The Origins Of Outdoor Fountains

The main purpose of a fountain was originally strictly practical. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, via aqueducts or springs in the area. Until the late nineteenth, 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. Acting as an element of decoration and celebration, fountains also supplied clean, fresh drinking water. Roman fountains usually depicted images of animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners incorporated fountains to create mini depictions of the gardens of paradise. King Louis XIV of France wanted to demonstrate his dominion over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. To mark the entryway of the restored Roman aqueducts, the Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries commissioned the construction of baroque style fountains in the spot where the aqueducts arrived in the city of Rome

The end of the nineteenth century saw the rise in usage of indoor plumbing to supply drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to purely decorative elements. Gravity was substituted by mechanical pumps in order to permit fountains to bring in clean water and allow for amazing water displays.

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

The Many Types of Outdoor Fountains

Sending a stream of water shooting into the air, spouting fountains create a dazzling impression. Large, existing ponds can have one of these incorporated without much hassle. You may have encountered one of these in a park or an old mansion.

Outdoor water features are available in a variety of forms, one of which is a fancy wall fountain. These types of water features make for a great addition to your yard even if it is small. Spouting fountains usually make quite an impact whereas wall features are more of an understated kind of water feature. In a very simple process, the water flows out of a spout, trickles down a magnificently textured wall only to be pumped back to the top.

Themed fountains are perfect when the style of your garden allows for them. A cherub holding a spout is one of the possible kinds of classical-styled statues you can use if you want your fountain to suit a rustically themed cottage or garden. Something special and bold could be an option for more modern gardens. Choosing what to do is entirely in your hands.

The central trait of tiered fountains is the multiple levels spewing out water. Cascading fountains is another term used to identify this type of fountain because water moves down multiple levels.

Since external fountains require a great deal of space, consider putting in a wall fountain or a pondless fountain. The reservoirs needed for these kinds of water features are buried underground which helps you better use your limited space.

Japanese fountains are thought to impart a feeling of tranquility and wellness. Bamboo sticks serve as the piping from which water flows in these kinds of water features. Water then streams into a recipient or a shaped stone, only to repeat the cycle over and over again.

Fountains created from glass are another type available. A more conventional look is provided by trellis-style fountains which showcase shaped metalwork. Water features such as these are best suited to gardens with many sharp corners as well as modern forms and designs. As the water moves over the surface of the glass it produces a dazzling impact. LED lighting fixtures are also utilized in some fountains to flash color across the water as it flows downward on the glass sheet. The jagged surface of rock waterfall fountain makes for an interesting façade as the water gently trickles downwards.

Bubbling rock fountains are big stones drilled with holes which are then filled with pipes in the center. The bubbling and gurgling at the topmost part of this type of fountain are caused by the water being pushed upward at low pressure. The water returns gently trickling down the sides of the rock to get to its starting point. This is yet another solution for gardens with restricted space. Water is moved at low pressure in this type of fountain, so you can rest assured that it will not spray all over should the wind pick up.

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 reduction in electricity bills, and the advantages to the environment. You will not have to concede on style since there is a wide array of designs to choose from in outdoor solar-powered fountains.