Modern Garden Decoration: Large Outdoor Water Fountains and their Beginnings
Modern Garden Decoration: Large Outdoor Water Fountains and their Beginnings A fountain, an amazing piece of engineering, not only supplies drinking water as it pours into a basin, it can also propel water high into the air for a noteworthy effect.
Pure functionality was the original role of fountains. Water fountains were linked to a spring or aqueduct to provide drinkable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Up to the late 19th century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and higher than the fountain so that gravity could make the water flow down or shoot high into the air. Artists thought of fountains as amazing additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to provide clean water and celebrate the artist responsible for building it. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. Throughout the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners included fountains to create smaller depictions of the gardens of paradise. Fountains played a considerable role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exercise his power over nature. The Romans of the 17th and 18th centuries created baroque decorative fountains to glorify 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 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. Impressive water effects and recycled water were made possible by switching the force of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern-day fountains serve mostly as decoration for open spaces, to honor individuals or events, and compliment entertainment and recreational gatherings.
The Positive Benefits of Adding a Water Feature in Your Living Area
The Positive Benefits of Adding a Water Feature in Your Living Area The area outside your home can be enhanced by including a wall or a garden fountain to your landscaping or garden project. Any number of present-day designers and fountain artisans have found inspiration in the fountains and water features of the past. Therefore, in order to link your home to earlier times, add one these in your home decor. In addition to the positive attributes of garden fountains, they also generate water and moisture which goes into the air, thereby, attracting birds as well as other creatures and harmonizing the environment. For instance, pesky flying insects are usually deterred by the birds drawn to the fountain or birdbath.The space required for a cascading or spouting fountain is considerable, so a wall fountain is the ideal size for a small yard.
You can choose to set up a stand-alone fountain with a flat back and an connected basin propped against a fence or wall in your backyard, or a wall-mounted type which is self-contained and suspended from a wall. Make certain to include a fountain mask to an existing wall and a basin to collect the water at the base if you want to add a fountain to your living area. Be sure to employ a specialist for this type of job since it is better not to do it yourself due to the intricate plumbing and masonry work required.