Contemporary Garden Decoration: Garden Fountains and their Beginnings
Contemporary Garden Decoration: Garden Fountains and their Beginnings A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to provide drinking water, as well as for decorative purposes.From the beginning, outdoor fountains were soley there to serve as functional elements. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to provide them with drinking water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. 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 gravity. Serving as an element of decoration and celebration, fountains also provided clean, fresh drinking water. The main materials used by the Romans to build their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly depicting animals or heroes. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to mimic the gardens of paradise. Fountains played a significant role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exercise his power over nature. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains made to mark the place of entry of Roman aqueducts.
Urban fountains built at the end of the 19th century served only as decorative and celebratory ornaments since indoor plumbing provided the essential drinking water. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity helped fountains to deliver recycled water into living spaces as well as create special water effects.
These days, fountains decorate public spaces and are used to recognize individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.
How Much Do Animals Benefit from Fountains
How Much Do Animals Benefit from Fountains Think about how your cat or dog may react to a water feature before you buy one.
Your pooch could think that your freestanding fountain resembles a large pond to drink from or a pool in which to bathe. Your pets will not be negatively influenced if you include a wall fountain to your property. Give some thought to the best spot to put your fountain if you do not want birds to use it as a bathing pond. Install a birdbath if your goal is to draw birds to your property. To prevent this, however, putting in a wall water fountain inside your residence is a great alternative. It is common to find these kinds of fountains in dental or medical workplaces as well as in luxurious homes.