Modern Garden Decor: Fountains and their Roots
Modern Garden Decor: Fountains and their Roots A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to supply drinkable water, as well as for decorative purposes.Originally, fountains only served a practical purpose.
Residents of urban areas, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash up, which meant that fountains had to be connected to nearby aqueduct or spring. Until the late 19th, century most water fountains operated using the force of gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a source of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Artists thought of fountains as amazing additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to provide clean water and celebrate the designer responsible for creating it. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often times used by Romans to beautify their fountains. To illustrate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages introduced fountains to their designs. To show 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 including 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 restricting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to permit fountains to bring in clean water and allow for amazing water displays.
Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for public spaces, to honor individuals or events, and compliment entertainment and recreational activities.
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Landscape Fountains
The One Cleaning Solution to NEVER Use On Your Landscape Fountains In order to ensure that water fountains last a long time, it is important to practice regular maintenance. It is essential to clean it out and remove any debris or foreign objects that might have fallen into or onto it. Another factor is that water that is exposed to sunlight is susceptible to growing algae. To stay clear of this, take vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or sea salt and add right into the water. There are those who like to use bleach, but that is harmful to any animals that might drink or bathe in the water - so should therefore be avoided.No more than 3-4 months should really go by without an extensive cleaning of a fountain. Before you can start cleaning it you need to drain out all of the water. When you have done this, scrub inside the water reservoir with a gentle detergent. Feel free to use a toothbrush if needed for any stubborn crevasses. Do not leave any soap residue in or on the fountain.
It is highly recommended taking the pump apart to better clean the inside and get rid of any plankton or calcium. To make it less strenuous, soak it in vinegar overnight before cleaning. Build-up can be a big problem, so use mineral or rain water over tap water, when possible, to prevent this dilemma.
One final trick for keeping your fountain in top working condition is to check the water level every day and make sure it is full. If the water level falls below the pump’s intake level, it can damage the pump and cause it to burn out - something you do not want to happen!
Do Animals Enjoy Water Fountains?
Do Animals Enjoy Water Fountains? If you are thinking about installing a water feature, ensure that your pets like it. Pets such as dogs may confuse your freestanding fountain with a large pool to cool down in or a pond from which to drink. Consider setting up a water element in your yard since it is a feature that will affect your treasured pets positively. You should take into account the fact that birds may think they have found a new place to bathe when they see your fountain so think carefully where you put it. Putting in a birdbath is a great alternative if you want birds to check out your yard, however. To prevent this, however, setting up a wall water fountain inside your residence is a great alternative. These sorts of fountains are perfect for dental and medical practices, not to mention stately homes.
Caring For Wall Water Fountains
Caring For Wall Water Fountains A crucial first step before installing any outdoor wall fountain is to think about the room you have available. A strong wall is absolutely necessary to hold up its total weight. Therefore for smaller areas or walls, a more lightweight feature is going to be more suitable. You will need to have an electrical socket in the vicinity of the fountain so it can be powered. Since there are many varieties of outdoor wall fountains, installation techniques vary, but the majority include easy to follow instructions.Most outside wall fountains come in "for-dummies" style kits that will provide you everything you need to properly install it. In the kit you will find all the needed essentials: a submersible pump, hoses and basin, or reservoir. The basin can typically be hidden away among your garden plants if it is not too large. Since outdoor wall fountains need little maintenance, the only thing left to do is clean it consistently.
Replace the water frequently so it is always clean. It is important to quickly clear away debris such as leaves, twigs or other dreck. Ensure that your outdoor wall fountain is protected from freezing winter temperatures. If kept outdoors, your pump could break as a result of icy water, so bring it inside during the winter. Simply put, your outdoor fountain will be around for many years to come with the proper care and maintenance.
Anglo Saxon Landscapes at the Time of the Norman Conquest
Anglo Saxon Landscapes at the Time of the Norman Conquest Anglo-Saxons encountered extraordinary modifications to their day-to-day lives in the latter half of the eleventh century due to the accession of the Normans. The Normans were better than the Anglo-Saxons at architecture and horticulture when they came into power. But the Normans had to pacify the overall territory before they could focus on home life, domestic architecture, and decoration. Most often designed upon windy peaks, castles were straightforward structures that permitted their inhabitants to spend time and space to offensive and defensive programs, while monasteries were rambling stone buildings frequently placed in only the most fecund, extensive valleys. The bare fortresses did not provide for the calm avocation of horticulture. The early Anglo-Norman style of architecture is exemplified in Berkeley Castle, which is conceivably the most unscathed sample we have. The keep is said to date from the time of William the Conqueror. A monumental terrace serves as a discouraging factor to invaders who would attempt to mine the walls of the building. A picturesque bowling green, covered in grass and enclosed by battlements clipped out of an ancient yew hedge, forms one of the terraces.