Where did Garden Water Fountains Begin?

From the beginning, outdoor fountains were simply there to serve as functional elements. Residents of urban areas, townships and small towns utilized them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash, which meant that fountains needed to be linked to nearby aqueduct or spring. Up to the late nineteenth century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and more elevated than the fountain so that gravity could make the water move down or jet high into the air. Artists thought of fountains as wonderful additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to supply clean water and honor the designer responsible for building it. The main components used by the Romans to create their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly depicting animals or heroes. Muslims and Moorish garden designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller models of the gardens of paradise. King Louis XIV of France wanted to illustrate his dominion over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. 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 norm 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. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity allowed fountains to deliver recycled water into living spaces as well as create unique water effects.

Modern fountains are used to adorn public spaces, honor individuals or events, and enrich recreational and entertainment events.

Caring For Large Outdoor Fountains

Everything you will require to properly install your outdoor wall fountain is normally provided in easy-to-use kits. The kit will contain a submersible pump, the hoses and basin (or reservoir). The basin, if it's not too large, can easily be hiddenin your garden among the plants. Other than the regular cleaning, little upkeep is required once your outdoor wall fountain is installed.

Replenishing and cleaning the water on a consistent basis is very important. Remember to clear away debris like leaves, twigs or dirt as swiftly as possible. Safeguarding your outdoor wall fountain from the freezing winter temperatures is essential. In order to avoid any damage, such as cracking, from freezing water during the cold winter months, relocate your pump indoors. The bottom line is that if you properly maintain and care for your outdoor fountain, it will bring you joy for many years.

Discover Serenity with Outdoor Fountains

How Fountains can be Good for the Environment

Running water fountains means that your use of electricity will increase and thus your monthly bill. The short-term benefits may not be noticeable, but keep in mind that the increased value of your home will be later on.

Higher costs is not the only problem with using more electricity, the environment takes a big hit as well. Solar powered water fountains get their energy straight from the sun thus making them the ideal “green” fountain. Using solar power to run a water feature is not only favorable to our environment but it also heats and cools our homes.

This kind of fountain demands less maintenance than others. Since solar fountains don't have motors, they don't get clogged which leads to little cleaning. Which ultimately means more time to chill out in your yard.

The Myriad Styles of Wall Fountains

The two kinds of water features available to you include mounted and freestanding models. Small, self-contained models can be hung on a wall are called mounted wall fountains. Typically made of resin (to resemble stone) or fiber glass, these kinds of fountains are lightweight and easy to hang. In large stand-alone fountains, otherwise known as wall fountains, the basin is located on the ground with the smooth side positioned against a wall. Water features such as these are typically manufactured of cast stone and have no weight restrictions.

Many skilled landscapers prefer custom-built fountains which can be integrated into a brand-new wall or an existing one. Hiring an expert mason is your best option to construct the basin and install the required plumbing. You will need to integrate a spout or fountain mask into the wall. The cohesive look provided by custom-made wall fountains make them appear to be part of the scenery rather than an afterthought.

Anglo Saxon Grounds at the Time of the Norman Conquest