Modern Garden Decoration: Outdoor Fountains and their Beginnings

Pure functionality was the original purpose of fountains. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, from aqueducts or springs in the vicinity. Up to the late 19th 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 downwards or shoot high into the air. Fountains were not only used as a water source for drinking water, but also to adorn homes and celebrate the artist who created it. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often utilized by Romans to decorate their fountains. To replicate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages introduced fountains to their designs. The fountains seen in the Gardens of Versailles were meant to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. To mark the entrance 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 key source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby limiting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity allowed fountains to bring recycled water into living spaces as well as create special water effects.

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

A Smaller Garden Space? Don't Feel Left Out! You Can Still Have a Water Fountain

Water just blends into the greenery in your yard. Your pond, artificial river, or fountain is the perfect feature to draw people’s attention. Water features make great additions to both large gardens or little patios. The right accessories and the best location for it are worthwhile if you want to enhance the atmosphere.