Modern Garden Decor: Fountains and their Beginnings
Modern Garden Decor: Fountains and their Beginnings A fountain, an incredible piece of engineering, not only supplies drinking water as it pours into a basin, it can also launch water high into the air for a noteworthy effect.
Originally, fountains only served a functional purpose. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, from aqueducts or springs nearby. Used until the 19th century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their origin of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from gravity. Artists thought of fountains as amazing additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to supply clean water and celebrate the designer responsible for creating it. Roman fountains usually depicted imagery of animals or heroes made of metal or stone masks. 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 demonstrate his superiority 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 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 restricting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Gravity was substituted by mechanical pumps in order to enable fountains to bring in clean water and allow for beautiful water displays.
Beautifying city parks, honoring people or events and entertaining, are some of the functions of modern-day fountains.
What Are Outdoor Garden Fountains Made From?
What Are Outdoor Garden Fountains Made From? Although they come in different materials, today’s garden fountains tend to be made of metal. Metals tend to create clean lines and unique sculptural accents and can fit almost any style or budget. It is essential that your landscape design reflects the style of your home.One of the most popular metals for sculptural garden fountains these days is copper. Copper is common for both inside and outside use and is widely found in tabletop and cascade fountains, among others. Copper fountains also come in a wide array of styles - from fun and eccentric to modern and cutting-edge.
Brass water fountains are also popular, although they tend to have a more traditional look than copper ones.
Though not the most modern, the creatures and sculptural features you find on fountains are commonly made of brass, thus making them very popular.
Most folks today see stainless steel as the most modern option. A cutting-edge steel design will quickly raise the value of your garden as well as the feeling of peacefulness. Like all water fountains, you can find them in just about any size you prefer.
Because it is both lighter and more affordable than metal but has a nearly identical look, fiberglass is quite common for fountains. The upkeep of fiberglass water fountains is quite simple, so they have many merits that people appreciate.
Creators of the First Water Fountains
Creators of the First Water Fountains Often serving as architects, sculptors, artists, engineers and cultivated scholars all in one, from the 16th to the late 18th century, fountain designers were multi-faceted individuals, Leonardo da Vinci, a Renaissance artist, was celebrated as a inventive genius, inventor and scientific virtuoso. He systematically noted his experiences in his currently renowned notebooks, after his enormous fascination in the forces of nature led him to research the qualities and movement of water. Early Italian water fountain builders changed private villa settings into inventive water showcases complete with emblematic meaning and natural beauty by combining creativity with hydraulic and horticultural experience. The humanist Pirro Ligorio, renowned for his virtuosity in archeology, architecture and garden design, delivered the vision behind the wonders in Tivoli.
Well versed in humanist topics as well as established technical readings, some other water fountain makers were masterminding the extraordinary water marbles, water features and water jokes for the countless estates near Florence.
The Godfather Of Rome's Outdoor Fountains
The Godfather Of Rome's Outdoor Fountains In Rome’s city center, there are many easily recognized fountains. One of the finest sculptors and artists of the 17th century, nearly all of them were planned, conceived and constructed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Traces of his life's efforts are apparent throughout the avenues of Rome because, in addition to his skills as a fountain builder, he was also a city architect. Bernini's father, a celebrated Florentine sculptor, mentored his young son, and they finally moved in Rome, to thoroughly show their artwork in the form of public water features and water fountains. The young Bernini was an exemplary employee and won praise and patronage of significant painters as well as popes. He was originally recognized for his sculpture. Most famously in the Vatican, he utilized a base of knowledge in ancient Greek architecture and melded it seamlessly with Roman marble. Though he was influenced by many, Michelangelo had the most profound effect on him, both personally and professionally.
Keeping Your Garden Fountain Tidy
Keeping Your Garden Fountain Tidy
In order to ensure that water fountains last a while, it is important to practice regular maintenance. A typical issue with fountains is that they tend to gather dirt and debris, so it is essential that you keep it free from this. Also, algae tends to build up wherever natural light meets water. In order to avoid this, there are some basic ingredients that can be added into the water, such as vinegar, sea salt, or hydrogen peroxide. There are those who like to use bleach, but that is harmful to any animals that might drink or bathe in the water - so should therefore be avoided. No more than 3-4 months should go by without an extensive maintaining of a fountain. Prior to cleaning, all of the water must be eliminated. When you have done this, wash inside the water reservoir with a gentle detergent. A helpful tip is to use a toothbrush if there are little hard-to-reach spots. Do not leave any soap residue inside or on the fountain.
Calcium and fresh water organisms can get inside the pump, so you should really disassemble it to get it truly clean. Letting it soak in vinegar for a couple of hours first will make it much easier to clean. Neither rain water nor mineral water contain components that will accumulate inside the pump, so use either over tap water if possible.
Finally, be sure to have a quick look at your fountain every day and add water if you see that the level is low. If the water level drops below the pump’s intake level, it can harm the pump and cause it to burn out - something you don't want to happen!