A Short History of the First Garden Water Features
A Short History of the First Garden Water Features As initially developed, fountains were crafted to be functional, directing water from creeks or reservoirs to the citizens of cities and villages, where the water could be used for cooking food, cleaning, and drinking. A supply of water higher in elevation than the fountain was necessary to pressurize the flow and send water squirting from the fountain's nozzle, a system without equal until the later half of the nineteenth century.
Inspiring and spectacular, large water fountains have been built as monuments in many cultures. When you encounter a fountain nowadays, that is not what the 1st water fountains looked like. A natural stone basin, carved from rock, was the first fountain, utilized for containing water for drinking and spiritual functions. Natural stone basins as fountains have been uncovered from 2,000 BC. Early fountains used in ancient civilizations depended on gravity to control the circulation of water through the fountain. Drinking water was provided by public fountains, long before fountains became ornate public monuments, as striking as they are functional. Fountains with ornamental Gods, mythological beasts, and creatures began to show up in Rome in about 6 B.C., made from stone and bronze. The people of Rome had an intricate system of aqueducts that provided the water for the countless fountains that were situated throughout the urban center.
Anglo Saxon Gardens at the Time of the Norman Conquest
Anglo Saxon Gardens at the Time of the Norman Conquest The Anglo-Saxon way of life was significantly changed by the arrival of the Normans in the later eleventh century. Engineering and horticulture were skills that the Normans excelled in, trumping that of the Anglo-Saxons at the time of the occupation. However the Normans had to pacify the entire territory before they could concentrate on home life, domestic architecture, and decoration. Monasteries and castles served different functions, so while monasteries were large stone structures built in only the most fruitful, wide dales, castles were set upon blustery knolls where the occupants focused on understanding offensive and defensive techniques. The calm practice of gardening was unrealistic in these dismal bastions. The purest specimen of the early Anglo-Norman style of architecture existent presently is Berkeley Castle. The keep is said to date from the time of William the Conqueror. A significant terrace serves as a deterrent to invaders who would try to mine the walls of the building. One of these terraces, a charming bowling green, is covered grass and flanked by an aged yew hedge trimmed into the form of crude battlements.The Various Construction Materials of Garden Fountains
The Various Construction Materials of Garden Fountains While today’s garden fountains are made in a range of materials, most are made from metal. Metallic models offer clean lines and unique sculptural accents and will fit in with nearly any decorative style and budget. Your landscaping should complement the style of your house.Presently, copper is quite prevalent for sculptural garden fountains. Copper fountains are the best option because they are perfect for the inside and outside. Copper is also versatile enough that you can pick a range of styles for your fountain, from contemporary to whimsical.
Brass water fountains are also common, although they tend to have a more conventional look than copper ones. Brass fountains are often designed with intriguing artwork, so they are popular even if they are a bit conventional.
Perhaps the most cutting-edge of all metals is stainless steel. A cutting-edge steel design will quickly boost the value of your garden as well as the feeling of serenity. As with all fountains, you can get any size you choose.
For people who want the look of a metal fountain but prefer a lighter weight and more affordable option, fiberglass is the answer. It is simple to clean and maintain a fiberglass water fountain, yet another reason they are popular.