Modern Garden Decor: Outdoor Fountains and their Beginnings

Originally, fountains only served a practical purpose. Residents of cities, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash, which meant that fountains had to be connected to nearby aqueduct or spring. 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. Fountains were not only used as a water source for drinking water, but also to adorn homes and celebrate the artist who created it. The main materials used by the Romans to build their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. Muslims and Moorish landscaping designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller models of the gardens of paradise. To show his dominance over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. To mark the entryway of the restored Roman aqueducts, the Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries commissioned the building of baroque style fountains in the spot where the aqueducts arrived in the city of Rome

Indoor plumbing became the main source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby limiting 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 beautiful water displays.

Contemporary fountains are used to embellish public spaces, honor individuals or events, and enhance recreational and entertainment events.

Pick from all Sorts of Outdoor Water Features

A dramatic impact is produced when a spouting fountain sends a shooting stream of water up into the air. If your pond is sufficiently big, it can be incorporated without hassle. You can find these in public parks or old mansions.

Pick a fashionable wall fountain to put outdoors. If you are eager to include a water feature, but are concerned because you have a small yard, do not hesitate to install one of these. Wall fountains leave an understated impression, contrary to the big impact created by spouting fountains. It is straightforward process wherein a small jet of water propels outwards in front of a splendidly textured wall and then flows down only to be pumped up again.

Themed fountains are best when the style of your garden allows for them. A cherub grasping a spout is one of the possible types of classical-styled statues you can use if you want your fountain to compliment a rustically themed cottage or garden. think about including something bolder and distinctive for a contemporary garden. Choosing what to do is completely in your hands.

Tiered fountains are charming because the water flows down multiple levels. Cascading fountains is another expression used to identify this type of fountain because water moves down multiple levels.

Since external fountains occupy ample space, think about putting in a wall fountain or a pondless fountain. The reservoirs needed for these kinds of fountains are buried underground which helps you better use your limited space.

Include a Japanese fountain if you are looking for a sense of relaxation. In this type of water feature the water flows through bamboo sticks. A rustic bucket or shaped stone is positioned at the bottom of this feature to collect the flowing water only to have the cycle repeated over and over again.

An additional sort of fountain is made of glass. A more conventional look is provided by trellis-style fountains which feature shaped metalwork. Water features such as these are ideal for yards with many sharp corners as well as modern forms and designs. As the water streams over the surface of the glass it produces a dazzling impact. Colorful LED lights are also included in some fountains to illuminate the water as it down down the sheet of glass. A rock waterfall fountain (often made of imitation rock) showcases water slowly cascading down its façade.

Bubbling rock fountains are big stones drilled with holes which are then filled with pipes in the middle. In this type of fountain, water is driven upwards at low pressure to cause it to bubble and gurgle at the top. Downward flowing water appears as gentle dribble as it moves down the sides of the rock to go back to its base. Gardens with little space are good places to include this style of fountain. The low pressure used in this sort of fountain inhibits water from being spattered about in case of a windy day.

Solar fountains have recently gained in appeal because they are powered by sunlight. There are numerous reasons for this newly found interest such as the absence of cables, less difficulty in running them, a decrease in electricity bills, and the advantages to the environment. It is not necessary to choose a specific model of outdoor solar-powered fountain because of the wide range of designs available on the market.