 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. The introduction of special water effects and the recycling of water were two things made possible by swapping gravity with mechanical pumps.
Contemporary fountains are used to adorn public spaces, honor individuals or events, and enrich recreational and entertainment events.
The Countless Construction Materials of Outdoor Garden Fountains
The Countless Construction Materials of Outdoor Garden Fountains Most modern-day garden fountains come in metal, although various other types exist. Metallic fountains, with their clean lines and sculptural accents, exist in in a range of metals and can accommodate any style or budget. If you have a modern look and feel to your interior design, your yard and garden should reflect that same style.A prevalent choice today is copper, and it is used in the designing of many 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 choice. Copper fountains also come in a huge array of designs - from fun and eccentric to modern and cutting-edge.
Brass water fountains are also common, though they tend to have a more conventional look than copper ones. Even though they are a bit old-fashioned, brass fountains are quite widespread because they often include interesting artwork.
Of all the metals, stainless steel is recognized as the most contemporary-looking. Adding a modern-looking steel design will immediately add value to your garden and elevate the overall ambiance. Like all water fountains, you can get them in just about any size you want.
Fiberglass fountains are popular because they look similar to metal but are more affordable and much less difficult to move around. Caring for a fiberglass water fountain is fairly easy, another benefit that consumers love.
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Large Outdoor Fountains
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Large Outdoor Fountains
Water fountains will last a long time with scheduled cleaning and maintenance. Leaves, twigs, and bugs often find their way into fountains, so it is vital to keep yours free from such debris. On top of that, algae can be a concern, because sun hitting the water enables it to form quickly. Either sea salt, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar can be dissolved into the water to eliminate this issue. Some people opt for pouring bleach into the water, but the drawback is that it harms wildlife - so it should be avoided. Every 3-4 months, garden fountains should undergo a good cleaning. First off you must empty the water. When you have done this, wash inside the water reservoir with a gentle detergent. If there is detailed artwork, you might need to use a toothbrush for those hard-to-reach areas. Any soap residue remaining on your fountain can damage it, so be sure it is all rinsed off.
Calcium and fresh water organisms can get inside the pump, so you should disassemble it to get it truly clean. Soaking it in vinegar for a bit will make it easier to wash. If you want to minimize build-up in your fountain, use rain water or mineral water versus tap water, as these don’t contain any ingredients that might stick to the inside of the pump.
One final recommendation for keeping your fountain in top working order is to check the water level every day and make sure it is full. Allowing the water to reach below the pump’s intake level, can cause severe damage and even make the pump burn out - an undesired outcome!
The Father Of Roman Garden Fountain Design And Style
The Father Of Roman Garden Fountain Design And Style There are countless popular water fountains in the city center of Rome. Nearly all of them were planned, architected and constructed by one of the finest sculptors and artists of the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. He was also a city designer, in addition to his expertise as a fountain developer, and remnants of his life's work are noticeable throughout the avenues of Rome. Ultimately travelling to Rome to completely express their artwork, chiefly in the form of public water fountains, Bernini’s father, a renowned Florentine sculptor, guided his young son. The young Bernini earned praise from Popes and relevant artists alike, and was an excellent employee. At first he was recognized for his sculpting skills. He used his knowledge and melded it gracefully with Roman marble, most notably in the Vatican. Though he was influenced by many, Michelangelo had the most profound effect on him, both personally and professionally.How Technical Concepts of Water Fountains Spread
How Technical Concepts of Water Fountains Spread Dissiminating practical hydraulic facts and water feature design ideas throughout Europe was accomplished with the printed papers and illustrated books of the time. In the later part of the 1500's, a French fountain developer (whose name has been lost) was the globally renowned hydraulics leader. His know-how in making landscapes and grottoes with integrated and imaginative water features began in Italy and with commissions in Brussels, London and Germany. “The Principles of Moving Forces”, a book that became the fundamental text on hydraulic technology and engineering, was composed by him toward the end of his life in France. Updating principal hydraulic findings of classical antiquity, the publication also details modern hydraulic technologies. The water screw, a technical way to move water, and devised by Archimedes, was highlighted in the book. An ornamental fountain with sunlight warming the water in two vessels hidden in a nearby area was presented in one illustration. What occurs is the heated liquid expanded, goes up and closes up the conduits heading to the fountain, and thus leading to stimulation. The publication also includes garden ponds, water wheels, water feature designs.
How Fountains can be Good for the Environment
How Fountains can be Good for the Environment Do you desire to make your home just a little more beautiful? Stop looking! Solar water fountains are the perfect solution - they bring elegance to any home and at the same time add financial value to the property. They are the same as electric fountains in that they help with one's overall health but they also offer financial benefits.
In spite of the high initial price, costs associated with these water features are worthwhile. Despite periodic power shortages, your fountain will not be affected because it does not run on electricity. Constant running water fountains will most probably lead to a higher electric bill at the end of the month. The short-term advantages may not be noticeable, but keep in mind that the increased value of your home will be later on.
The issue with using more electricity is not solely about our electric bills, the effect on the environment is considerable. Solar powered water fountains are a good alternative to becoming “green”. Using solar energy to power our homes as well as a water feature is important because it also safeguards our environment.
This kind of water fountain doesn't need as much upkeep as others.
These water features require less cleaning than other kinds. Clogs don't occur because there is no motor - which leads to less cleaning. And because there is little cleaning to do, you will have more time to enjoy yourself!
Outdoor Fountains: The Minoan Culture
Outdoor Fountains: The Minoan Culture Various sorts of conduits have been discovered through archaeological excavations on the isle of Crete, the cradle of Minoan society. These were applied to supply cities with water as well as to minimize flooding and get rid of waste material. Many were created from clay or rock. Terracotta was used for channels and conduits, both rectangular and round. Amidst these were terracotta piping that were U-shaped or a shorter, cone-like shape which have exclusively showed up in Minoan civilization. Terracotta pipes were installed under the floor surfaces at Knossos Palace and utilized to distribute water.
Along with disbursing water, the terracotta water pipes of the Minoans were also utilized to gather water and store it. This required the terracotta pipes to be capable of holding water without seepage. Subterranean Water Transportation: It is not quite known why the Minoans wanted to transfer water without it being spotted. Quality Water Transportation: Some scholars believe that these conduits were used to create a separate distribution technique for the palace.